Swiss Mountain Passes (UK - 10 days)
Route Overview
The Grand Alpine Crossing: A Multi-Country Mountain Pass Itinerary
Experience the definitive European Alpine road trip, a high-altitude journey spanning France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. This route traverses 13 legendary mountain passes, combining cinematic history with world-class engineering.
Lunch beneath Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak, before crossing into Italy via the remarkable Mont Blanc Tunnel - one of the Alps’ greatest engineering achievements.
Conquer 13 legendary mountain passes, including the dramatic Simplon Pass, the thrilling switchbacks of the Gotthard Pass, and the iconic Furka Pass.
Your journey concludes with the sweeping curves of the Feldberg Pass, set within Germany’s enchanting Black Forest.
Iconic Cinematic Landmarks & Technical Drives
- The Furka Pass: Drive the hairpin turns immortalized in the James Bond film Goldfinger. A must-visit for cinema buffs and driving enthusiasts alike.
- Great St Bernard Pass: Follow the tracks of The Italian Job through this historic link between Martigny and Aosta.
- Mont Blanc Tunnel: Transit this 11.6km engineering marvel beneath Europe’s highest peak, connecting Chamonix, France, to Courmayeur, Italy.
- The Black Forest: Conclude your journey on the Feldberg Pass, weaving through the dense, enchanting treelines of the Baden-Württemberg region.
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Simplon Pass: A sweeping transit through the Valais Alps.
- Gotthard Pass: Experience the "Tremola", the cobblestoned masterpiece of Swiss road engineering.
Itineray
- Day 1: Portsmouth to Caen (Ferry)
- Day 2: Traversing the Heart of France
- Day 3: Mont Blanc Tunnel & Aosta
- Day 4: Great St Bernard Pass & Simplon Pass
- Day 5: Gotthard, Furka, Grimsel & Susten Passes
- Day 6: Klausen, Pragel & Ibergeregg Passes
- Day 7: Glaubenberg, Glaubenbielen & Brünig Passes
- Day 8: The Feldberg Pass & Luxembourg
- Day 9: Caen & Return Ferry
- Day 10: Homeward Bound
Route Logistics at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Total Passes | 13 Legendary Passes |
| Key Countries | France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany |
| Highest Point | Various peaks exceeding 2,400m |
Why choose this Alpine driving route?
- Features some of the best mountain passes in Europe
- Combines Switzerland, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany in one trip
- The ultimate destination for scenic driving and bucket-list travel
Trip Information
- No of Days: 10
- Estimated Daily Drive: 5 hrs 6 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
- Feldberg Pass
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
How many countries does the route cover?
The core itinerary traverses France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. While the route primarily focuses on these four, the route also includes stopping in Luxembourg and driving through Belgium.
How many mountain passes are included?
The itinerary features 13 legendary passes, including iconic names like the Furka, Gotthard, and Simplon.
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.
Is Pragel Pass open to motor vehicles every day?
No. Pragel Pass is usually open in the main season, but motor vehicles and motorcycles are banned on Saturdays and Sundays on the east side of the pass, from the cantonal border between Schwyz and Glarus to Richisau. On public holidays that do not fall on a weekend, the pass is normally passable.
What is the highest point reached on this route?
The itinerary reaches an estimated elevation of 3,293m (10,803ft), with several passes climbing above 2,400m, offering dramatic high-alpine scenery.
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.
Which famous film locations will I visit?
This route is a dream for film buffs as it includes the Furka Pass, famous for the car chase in the James Bond film Goldfinger. And the Great St Bernard Pass, recognisable from the opening sequences of The Italian Job.
What is the "Tremola" mentioned in the itinerary?
The Tremola is a specific section of the Gotthard Pass. It is a world-renowned engineering masterpiece featuring ancient cobblestones and tight switchbacks that snake down the mountainside.
How long is the Mont Blanc Tunnel and is it worth driving?
The Mont Blanc Tunnel is approximately 11.6 km long and provides a unique opportunity to drive beneath Mont Blanc, connecting Chamonix in France with Courmayeur in Italy.
Are there tolls or additional driving costs?
Yes. Some sections such as the Mont Blanc Tunnel and French motorways, require tolls. You may also need a Swiss motorway vignette for certain roads. To make this simple, the Useful Links section in your itinerary contains links to aid you with these.