Swiss Mountain Passes (Switzerland - 5 days)
Route Overview
The Ultimate Aosta-Swiss Loop: A 12-Pass Alpine Masterclass
Embark on a high-performance journey starting in Aosta, Italy, crossing into the heart of the Swiss Alps. This loop features 12 legendary mountain passes, engineered for those who demand a blend of technical driving, cinematic history, and luxury "After-Drive" elegance.
Experience one of Europe’s most spectacular driving adventures on this unforgettable Alpine loop starting in Aosta. This scenic road trip takes you through Switzerland’s most iconic mountain passes, combining thrilling roads, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic alpine charm.
Conquer legendary routes including the Great St Bernard Pass, the dramatic Gotthard Pass, and the sweeping Susten Pass - along with nine additional high-altitude passes that make this one of the best driving routes in the Alps.
Along the way, stay in picturesque towns such as Lucerne and Biel, where lakeside views, historic streets, and alpine hospitality provide the perfect balance to the excitement of the road.
The "Big Three" Swiss Passes
- Great St. Bernard Pass: Your gateway from Italy to Switzerland. Famous for its ancient hospice and its role as the opening backdrop of The Italian Job.
- The Furka Pass: At 2,429m, this is the crown jewel of the Swiss Alps. Navigate the iconic "Hotel Belvedere" hairpin, immortalised by James Bond in Goldfinger.
- The Susten Pass: Designed specifically for scenic motoring, the Susten offers sweeping views of the Stein Glacier and perfectly engineered curves that make it a favourite for driving enthusiasts.
Alpine Elegance: Beyond the Road
This route isn't just about the elevation; it’s about the destination. Balance your adrenaline with sophisticated stays in Switzerland’s most beautiful lakeside hubs:
- Lucerne (Luzern): Relax by the shores of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by medieval architecture and the peaks of Mount Pilatus and Rigi.
- Biel/Bienne: Explore the bilingual watchmaking capital of the world, perfectly positioned at the foot of the Jura Mountains.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Great St Bernard Pass & Simplon Pass
- Day 2: Gotthard, Furka, Grimsel & Susten Passes
- Day 3: Klausen, Pragel & Ibergeregg Passes
- Day 4: Glaubenberg, Glaubenbielen & Brünig Passes
- Day 5: Return to Aosta
Route Technical Specs
| Feature | Details |
| Start/End Point | Aosta, Italy (Loop) |
| Total Mountain Passes | 12 Legendary Alpine Passes |
| Elevation | 2,400m+ |
| Vibe | Technical Driving meets Swiss Luxury |
Why choose this Swiss Alpine route?
- Features some of the best mountain passes in Switzerland
- A complete alpine loop starting and ending in Aosta
- A must-see for scenic views and driving enthusiasts alike
Trip Information
- No of Days: 5
- Estimated Daily Drive: 4 hrs 8 mins
- Estimated Max Elevation: 2,469m (8,100ft)
Traveller Note! It is your responsibility to confirm that the mountain passes are open and free of restrictions on the days you plan to drive them.
Mountain Passes
You'll be driving along the following mountain passes:
- Brünig
- Furka
- Glaubenberg
- Glaubenbielen
- Gotthard
- Great St Bernard
- Grimsel
- Ibergeregg
- Klausen
- Pragel
- Simplon
- Susten
Use the Mountain Passes page (found in the Travel Essentials menu) to check if the passes will be open on the dates you want to drive this route.
Basic Itinerary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Alpine route start and end?
This is a looped itinerary that both starts and finishes in Aosta, making it convenient for travellers arriving by car or nearby airports.
How many mountain passes are included in this route?
The route features 12 legendary Alpine passes, including highlights such as the Great St Bernard Pass, Furka Pass, and Susten Pass.
When is the best time of year to attempt this route?
Because this route reaches elevations exceeding 3,000m (10,000ft), timing is critical. Most high-altitude passes are only open from late June to early October. Many passes are closed during winter and spring due to heavy snow so please check the Mountain Passes page for restrictions before you set off. Your itinerary also includes dedicated information and links tailored specifically to your route.
What is the maximum elevation I will reach?
You will reach an estimated peak elevation of 2,679m (8,789ft), with several passes exceeding 2,400 metres, offering dramatic alpine views throughout.
Which pass is best for "pure" scenic driving?
While the Furka is famous for cinema, many enthusiasts prefer the Susten Pass. It was specifically engineered for scenic motoring, meaning the curves are often smoother and more "flowy," providing spectacular views of the Stein Glacier.
Why is the Furka Pass so famous?
The Furka Pass is known for its high-altitude hairpins and was featured in the James Bond film Goldfinger, making it one of the most iconic driving roads in the world.
I love the challenge of high-altitude alpine hairpins; which other route should I consider?
If you enjoyed the technical intensity of the Furka and Grimsel Passes , we highly recommend our Transfagarasan itinerary in Romania. It features the world-famous Transfăgărășan Highway, which offers a similar high-altitude experience with endless S-curves and dramatic Carpathian scenery.
Are there any tolls or driving requirements?
Yes, driving in Switzerland typically requires a motorway vignette, and some routes or tunnels may include additional charges.