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Grimsel Pass – 2,165m

 
Grimsel Pass
Route: Switzerland Route 6 Oberwald to Innertkirchen – 24 miles Excellent
 
 
From Ulrichen at the base of the Nufenen the road towards Andermatt becomes the Furkastrasse. At Oberwald the road kicks up towards Gletsch. It’s debatable whether Oberwald or Gletsch is the start of the Grimsel (or for that matter the Furka!). Initially it winds it way up close the old cog railway, which is being reopened as a tourist attraction. Before Gletsch you turn a corner and you can see the Grimsel zigzagging its way up the mountain in front of you. As you come into Gletsch you can see the Furka in front of you. The hotel ¾ of the way up is next to the Rhone Glacier – the start of the River Rhone. A few miles away on the other side of Andermatt is the source of the River Rhine and at the top of the Grimsel is the source of the River Aar.
 
Into Gletsch wayway you choose, turn left, and you are on the Grimsel. Keep straight on and you are on the Furka.
 
The Grimsel is a very well engineered road. The hairpins have all been widened so you can maintain a good pace all the way up. At the summit there’s a pretty lake. Go past the lake and you can turn left onto a private road, which takes you to the reservoir and glacier, which is the source of the Aar. You can't miss the road – it’s controlled by traffic lights, as it’s single track all the way. It’s open twice every hour for 10 minutes in each direction.
 
Coming back along this road gives you great views over the upper sections of the northern ramp down towards Innertkirchen.
 
The ascent from Oberwald is 7.5 miles at an average 6.6%.
 
The ascent from Innertkirchen is 16.5 miles at an average 5.9%.
 
 

1 comment to Grimsel Pass – 2,165m

  • notarian

    Well worded, the Grimsel is remarkably well engineered and the traffic light controlled single track not to be missed. There’s also a fine restaurant for lunch at the lake/glacier.

    Watch your speed on the lower western section (non-Furka side) – daily speed traps (2010). Upper sections on both sides are almost always speed trap free.

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