Grimsel Pass
A GPX track over Grimsel Pass, with spectacular Alpine views and mountain lakes in the Bernese Oberland.
The Grimsel was my very first mountain pass, and looking back, a great one to start with. The route alternates long straight stretches with hairpin bends, winding steadily further into the high mountains, past several reservoirs including the impressive Grimselsee. On my first ride, thick fog hung around the summit, snow was still lying around, and my hands felt frozen within minutes, even though it was the middle of summer.
Don't just ride straight to the top: for me, the stretch along the Grimselsee is one of the most impressive parts of the route, with a view over the reservoir and its dams from the historic Grimsel Hospiz. The pass road actually runs past three reservoirs: Räterichsbodensee, Grimselsee and Totensee. Compared to more technical passes like the Stelvio or the Umbrail, I found the Grimsel more accessible, which is why I'd still recommend it as a first introduction to a real Alpine pass.
Elevation profile
Stops & viewpoints
- 1Gelmerbahn – HandeggA spectacular, steep mountain funicular.
- 2RäterichsbodenseeAn impressive dam wall between granite cliffs.
- 3Grimsel Hospiz & GrimselseeHistoric mountain hotel overlooking the turquoise reservoir.
- 4Totensee – Grimsel PassA mountain lake at the pass summit, perfect for a photo stop.
- 5View of the Furka PassOn a clear day you can see the hairpins of the Furka Pass across the valley.
Based on the GPX track. Small deviations are normal.
Things to know about the Grimsel Pass
Stop at the Grimselsee
Don't ride straight to the summit. The road along the reservoirs is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Grimsel. At the historic Grimsel Hospiz you get a stunning view over the Grimselsee and the dam.
Stop at the Gelmerbahn
On the northern side of the Grimsel, near Handegg, you find the Gelmerbahn, known from the spectacular videos where the little carriage seems to climb almost straight up the mountainside. With a maximum gradient of 106%, it is a great extra stop if you have the time. I have not done it myself yet. It is still on my list.
Spot the Furka Pass on the other side
On a clear day you can see the hairpins of the Furka Pass across the valley from the Grimsel. Two iconic passes almost next to each other.
Before motorbikes, there were mules
Centuries ago the Grimsel was already an important route across the Alps, just a lot slower. Mule trains carried goods like wine, rice and even Murano glass from the south to the north.
Practical info on the road
Best time to go
June to September is the safest window to plan the Grimsel Pass. Depending on snow conditions, the pass usually opens in late May or June, and closes sometime in October or November. Always check the current pass status right before you leave.
Food and drinks along the way
You don’t really need to bring your own food for this pass. At the Grimsel Hospiz you’ll find a restaurant and a self-service option, and at the pass summit itself Hotel Grimselpasshöhe serves food and there’s a kiosk for snacks and drinks. Most facilities are seasonal, though.
Pack an extra layer
At 2,164 meters it can be far colder than down in the valley. Even in summer, bring an extra layer and warm gloves: thin liner gloves under your riding gloves are no unnecessary luxury in the fog and cold.
Cara's tip
My first mountain pass, and I would do it again
The Grimsel was my very first mountain pass, and looking back, I would choose it again as a first pass without hesitation: you immediately get hairpin bends, altitude, reservoirs and that real Alpine feeling, but the road feels a lot more accessible than passes like the Stelvio or the Umbrail. I rode the pass right after a stretch of severe weather, and that is exactly what made it look spectacular: water coming down the mountains from every side, small waterfalls and an impressively full Grimselsee. So don't let bad weather scare you off right away. Just make sure to only keep riding as long as it stays safe.