Grimsel Pass, Switzerland

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Grimsel Pass

Valais


From the tiny Valais village of Gletsch (1762m; 10km to the Furka Pass), a steep 6km hairpinned road climbs north to the mighty Grimsel Pass (2164m), which offers spectacular views over lakes in Bern Canton. There's a large parking area, small lakes and places to get refreshments. From the Grimsel Pass it is a 32km-drive out north to Meiringen. The pass generally opens about 1 June each year, depending on the year's snowfall and weather.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Valais attractions

1. Furka Base Tunnel

2.12 MILES

This 15km-long tunnel, opened in 1982, plays an important part in the history of the Furka Pass. It runs from Oberwald in Valais to Realp, 8km short of…

2. Rhône Glacier

2.75 MILES

Coming from Valais, the mesmerising Rhône Glacier is first seen from the tiny hamlet of Gletsch. This glacier is the source of the Rhône River, which…

3. Furka Pass

2.76 MILES

Marking the cantonal frontier with Uri is the vertiginous Furka Pass (2431m), the run up to which offers superlative views over the fissured Rhône glacier…

4. Nufenen Pass

6.29 MILES

At Ulrichen, 21km on the Valais side of the Furka Pass, a clearly marked road turns southeast and twists its way south out of the Valais and into the…

5. Triftbrücke

9.21 MILES

The Hasli Valley is laced with 300km of signposted walking trails. A huge hit is this 170m-long, 100m-high suspension bridge, Europe’s longest and highest…

6. Museo Nazionale San Gottardo

11.01 MILES

Once at the top of the St Gotthard Pass, visit the Museo Nazionale San Gottardo, which covers the commercial, political and cultural significance of the…

7. Robiei Dam

11.76 MILES

At the end of the Val Bavona, just after San Carlo, a cable car rides up to Robiei dam and its startlingly turquoise reservoir, tailor-made for a day’s…

8. Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui

11.82 MILES

A round trail takes in waterfalls and 80m-high cliffs at this dramatic glacier gorge. The walk back to Meiringen takes at least two hours, but hourly…

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