Grimsel - Mythical Alpine passes

2:30 h
12.21 km
797 m
1,368 m
2,165 m
797 m
Start: Oberwald
Destination: Grimsel Pass

The Grimsel Pass connects the canton of Valais with the canton of Bern. On the route from the Upper Valais village of Oberwald to the summit, you can experience this Alpine giant.

From Oberwald, the road leads up into a pine forest, while lower down the still young Rhone can be seen. You reach the small village of Gletsch, where the road divides between the Furka Pass on the right and the Grimsel Pass on the left. The following kilometers offer an open view and a spectacular view of the Rhone Glacier, where the river of the same name also has its source. At the summit is a small alpine lake reflecting the neighboring mountains, and a wonderful panorama of the Bernese Alps opens up.

Valais/Wallis Promotion

Pavements

Street

Asphalt

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

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Directions

The Grimsel Pass is one of the Alpine giants with more than 2000 meters of elevation. The route from Oberwald to Gletsch is easy to manage as the incline is relatively gentle. A small cog railway runs below the road up to the junction that leads to the Furka Pass. From Gletsch, straight sections follow, arranged in a zigzag pattern. The air slowly becomes thinner as the altitude makes itself felt. The summit reveals a view of the peaks of Valais and Bern, and Gletsch seems to lie many kilometers far below! A park with marmots makes the restaurant on the pass a very sociable place.

Tour information

Cultural Interesting
Stop at an Inn

Equipment

Our recommendation: Technically flawless bicycle, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always bring rain protection), drink and food.

Directions & Parking facilities

From Brig, follow cantonal road 19 (Furka road) for 40 km to Oberwald.

Parking available at the Oberwald train station. Follow the local parking guidance system in Oberwald.

Regular train connections with the SBB from all over Switzerland to Brig. Then regional train of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn or bus connection to Oberwald.

Additional information

More information:

Obergoms

Literature

Brochures:

Road bike - The map

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The route offers excellent views of the last part of the ascent.

Safety guidelines

Respect the rules of Swiss road traffic. Riding this route is at your own risk, any liability is excluded. Respect the flora and fauna in your surroundings. For your safety, we recommend wearing a bicycle helmet. Emergency numbers: 144 ambulance / 117 police / 1414 Rega. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Riding the different routes is fundamentally at your own responsibility.

Map

Topographic maps 1:25,000 Swisstopo: 1250 Ulrichen

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Grimsel - Mythical Alpine passes

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