The most beautiful Alpine passes in Switzerland
When spring arrives in the Alps, a special time begins. The snow slowly gives way to the first shades of green, the mountain passes reopen and the clear light makes the landscape appear especially intense. It is at this time that the Alpine passes of Switzerland reveal their most impressive side, surrounded by rugged peaks, sweeping valleys and glistening mountain lakes.
Andermatt lies at the heart of this world of mountain passes, making it an ideal base for exploring the Swiss Alps. The region offers a delightful combination of activity, panoramic views and a chance to slow down for motorists, cyclists, hikers and nature lovers alike.
Andermatt: the starting point for Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain passes
Andermatt lies at the junction of some of Switzerland’s most famous mountain passes, offering direct access to a wide variety of routes. The short distances between the passes mean you can combine several routes in a single day and plan your itinerary with flexibility. This creates an action-packed day out combining stunning natural scenery and spectacular views, particularly when exploring the area around Andermatt.
Furka Pass: alpine expanses and impressive heights
The Furka Pass is one of Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine passes, impressing visitors with its dramatic altitude of 2,429 metres. The winding road leads past majestic glaciers, offering repeated views of the Ursern Valley and the high Alpine peaks of the Valais and Bernese Alps.
The pass also gained fame through the James Bond film Goldfinger. To this day, the route continues to fascinate with its iconic layout. Set amidst alpine expanses and powerful natural scenery, the road from the Ursern Valley to Goms in the Valais unfolds through a striking landscape, making it one of the most iconic routes for a scenic drive in Switzerland.
Gotthard Pass: History and Alpine Authenticity
For centuries, the Gotthard Pass has been one of the most important north-south routes, ranking among Switzerland’s most significant Alpine passes. Starting in Andermatt, the route winds through the awe-inspiring Schöllenen Gorge, flanked by towering rock faces and dotted with historic structures like the Devil’s Bridge.
At the summit, visitors are not only treated to sweeping panoramic views, but also to access to the legendary Tremola – a cobbled serpentine road considered to be Switzerland’s longest architectural monument. The Gotthard Pass offers a unique combination of history, landscape and activities, providing an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Oberalp Pass – gentle contours and sweeping landscapes
The Oberalp Pass reveals a quieter and more open side to the Swiss Alpine passes. The route leads from Andermatt into the Grisons Oberland, offering new views of the Ursern Valley with every metre gained in altitude. At the summit, the turquoise waters of Lake Oberalp dominate the scenery, while the striking lighthouse symbolising the source of the Rhine soars into the sky. This combination of landscape, vastness and symbolism gives the pass a distinctive character.
Other impressive scenic roads in Switzerland
Klausen Pass: diverse landscapes and a turbulent history
The spectacular Klausen Pass route connects the cantons of Uri and Glarus, winding through the stunning Schächental Valley into an unspoilt Alpine landscape. At an altitude of 1,948 metres, visitors are rewarded with views of the Urnerboden, Switzerland’s largest alpine pasture, which is characterised by its vast expanses and traditional farming methods.
Hiking trails such as the Schächentaler Höhenweg offer the chance to explore the region on foot. The history of the Klausen Race, Europe’s most challenging mountain race in the 1920s and 1930s, also serves as a reminder of the pass's past.
The Susten Pass offers magnificent views and modern hairpin bends
At the Susten Pass, impressive engineering meets pristine Alpine beauty. This pass is also one of Switzerland’s most scenic routes. The route stretches for around 46 kilometres and winds through a varied landscape, from lush alpine meadows to high-altitude glacial regions.
Highlights include the Triftbahn, which crosses the imposing Trift Gorge, and the Trift Bridge, one of the most spectacular suspension bridges in the Alps. Here, nature and technology intertwine, ensuring that every journey over the Susten Pass is rich and varied – and a highlight among the most impressive scenic roads in Switzerland.
Tips for travelling over the Alpine passes in Switzerland
To make the most of a trip across the Swiss Alpine passes, it is best to do a little preparation. Although the months from late spring to autumn offer ideal conditions, you should always check the opening times of the passes. Weather and visibility can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s best to be flexible with your plans. If you visit several passes and allow plenty of time for stops and viewpoints, you’ll experience the region fully.
Here are some excursion tips around the Alpine passes:
Five Lakes Walk: an impressive circular route starting from the Gotthard Hospice that takes around four hours and passes several clear mountain lakes.
Schächentaler Höhenweg: a varied route along the Klausen Pass with sweeping views across the valley.
St. Gotthard National Museum: a fascinating insight into the history and significance of the Gotthard Pass.
Triftbrücke & Triftbahn: a spectacular suspension bridge and cable car experience on the Susten Pass with views of the Alpine landscape.
Oberalpsee: a peaceful spot on the Oberalp Pass that is ideal for a short break and offers views of the turquoise-blue water.
The Chedi Andermatt – a peaceful retreat after a day in the mountains
After a day exploring Switzerland’s Alpine passes, The Chedi Andermatt offers a tranquil contrast to the day's activities. Its location in the heart of the mountain pass region means guests can return directly from breathtaking routes to an atmosphere of warmth, design and relaxation.
For those wishing to explore the region in greater depth, the hotel’s Roadbook provides valuable guidance. It provides detailed information on the most beautiful mountain passes around Andermatt, complete with elevation charts, maps and selected highlights.
Whether you're travelling in a classic car or on a mountain bike, the journey over the passes becomes an unforgettable scenic drive in Switzerland.
Back at the hotel, tranquillity, the spa and culinary diversity await, providing the perfect way to round off your stay at The Chedi Andermatt.
