Susten Pass Scenic Drive (2026): Route Guide, Best Stops & Timing Tips

The Susten Pass (Sustenpass, 2224m) connects the Bernese Oberland with the Uri Alps across 45 kilometres of consistently excellent mountain road. It is less famous than the adjacent Furka-Grimsel loop, which means noticeably lighter traffic, calmer summit areas, and more space to stop without competing for pull-offs.

The drive delivers one stop you cannot find on any other Swiss pass: Steinsee, a turquoise lake sitting directly at the foot of the Steinlimmi glacier, reachable on a short 30-minute walk from a roadside parking area near the summit. The glacier contact is immediate and the colour of the water is extraordinary.

For road trippers on a Switzerland itinerary, Susten pairs naturally with Andermatt as a base — the town sits 20 minutes east and gives access to Furka, Gotthard, and Oberalp passes from the same overnight point.

Drive from Innertkirchen (west) toward Wassen (east) for the most satisfying reveal. The glacier appears ahead of you as you climb and the summit arrives naturally after a steady build through alpine meadows and rock faces.

The eastern descent into Wassen adds an unexpected bonus: the famous Wassen church, visible three times from different elevations as the road spirals down the valley — an accidental piece of visual theatre on an otherwise straightforward descent.

If you are coming from Interlaken or the Bernese Oberland, the west-to-east direction puts you on the right side of the road for most viewpoints. If based in Andermatt, reverse the route to end at a more familiar base.

The pass rewards a slow pace. Plan at minimum three stops: Gadmen village, the Steinsee trailhead, and the summit area. Additional viewpoints are well signed and have adequate parking.

The Susten Pass is a free public road — no toll or vignette required for the pass itself. If you used Swiss motorways to reach the area, the standard Swiss motorway vignette (40 CHF) applies.

Fuel in Innertkirchen (west) or Wassen/Andermatt (east) before climbing. There is no fuel on the pass road itself. For a full overview of Swiss road fees, see our guide to Swiss vignette, tolls and fees.

Parking at key stops is adequate. The Steinsee trailhead area has an informal gravel parking area; arrive by 9am in peak July-August to avoid waiting. The summit area has a proper car park with toilet facilities.

Pass opens typically late May to late October, but exact dates depend on snowfall. Check current status at info.swissroads.ch the day before.

Andermatt is the strongest base. It sits 20 minutes east of the Wassen exit and gives you access to four major passes: Susten, Furka, Gotthard, and Oberalp. Accommodation ranges from traditional mountain inns to the upscale Chedi hotel. Book early in summer.

Meiringen, on the west approach, is a quieter and less expensive option. It is a genuine Swiss working town — no tourist inflation, good parking, and a calm atmosphere after a long driving day.

Interlaken (60 minutes west) works if you are already based in the Bernese Oberland and treating Susten as a day trip. The drive from Interlaken to Innertkirchen through Meiringen is itself a pleasant valley road.