switzerland
SCENIC DRIVES IN SWITZERLAND
You can't go wrong with Swiss Alpine passes!
Off-roading in Switzerland is not very established, generally not allowed and only in few locations it is possible on private roads against a maut fee. This, however, does not mean at all that there are no spectacular scenic roads through the Swiss Alps. In the contrary, Switzerland offers an array of marvellous mountain roads at altitudes well above 2'000 m.a.s.l. but they are simply paved and mostly in perfect driving conditions. That’s just the way it is in Switzerland!
Swiss Alpine Passes
#1
Fuorn-/Umbrail Pass
Quick Facts
Name: Fuorn-/Umbrail Pass
Distance: 68KM
Season (Fuorn): O All year
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
(Umbrail) O Oct. / Nov.
(Umbrail) O Dec. - May
Start: 46°42'00"N - 10°05'43"E (Zernez)
End: 46°28'11"N - 10°22'11"E (Bormio)
High: 2'501 m.a.s.l. Umbrail Pass
Low: 1'225 m.a.s.l. Bormio
Max. Inclination: 12%
Difficulty: easy
Rating: 4.8 of 5
The route at the southeasternmost edge of Switzerland leads you from Zernez through the Val Müstair to the Fuorn / Ofen Pass. Unlike most Swiss alp passes, the landscape at the Val Müstair is quite different, leading through a national park, it is seemingly wilder and not as steep of a surrounding as one would expect from a 2’150 m.a.s.l. alpine crossing. The 3.2% average climb is one of the least ascent to any Swiss high alpine mountain passes of this category and likely the reason why the Fuorn is open all year round.
Don’t forget to make a rest at the picturesque mountain village of Santa Maria Val Müstair before turning right leading into the renewed ascent, now to the Umbrail. This is without doubt the icing on the cake, the highest paved Swiss summit at 2’501 m.a.s.l. directly on the Swiss Italian border. Which ever fuel you could save on the easy climb to the Fuorn, you will need it on the next 14 kilometres up to the summit climbing an average of 8.4%.
It is an unforgettable experience and will have you leave Switzerland with thousands of great memories and only one wish, to come back soon!
#2
Albula Pass
Quick Facts
Name: Albula Pass
Distance: 40KM
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
Season: O Oct. / Nov.
Season: O Dec. - May
Start: 46°39'42"N - 9°34'45"E (Tiefencastel)
End: 46°34'45"N - 9°55'32"E (La Punt)
High: 2'312 m.a.s.l. Albula Pass
Low: 855 m.a.s.l. La Punt (Engadin)
Max. Inclination: 12%
Difficulty: moderate
Rating: 4.6 of 5
The Albula Pass was already being used as a mule trail back in prehistoric times and the Romans used this route to trade corn and wine for cheese, honey, beeswax and skins. In the middle ages it was ruled by the Bishops of Chur who were able to secure a good source of income from the road toll that they charged. It was also in their interest to maintain and even widen the trail. In 1695 gunpowder was used for the first time to blow out a tunnel in the Albula Gorge which made direct access to the valley floor at Bergün possible. The road was widened to 4.20m between 1864 and 1866 to enable horse-drawn post coaches to use the pass road and up to 180 horses and 50 drivers used to work during the summer. The journey from Chur to St. Moritz took 14 hours, which was still less than the Julier route.
The post coach even crossed the pass in winter, as the postmaster of Bergün wrote: «It was a very, very long night with the horses travelling at walking pace ». The importance of the pass declined considerably with the opening of the Albula railway line on 1 July 1903. The road still has some very narrow passages and occasionally damages to the road surfaces which means that even today it is best to take your time and enjoy the ride! While at it, a sidestep to the Landwasser Viaduct in Filisur is highly recommended.
#3
Grimsel-/Furka Pass
Name: Grimsel-/Furkapass
Distance: 65KM
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
Season: O Oct. / Nov.
Season: O Dec. - May
Start: 46°42’19”N - 8°13’37”E (Innertkirchen)
End: 46°38'02"N - 8°35'37"E (Andermatt)
High: 2'436 m.a.s.l. Furkapass
Low: 625 m.a.s.l. Innertkirchen
Max. Inclination: 11%
Difficulty: very easy
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Quick Facts
The combination of Grimsel/Furka is not only a scenic highlight, but also geographically most interesting. We start from Innertkirchen (BE) climbing up south following the Aare river. After countless serpentines we reach the Grimsel Lake and the boarder to the canton Valais as well as the European watershed between north (Aare leading into Rhine going to the North Sea) and south (Rhone flowing into the Mediterranean Sea). Needless to say, a sidestep to Valais is always worth it, but shortly after starting the decent passing the Toten Lake (Dead Lake) our route turns upwards again to the Furka. Before reaching the summit at spectacular 2’436 m.a.s.l. a visit to and into the Rhone Glacier is an absolut must. Knowing that James Bond’s Goldfinger also has used these magical sceneries as their backdrop adds another spice to this trip.
