Grimsel and Susten in the south, plus the Prealps passes between Thun, Gantrisch and the Saanenland.
Always confirm with official road info before riding.
| Pass | Summit | Status | Winter | Difficulty | Rating | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oberaar Panoramastrasse Notice | 2,303 m | Open | Closed in winter | Moderate | 3.0 | 1.5 |
| Sustenpass | 2,224 m | Open | Closed in winter | Moderate | 4.0 | 1.0 |
| Grimselpass | 2,164 m | Closed | Closed in winter | Moderate | 3.5 | closed |
| Gurnigelpass | 1,608 m | Closed | Winter closure unconfirmed | Demanding | 3.5* | closed |
| Jaunpass | 1,508 m | Open | Winter closure unconfirmed | Demanding | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Saanenmöser | 1,279 m | Open | Winter closure unconfirmed | Moderate | 3.0* | 4.0 |
| Schallenberg | 1,167 m | Open | Winter closure unconfirmed | Moderate | 2.5* | 2.5 |
Stars: Passklar rating from route data and today's rating from weather and pass status. Not rider reviews. * provisional. How we rate
Researched suggestions, not routes we have ridden. Distances approximate.
A valley approach with no pass: it follows Lake Brienz to Meiringen and Innertkirchen, the start of the Grimsel and Susten. It is a good first day to get used to Swiss traffic, lights-on rules and speed limits before any climbing. Interlaken Tourism's classic pass loop uses this same approach.
Not for a first day. All three passes have a maximum of 9–11% (none above 11%) on mostly wide or medium roads, but the loop is long (about 4.5 h of riding per the source) and very busy on summer weekends. Furka is exposed, and the Susten has unlit tunnels. Ride it on a weekday morning after the easy routes.
A next-step tour rather than a first one. The Brünig is a wide main road but has a 13% pitch and heavy traffic. The Glaubenbielen is narrow with up to 12%, and the Schallenberg is full of motorcycles on fine weekends. The return along Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is easy riding.
A long day (225 km) across the language border. The Jaunpass reaches 14% with long switchbacks on the Simmental side and a steep descent to Jaun. The Mosses (max 10%) and Pillon (max 11%) are cantonal main roads that the canton of Vaud keeps open all year, so this is one of the few pass loops that is possible early or late in the season.
Two steep prealpine passes. The Gurnigel has a 1.5 km straight at up to 13% above Gurnigelbad and is very busy with cars and motorcycles on sunny weekends, with limited visibility on the descent. The Jaunpass reaches 14%. Ride on a weekday.