Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road is a scenic 40km road trip starting in Gletsch, Switzerland, and ending in Meiringen, Switzerland. Along the way, you will pass through Grimsel Pass and the Aare Gorge, two of the most stunning natural attractions in the country.
The best time to drive this route is during the summer months, when the weather is at its best and the roads are in excellent condition. As you drive, you will be surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, giving you a truly majestic experience. You will also be able to marvel at the vistas of the Aare River, which runs through the Aare Gorge.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers, regardless of experience. However, this is a luxury road trip, so you should plan to have a high budget to make the most of it.
No matter what time of year you choose to embark on the Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road trip, you are guaranteed to have a memorable experience that you will never forget.
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number of days
40 km
route length
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budget
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START
Gletsch
Distance 40 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: slow
9.2 kWh
Airports
MXP
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ZRH
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Gletsch in Switzerland is the perfect starting point for the road trip named "Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road". Located in the Canton of Valais, Gletsch is a beautiful village surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. It is a great place to take in the breathtaking mountain views and experience the local culture.
When visiting Gletsch, some of the most interesting sights to see include the Gletsch Glacier, the Rhone Glacier, the Aletschhorn, and the Stockhorn. Visitors can also take a cable car up to the Eggishorn, a mountain peak with stunning views.
The closest international airport for travelers flying into Gletsch is in Zurich (ZRH). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy for visitors to explore the town and the surrounding area.
Gletsch is a great starting point for the Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road road trip. From here, travelers can experience the stunning Swiss Alps and its spectacular views. Whether it’s to enjoy the stunning views, take in the local culture, or explore the area, Gletsch is the perfect place to start.
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Gletsch
- Grimsel Pass
Distance 6 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: modest
1.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip stage from Gletsch, Switzerland to Grimsel Pass? This 6km journey will take you less than an hour, and you will be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area.
Start your adventure in Gletsch, where you can take a stroll through the picturesque alpine village and admire its traditional wooden chalets. Then, you can visit the spectacular Rhone Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.
Continue your journey to Grimsel Pass, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and admire the beautiful Rhone Valley. Here, you can take a tour of the Grimsel Hospiz, a mountain hotel dating back to the 18th century. You can also explore the nearby Lake Grimsel, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by lush green forests.
This is just one of the stages of your road trip, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't miss out on this incredible adventure and start planning your road trip today!
Grimsel Pass - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Grimsel Pass
- Aare Gorge
Distance 32 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
8.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to one of the most beautiful road trips in Switzerland! Starting at Grimsel Pass, you will make your way to Aare Gorge, a 32km drive that will take you fewer than 1 hour. Along the way you will be able to admire the spectacular views of the majestic Swiss Alps.
You will start your journey at Grimsel Pass, where you can visit the Grimselsee, a glacial lake with a unique turquoise color. You can also find the beautiful Oberaarsee lake, an ideal spot for a picnic or a short hike.
As you make your way to Aare Gorge, you will be able to admire the breathtaking views of the Rhone Valley and the surrounding mountains. Once you arrive, you will be able to explore the impressive Aare Gorge and take a boat tour on the Aare River.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy your journey and have a wonderful time!
Aare Gorge - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Aare Gorge
- Meiringen
Distance 2 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: slow
0.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Aare Gorge to Meiringen road trip! This scenic drive is one of the stages of a larger tour, and it will take you from the Aare Gorge in Switzerland to the town of Meiringen. This stretch is just 2km and will take you less than 0 hours to complete.
The Aare Gorge is a spectacular natural formation, with its narrow walls towering up to 160m above the Aare River. You can take a boat tour of the gorge, or walk along the trails for some of the best views.
Meiringen is a charming town with plenty of attractions to explore. Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum to learn more about the famous detective, or take the cable car to the summit of the nearby Hasliberg mountain for breathtaking views. You can also explore the Reichenbach Falls, which were featured in the classic novel The Final Problem.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a great trip!
Meiringen - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Meiringen
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Meiringen, Switzerland is the perfect ending point for a road trip along the stunning Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road. Situated in the Bernese Oberland region, Meiringen is a small town surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
Meiringen is known for its outdoor activities, especially in the summer months. Visitors can go hiking and cycling along the many trails in the area or take a cable car to the summit of the Hasliberg and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are also many ski slopes nearby that can be accessed during the winter months.
The town itself has plenty of attractions to offer. The Reichenbach Falls, made famous by the Sherlock Holmes novel, are a must-visit. The Aareschlucht, a deep canyon carved by the Aare river, is also a popular attraction. The Swiss Museum of Transport showcases a variety of locomotives and other transportation artifacts, making it a great activity for the whole family.
If you are traveling to Meiringen by air, the closest international airport is Zurich Airport (IATA: ZRH). From there, you can rent a car and drive along the Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road to Meiringen.
Meiringen is the perfect place to end a road trip along the Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, interesting attractions, or an opportunity to take in the stunning alpine scenery, you’ll find it all in Meiringen.
Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Gletsch
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End:
Meiringen
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Distance:
40 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Malpensa International Airport (MXP),
Zürich Airport (ZRH)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a spectacular 40-kilometer journey on the Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road, stretching from the historical village of Gletsch to the charming town of Meiringen in Switzerland. This route not only captures the grandeur of the Swiss Alps but also leads you through the engineering marvel that is the Aare Gorge, offering an unforgettable adventure through some of Europe's most majestic landscapes.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
As you ascend the Grimsel Pass, you reach an altitude of 2,164 meters (7,100 feet), where panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes await. The pass itself has played a pivotal role in Swiss history, often serving as a trade route. While driving through the Aare Gorge, a narrow, dramatic chasm carved by the river over thousands of years, you can witness the powerful forces of nature that shaped the region. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the historic Grimsel Hospice, a hotel originally from the 12th century, rebuilt in the 1930s, that stands as a testament to the area's rich heritage.
Best Time to Go:
The most favorable time to take this Road Trip is from June to September, when the pass is usually free of snow and the full spectrum of alpine flora is in bloom. During this period, the greater daylight hours provide ample time for exploration and enjoying the views.
Potential Risks:
While the route is well-maintained and safe for motorists, it is important to stay alert for sudden weather shifts that can lead to hazardous driving conditions, such as fog and ice, even in summer. Mountain passes can also challenge drivers with steep inclines and sharp turns.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Grimsel Pass area is rich in geological history, with rock formations dating back hundreds of millions of years.
- The Road Trip also offers a chance to see the Grimsel Dam, part of Switzerland's extensive hydroelectric power network, which harnesses the power of the alpine waters.
- Photographers will find a paradise of motifs, from the serene Totensee lake at the summit of the pass to the dramatic waterfalls within the Aare Gorge.
A good choice for:
The Grimsel Pass Panoramic Road Trip is more than just a drive; it's an expedition through time and nature, delivering both luxury and adventure. Its combination of historical significance, breathtaking scenery, and modern-day engineering makes it an essential experience for anyone touring Switzerland. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking the thrill of an alpine drive, this Road Trip will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.