#4
St. Gotthard-/Nufenen Pass
Quick Facts
Name: St. Gotthard-/Nufenen Pass
Distance: 68KM
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
Season: O Oct. / Nov.
Season: O Dec. - May
Start: 46°40’05”N - 8°35’22”E (Göschenen)
End: 46°30'26"N - 8°18'23"E (Ulrichen)
High: 2'478 m.a.s.l. Nufenen Pass
Low: 1'111 m.a.s.l. Göschenen
Max. Inclination: 14%
Difficulty: easy (Tremola limit 3.5t!)
Rating: 4.4 of 5
The St. Gotthard is Switzerland’s traditional and undoubtedly most famous crossing of the Alpes. To climb the St. Gotthard summit without immersing yourself in its fabulous history is like crossing the Alpes blindly. Reason why this scenic drive has to start no later than Göschenen, then the first historic highlight and compulsory stop will be at the Devil’s Bridge in the Schölenen Gorge. The rest of the climb is rather unspectacular and likely with high tourist traffic. The Gotthard is the only connection between north and south in Switzerland that does not require multiple passes. Therefore, it is the shortest and fastest alpine crossing, be that by car or train. If you are lucky you will meet a horse carriage at the summit (2’106 m.a.s.l.) . The way down to the Italian part of Switzerland, the Ticino, has two options. If your vehicle has below 3.5t you ought to take the nostalgic Tremola route. It is the former cobblestone road that leads down to Airolo in 24 hairpin bends. If it gets wet, the fun is over however, so be cautious.
Once in Airolo you take a right and follow the gentle slope upwards into the Val Bedretto. Moving from the oldest pass to one of the youngest and highest, the 2’478 m.a.s.l. Nufenen. A rather steep decent (average 8.6%) surrounded by stunning landscapes brings you quickly down to Ulrichen in the sunny canton of Valais. How would you rate this amazing scenic drive?
#5
Great St. Bernard Pass
Quick Facts
Name: Great St. Bernard Pass
Distance: 44KM
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
Season: O Oct. / Nov.
Season: O Dec. - May
Start: 45°57’22”N - 7°12’34”E (Bourg St.Pierre)
End: 45°44'6"N - 7°18'48"E (Aosta)
High: 2'473 m.a.s.l. Great St. Bernard Pass
Low: 583 m.a.s.l. Aosta
Max. Inclination: 11%
Difficulty: very easy
Rating: 4.1 of 5
At 2'473 m.a.s.l., the Great St. Bernard Pass is Switzerland's third highest pass, and is the most important link between Western Switzerland and Italy. Two very different heroes have made this pass famous: Barry the rescue dog, and Napoleon.
This pass links Martigny in the Rhone Valley (Valais) with the Aosta Valley and the Piedmont region in Italy. It was already one of the most important Alpine crossings back in the days of the Roman Empire. It takes its name from Saint Bernard of Aosta, who founded the Great St. Bernard Hospice at the top of the pass in 1050. This plain and rather gloomy complex of buildings set in the middle of a rocky wasteland was one of the first institutions dedicated to rescuing victims of mountain emergencies, and it achieved particular fame because of the St. Bernard species of dogs that were bred there. From about 1750 onwards, these dogs were successfully used to search for avalanche victims and travellers who had lost their way while crossing the pass. The most famous St. Bernard dog was Barry (1800–1814), who is said to have saved more than 40 human lives.
The Great St. Bernard also earned its place in history thanks to Napoleon, who marched south-wards over the pass in May 1800 while it was still covered by snow, with an army of 40,000 men and heavy arms to confront the Austrian troops near the city of Alessandria in Italy.
Today, the Great St. Bernard is a very easy drive within a marvelous mountain landscape ending in a long descent at the Italian side.
MUST-VISITS IN SWITZERLAND
While you are here...
...there are certain spots that must not be missed. Depending on the season the most important Swiss attraction may differ. The fascination of our TOP-5 must-visit in Switzerland, however, are little depending on the season, but good weather may greatly boost their enjoyment. To combine the must-visits with some scenic drives, customs & traditions or photogenic locations is certainly a great idea to get the best out of your time in beautiful Switzerland.
#1
Jungfraujoch- Top of Europe
Quick Facts
Name: Jungfraujoch
Location: 46°32'51"N - 7°59'6"E Access through either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen / Wengen.
Visiting Hours: daily as per Eiger Express schedule between 7.15/8.30AM and 4.50/6.20PM
Fees: regular price starting from approx.
adult: 195 CHF
child: (6-15 yrs.) 20 CHF
infant: (0-5 yrs) free
Time allocation: full day
Special consideration: 3'454 m.a.s.l.
