Top 20 Mountain Passes around Meiringen

For breathtaking panoramas, the Grosse Scheidegg is renowned for its views of the Eiger north face, Wetterhorn, and Grindelwald valley. The Susten Pass provides sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks and the Stein Glacier. The Grimsel Pass is famous for its stunning alpine lakes like Oberaarsee and Totensee, set against a rugged granite landscape. The Lättgässli Pass also offers incredible views down to Lake Brienz and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau massifs from its ridge.

The Grosse Scheidegg is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, largely closed to private motorized traffic, offering numerous trails and a safe, thrilling experience on its paved road. The Susten Pass also provides access to various hiking trails and is a favorite for cyclists due to its well-maintained, flowing curves. For challenging hikes, consider routes like the "Distelboden – View from Schwarzhorn Summit loop" or "Dossen Hut – Rosenlaui Gorge loop" found in the Mountain Hikes around Meiringen guide.

The best time to visit is generally from late spring to early autumn (June to October) when the passes are open and free of snow. The Susten Pass typically closes from early November until June, while the Grimsel Pass is usually open from late May or early June through October. The Grosse Scheidegg closes for winter from October to May. During spring and summer, you'll also experience numerous waterfalls from snowmelt.

While many passes offer challenging terrain, the areas around them can be family-friendly. The Grosse Scheidegg, with its car-free sections, is great for walks and cycling with older children. Nearby attractions include the Grindelwald Alpine bird park and the historic sawmill on Schwarzwaldalp. The Susten Pass has a two-hour hiking trail near the Stein Glacier with informative markers, suitable for families. For specific family-friendly walks, you might find suitable options in the Mountain Hikes around Meiringen guide.

Meiringen serves as an excellent starting point. The Grosse Scheidegg can be reached by post bus, bike, or foot, as it's largely closed to private motorized traffic between Schwarzwaldalp and Grindelwald. For the Susten Pass and Grimsel Pass, driving is a popular option, and parking is available at various viewpoints and hospices along the routes. Public transport options, such as post buses, also serve many of these passes during their open seasons.

The Susten Pass is notable for the visible Stein Glacier and numerous waterfalls, especially during snowmelt. The Grimsel Pass features a unique geological landscape with stark granite rocks and stunning alpine reservoir lakes like Totensee and Grimselsee. The Grosse Scheidegg boasts lush alpine meadows, dramatic rock formations, and rushing waterfalls, with views of distant glaciers. The wild and romantic Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge is also nearby.

Yes, the Brockenhaus Brünig Pass Summit, connecting the Haslital with the Sarneraatal, has significant historical importance as a former trade route, known as the Sbrinz Route. Historical evidence of the Brünig Pass dates back to 1304. The pass also features an inn and a train station, reflecting its long history as a transport link.

The Susten Hospiz near the summit of the Susten Pass offers a place to rest and enjoy the views. On the Grimsel Pass, the Grimsel Hospiz provides a cozy hotel and breathtaking views, ideal for a coffee stop. The Brockenhaus Brünig Pass Summit also has an inn where you can satisfy your hunger or even spend the night. The Grosse Scheidegg has a mountain hotel and restaurant at its summit.

Absolutely. The Susten Pass, Grimsel Pass, and Furka Pass are often combined to form a legendary alpine driving loop, known as the "Big Three." Meiringen is an excellent starting point for exploring these and other passes, allowing you to create diverse itineraries that showcase the region's varied landscapes.

Beyond hiking and cycling, the region offers a variety of outdoor pursuits. You can explore running trails, with options like the "Oberi Üsschitti loop" or "Meiringen – Meiringen loop" detailed in the Running Trails around Meiringen guide. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes such as the "View of Rosenlaui Glacier – Rosenlaui Valley loop" available in the Gravel biking around Meiringen guide. The Gelmerbahn funicular near Grimsel Pass offers a unique ascent to Gelmer Lake, a starting point for further exploration.

The Brünig Pass, connecting Meiringen to Lucerne, is generally considered less dramatic than the higher alpine passes but is an important and scenic transport link, particularly accessible by train. While the other major passes involve significant ascents, their well-maintained roads make them approachable for drivers and cyclists seeking a scenic journey without extreme technical difficulty.