About This Route
This central-Swiss circuit links Andermatt, Furka Pass, Gletsch, Grimsel Pass, Innertkirchen, Susten Pass and Wassen. The three roads are close on a map but differ sharply: Furka is exposed and historic, Grimsel follows reservoirs and granite, and Susten uses long engineered curves and tunnels.
Route plan
- Andermatt to Furka PassRide west through Realp and climb the Furka to 2,429 metres. The upper road is exposed, and the descent toward the Rhône Glacier has tight bends with limited run-off.
- Gletsch to Grimsel PassTurn north at Gletsch and climb past the reservoir landscape to the 2,165-metre Grimsel. The road is broader than Furka in places but busy viewpoints and camper vans interrupt the rhythm.
- Grimsel to InnertkirchenDescend through granite gorges and the hydroelectric landscape. Innertkirchen is the key fuel and food stop before the final pass.
- Innertkirchen over Susten to AndermattClimb through Gadmen and cross the Susten summit tunnel before descending to Wassen. Return south to Andermatt through the Reuss valley to close the circuit.
What the road is really like
Furka demands the most attention because several sections feel narrow and exposed. Grimsel is more open and dominated by reservoirs, retaining walls and larger traffic. Susten was designed for motor traffic and has the smoothest sequence of curves, but tunnels, waterfalls and changing light create their own hazards.
All three passes exceed 2,100 metres, so the loop can move from sun to fog and cold rain in minutes. Coaches, cyclists and photographers are common. Road surface is generally paved, but frost repairs and loose material after snow clearing should be expected early in the season.
Planning the day
Run the loop clockwise from Andermatt if you want Furka early and Susten late, or start in Innertkirchen to place the service stop differently. The nominal 120 km becomes a full day once viewpoints and traffic are included; leave at least six hours rather than treating 4.5 hours as a deadline.
Openings are independent. In 2026 Furka opened fully in late May while Susten was still affected by closures into the summer. Check the Uri road-information page and the relevant Bern/Valais notices immediately before riding; one closed pass breaks the triangle.
Fuel, food and stops
Reliable fuel options along or near the route include Andermatt, Innertkirchen. Top up before any long climb — pumps in mountain villages can be closed at lunch or on Sundays.
For food and coffee, Pass summit restaurants are solid stops. Aim for a proper sit-down lunch rather than a vending-machine snack — the locals eat well in this region.
⚠️ Safety and hazards to watch for
Specific hazards on this route include: Altitude; Storms; Cyclists.
- High altitude
- Rapid weather changes
- Furka, Grimsel and Susten each open and close on snow-dependent dates every year — check current conditions before riding.
Who this route suits
Furka-Grimsel-Susten Triangle works especially well for photographers and slow-tour riders chasing scenery, sport-tourers who live for corner-to-corner flow, experienced riders confident on technical terrain, adventure bike riders who don't mind the occasional rough patch. Recommended bike types are Touring, Adventure, but realistically anything in good mechanical condition with decent tyres will do the job — the road matters more than the badge on the tank.
Insider tips
- Visit the Rhône Glacier
- Check pass opening dates
- Excellent road surfaces