Rating: 4.9 of 5
#2
Bahnhofstrasse - Zurich
Quick Facts
Name: Bahnhofstrasse
Location: 47°22'11"N - 8°32'22"E (Paradeplatz)
Visiting Hours: 24/7
Shops open Mon-Fri 9AM-6.30/8PM
Sat 9AM-5PM
Sundays closed
Fees: n/a
Time allocation: men 1 hour, women 1 day
Special consideration:
Nearest van/truck parking at Mythenquai
Rating: 4.7 of 5
#3
Lavaux Vineyards
Quick Facts
Name: Lavaux Vineyards
Location: 46°28'48"N 6°46'24"E
many more locations along the lake of Geneva
Visiting Hours: 24/7
Best Season: Summer & Autumn
Fees: n/a
Time allocation: at least half a day
Special consideration:
Attention narrow streets!
Take advantage of the wine walks and tastings.
Rating: 4.6 of 5
#5
Rhine Falls
Quick Facts
Name: Rhine Falls
Location: 46°42'00"N 10°05'43"E
(Southern banks)
Visiting Hours: 24/7
Fees: adult: 5 CHF
children 5-16 yrs.: 3 CHF
Parking: free
Time allocation: 2 hours
Special consideration: There are the Northern banks (across/downstream) with free access, but parking fees.
Rating: 4.3 of 5
Quick Facts
Name: Abbey of Saint Gall
Location: 47°25'23"N 9°22'33"E
Visiting Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM - 4PM
Fees: adult: up to 18 CHF (all incl.)
children -16 yrs.: free
Parking: nearby
Time allocation: 2 hours
Special consideration:
Rating: 4.3 of 5
#4
Abbey of Saint Gall
CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS IN SWITZERLAND
A top selection for all your senses
Probably there are five hundred or more customs and traditions that are worth to be discovered. To make a shortlist of just five does in no way do justice to many others that would deserve to be mentioned as typically Swiss. This selection of our TOP5 considers different fields such as music, sports, food and of course old traditional beliefs, which - should the opportunity arise - must not be missed during a trip to Switzerland.
#1
Yodelling
Quick Facts
Name: Yodelling
Multiple events all over Switzerland
Season: mostly outdoors from Apr. to Oct.
Swiss Jodelling Event Agenda (German only)
Rating: 4.9 of 5
Alpine Yodelling does well deserve the leading rank of Switzerland’s custom and tradition. It is deeply rooted in this central European Alpine state and does express true Swissness more than anything else.
Just in case you have no idea, yodelling is a form of singing which involves repeated and rapid changes of pitch. Originally, it was used as a form of communication between people from one mountain to the next. It also served the herders to call their livestock. Since mid 19th century, yodelling became popular in entertainment. Today, it is an essential part of most Swiss folkloristic festivals and the expression of the Swiss groove. As it is preferably performed outdoors, it is often combined with flag-waving and the use of the alpine horn, two more top fascinating Swiss traditions, not to be missed!
Quick Facts
Name: Carnival of Basel
Location: 47°33'24"N - 7°35'29"E
(Münsterplatz).
Hover to see route map
Event Date: Btw. Mid-February & Mid-March
Starting at 4 AM (Morgestraich) on Monday following Ash Wednesday and lasting for precisely 72 hours.
Special consideration: Get a translator to understand the satire if you are not familiar with Basel Swiss German.
Rating: 4.8 of 5
#2
Carnival of Basel
The carnival of Basel dates back more than thousand years and is therefore one of the oldest traditions in Switzerland. It starts exactly at 4AM on Monday after Ash Wednesday with the “Morgestraich” and lasts for 72 hours and is referred to by the locals as “the three most beautiful days”.
The almost twenty thousand participants of the Basler Fasnacht are wearing costumes and are often disguised with an oversized masks while strolling through the streets and restaurants in themed cliques. The themes are commonly referring to a recent event or public figure (including politicians) and satirical verses are recited. The Carnival of Basel was recently included in UNESCO’s intangible world heritage and even ranks as one of the top festivals in Europe. Watch out for the Confetti storms along the parade and in case you have missed those three days, no worries, there are plenty of after (party) events to enjoy in Basel.
#3
Swiss Wrestling
It is neither football nor alpine skiing: The one Swiss national sport that you can’t miss while in Switzerland is without doubt the Swiss Wrestling. Serious tournaments are contested since more than 200 years and a Swiss Wrestling Champion enjoys, still today, the status of a king! Fortunately, Swiss Wrestling events are often accompanied by other Swiss folklore, great food and wine, so your day is guaranteed to be a memorable Swiss experience.