04 - Susten Pass 2260M

Susten Pass / Swiss Alps

The Susten Pass is another outstanding high mountain pass in the central Swiss Alps, and what is part of what is collectively referred to as the "Big 3" passes, which also includes Grimsel and Furka.

Susten Pass - a journey in our GT3RS

The pictures were all taken on the Susten Pass when we drove it back in 2016 in our GT3 RS, but the Susten Pass hasn't changed at all since then - asides the fact the Stein Glacier has sadly receded a little further. 

What makes the Susten Pass a great drivers road?

The Susten Pass is part of what we refer to collectively as the "Big 3" passes of the central Swiss Alps. the Susten, Grimsel and Furka, and although the Susten pass may be less well known than the Furka, it is without doubt the greatest driving road of the three - that is provided of course that you drive the Susten Pass at a quiet time (which means avoiding weekends and the July / August holiday season, and arriving by 10am).  When you hit the pass at these times, it is probably the best driving road in Switzerland, as it has an amazing variety of road style, from the sweeping valley roads on the eastern approach, with amazing uninterrupted forward views, to the switchbacks that take you to the summit of the pass at 2260M. From the summit, the run back down the pass towards Innertkirchen is not quite so dramatic, but as a drivers road perhaps slightly better as it takes you through dark forests, and across stunning stone bridges. 

Sights along the Susten Pass Drive - the Stein Glacier

En route, there are also some great stop points, including the foot of the Stein Glacier.  Just after you clear the summit and start your drive back down, you will spot a first lay bye, offering great views across to the Stein Glacier, then around 1km further down the pass, a small hotel where you can stop to take coffees.  It is also possible to take the small road / track off the main pass to the foot of the glacier - well at least the valley and small glacial lake now below the glacier, with some great views of this (much eroded) glacier. 

Our Summary of the Susten Pass

An absolute 5 Star Road, and not to be missed - try to drive mid-week when there are not too many bikers about, and ideally early to mid June, when the winter snow means you are driving along roads sometimes with walls of snow either side, and the waterfalls are at their most dramatic. 

Susten Pass and Opening times

Due to it's height, the road is open seasonally, generally opening start of June (date is never fixed), closing the end of October.