Top 20 Mountain Passes around Gurtnellen

For breathtaking scenic drives, consider the Susten Pass, known for its picturesque vistas and wide, well-paved roads, or the Furka Pass, famous for dramatic switchbacks and views of the Rhone Glacier. The Grimsel Pass also offers broad vistas and impressive reservoirs, while the Klausen Pass provides a raw, old-school alpine driving experience with a strong sense of history.

Yes, the Klausen Pass has a rich history, dating back to Roman times, and was famously the site of the Klausenrennen hill climb races in the 1920s and '30s. Historic cobblestone pavement can still be found in early sections, hinting at its past as a challenging route. The Klausen Pass connects the Reuss Valley in Uri with the Glarus Valley.

The most popular mountain pass is Oberalp Pass, which connects the cantons of Uri and Grisons. Visitors particularly enjoy its unique lighthouse replica and the well-developed roads for descents, as highlighted by over 800 upvotes and more than 400 photos shared by the komoot community.

The mountain passes around Gurtnellen offer diverse natural beauty. The Susten Pass provides expansive views of glaciers, particularly the Stein Glacier. The Furka Pass is renowned for its dramatic views of the Rhone Glacier. The Grimsel Pass features rugged granite landscapes and vast reservoirs like Grimselsee and Totensee. The Klausen Pass offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and waterfalls, including the Stäuben waterfall.

Yes, for experienced hikers, the Wichelpass and Leidseepass are part of challenging, multi-day alpine hiking routes in the region. These routes are technically demanding and require very good fitness, sure-footedness, and alpine experience, sometimes involving sections akin to via ferratas without safety ropes.

Most major driveable mountain passes in the region, such as Klausen, Susten, Furka, and Grimsel, are typically open from late May or June through October. This period offers the best weather conditions for driving, cycling, and hiking, with clear roads and accessible trails. Always check current conditions before your visit.

While many passes offer stunning views, the Oberalp Pass is often considered family-friendly due to its accessibility and unique features like the lighthouse replica. The area around the pass also offers easier walking opportunities. For dining, Restaurant Alpsu at Oberalp Pass is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful terrace.

The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including challenging road cycling tours over passes like Oberalp and Susten, as well as gravel biking adventures. For detailed routes and inspiration, explore the Cycling around Gurtnellen, Road Cycling Routes around Gurtnellen, and Gravel biking around Gurtnellen guides.

Yes, for example, near the Oberalp Pass, you can find Restaurant Alpsu, which is described as a hearty and cozy restaurant with a beautiful terrace right by the lighthouse, offering great cuisine and charming service. The Grimsel Pass also features the Grimsel Hospiz, a historic hotel and restaurant.

The Surenen Pass is a challenging mountain pass known for its rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. The ascent from Altdorf is steeper, while the descent towards Engelberg is generally easier. It's a popular choice for hikers seeking a demanding yet scenic alpine experience.

Absolutely. The Hairpin Turns on the Oberalp Pass are particularly popular among cyclists. The road is well-developed, offering a smooth ride with fun curves, especially on the descent towards Andermatt. Similarly, the Furka Pass is renowned for its dramatic switchbacks, providing an engaging experience for cyclists and drivers alike.

Visitors consistently praise the stunning alpine landscapes, the exhilarating driving and cycling experiences on well-maintained roads, and the diverse hiking opportunities. The unique features like the lighthouse at Oberalp Pass and the glacier views from Susten and Furka Passes are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of their visits.