These drives are built for travelers who want dramatic roads and practical planning in one place.
Built for US and UK travelers who want scenic routes, clear driving logistics, and fewer planning mistakes.
Scenic Drive
Complete guide to the Furka Grimsel pass loop from Andermatt — glacier views, dramatic hairpins, best pull-offs, and timing tips for Switzerland's most rewarding day drive.
Switzerland • Uri, Valais, Bern
Scenic Drive
An iconic Tyrol and Carinthia route with engineered viewpoints, glacier panoramas, and one of Europe's most memorable high roads.
Austria • Tyrol and Carinthia
Scenic Drive
Complete guide to driving the Susten Pass (2224m) — turquoise Steinsee glacier lake, less traffic than Furka, and a 45km route from Andermatt to Meiringen with all key stops.
Switzerland • Central Switzerland
Scenic Drive
Drive the original Tremola road — 24 cobblestone hairpin bends on Switzerland's most historically significant alpine crossing, now one of its quietest and most dramatic pass experiences.
Switzerland • Central Switzerland
Scenic Drive
Switzerland's highest open pass road descends from a glacial white lake at 2328m through Graubünden valleys to Italian-speaking Tirano, alongside the UNESCO Bernina Express railway.
Switzerland • Graubünden
The most rewarding Alpine drives include the Furka and Grimsel Pass Loop in Switzerland, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria, and the Bernina Pass connecting Switzerland to Italy. Each offers dramatically different scenery, from glacier panoramas to historic cobblestone hairpins, and all are well-suited to confident but non-expert drivers.
Most high Alpine passes open between late May and mid-June and close in October or November, depending on snowfall. The Bernina Pass is the exception, staying open year-round. The Furka, Grimsel, Susten, and Gotthard scenic passes typically open in June and close by mid-October. Always check current conditions before planning a pass day.
No. The pass roads featured on PlanTheAlps are well-maintained, clearly signed, and driven by thousands of tourists each summer. The roads have guardrails, pull-off areas, and manageable gradients. If you can drive confidently on winding roads and are comfortable with hairpin bends, you will handle these routes fine. An automatic rental car makes the experience easier.
Swiss pass roads (Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Gotthard, Bernina) are all free to drive. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria charges a toll of around 42 EUR per car in 2026. You will also need a Swiss motorway vignette (40 CHF) for highway sections and an Austrian vignette for motorways.
Most individual pass crossings take 1 to 2 hours of actual driving time, but you should plan 3 to 5 hours including photo stops, viewpoint walks, and breaks. The Furka-Grimsel loop is a full-day experience from Andermatt, while the Susten or Gotthard passes work as half-day drives. Building in extra time for spontaneous stops is essential.
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