Andermatt · Switzerland · Alpine Pass Days
Furka. Grimsel. Susten. The Classic Three-Pass Loop, Ridden in a Day.
A 120km road cycling loop out of Andermatt over three of Switzerland's best known alpine passes, with around 3'700m of climbing and a final ascent through the Schöllenen gorge back to where you started. It is a long, demanding day, built for riders with strong fitness who want the full Swiss Alps experience in a single ride.
- 120 km
- Loop distance
- 3'700 m
- Elevation gain
- 3
- Alpine passes
- From CHF 549
- Private, 1 rider
The Story
The loop every road cyclist in Switzerland talks about
From Andermatt the road heads west and straight into the Furka, past the old Hotel Belvedere and the Rhône glacier, then drops to Gletsch at the foot of the Grimsel. The Grimsel climbs in tight switchbacks above Gletsch to the Totensee at the summit, then drops north past the Grimselsee and Räterichsbodensee reservoirs on a long, fast descent to Innertkirchen. Then comes the Susten: the longest climb of the day, some 1'600m from the valley floor, rising past the Steingletscher to the summit tunnel with views across the glaciers of the Urner Alps. From Wassen and Göschenen, the last effort, about 500m of climbing, takes you up through the Schöllenen gorge and over the Devil's Bridge back into Andermatt. Three passes, three valleys, one full day in the saddle. Bring your legs and a rain jacket; up here the weather decides the rhythm of the day, and part of what you pay for is a guide who knows when to push on and when to wait.
The Route
Three passes, one loop, one day
- Distance
- 120 km, full loop starting and finishing in Andermatt
- Elevation gain
- Approx. 3'700 m over the full loop, from a low point of about 630 m in Innertkirchen to 2'429 m on the Furka
- The passes
- Furkapass (2'429 m) → Grimselpass (2'164 m) → Sustenpass (2'224 m) → final climb from Göschenen to Andermatt through the Schöllenen gorge
- Ride time
- 6.5 to 8 hours of riding, depending on your pace; plan on a long day out with stops, photos and weather calls
- Terrain
- Fully paved alpine roads throughout
- Getting there
- Private return transfer between Zürich and Andermatt, included in the price, about 75 to 90 minutes each way. We leave Zürich early, around 6am, because of the drive and the long day of riding ahead
- Group size
- Private guiding, built for 1 to 2 riders per guide and car; bigger groups on request
- Price
- From CHF 549 (1 rider) · CHF 699 total for 2 · 3+ riders on request
- Route on Komoot
- Full route with elevation profile on Komoot
Climb by climb
Four climbs, three passes
The loop runs counter-clockwise from Andermatt. Figures are from the route file and rounded.
| Climb | From | Distance | Elevation gain | Avg gradient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furkapass (2'429 m) | Realp, 1'540 m | 12 km | +870 m | 7% |
| Grimselpass (2'164 m) | Gletsch, 1'760 m | 5.5 km | +400 m | 7% |
| Sustenpass (2'224 m) | Innertkirchen, 630 m | 27.5 km | +1'600 m | 6% |
| Schöllenen to Andermatt (1'444 m) | Wassen, 900 m | 10.5 km | +550 m | 5% |
1. Furkapass, 2'429 m
The first 8.5 km from Andermatt to Realp run almost flat along the Urseren valley, which makes a proper warm-up. The climb starts in Realp and gains about 870 m in 12 km at an average of 7%, on wide, smooth tarmac with a run of hairpins up an open valley side. The summit is the highest point of the day. Just over the top you pass the old Hotel Belvedere with the Rhône glacier above it, then it is 10.5 km and about 650 m down to Gletsch.
Riding itKeep it steady out of Realp. Above 2'000 m hard efforts cost more than they do at home, and there are three more climbs to come.
2. Grimselpass, 2'164 m
From Gletsch the Grimsel is short: about 5.5 km and 400 m at around 7%, with hairpins above Gletsch and views back across the valley to the Furka road you have just come down. The top is at the Totensee. What follows is the longest descent of the day, about 27 km and 1'500 m down past the Grimselsee and Räterichsbodensee to Innertkirchen, with tunnels and galleries along the way.
Riding itRide it at tempo, not in the red, and save your concentration for the descent.
3. Sustenpass, 2'224 m
Innertkirchen, at about 630 m, is the lowest point of the loop and the start of the main climb: roughly 27.5 km and 1'600 m at an average of 6%. The gradient is uneven. The lower part up the Gadmertal through Gadmen has easier stretches; the steeper kilometres, close to 10%, come in the upper half, above the tree line and past the Steingletscher. The summit is at the tunnel at 2'224 m, followed by about 18 km and 1'340 m of descent down the Meiental to Wassen.
Riding itThis is where fuelling matters. Eat properly in the valley before Gadmen; the upper section is exposed and gives little shade on a hot day.
4. Schöllenen gorge to Andermatt
The loop is not finished in Wassen. The last 10.5 km climb about 550 m through Göschenen and the Schöllenen gorge, over the Devil's Bridge, back to Andermatt. The average is around 5%, but the steepest ramps are in the gorge near the top, and after 110 km they feel harder than the numbers suggest. Afternoon wind in the valley can add to it.
Riding itKeep a gear in reserve for the gorge.
Above 2'000 Metres
Three summits, three different forecasts
On this loop you cross three separate mountain ranges and valleys, and each pass has its own weather. Sun on the Furka does not guarantee a clear Susten three hours later. That is why this is not a fixed-date tour. We agree on a window, I follow the forecast for all three passes during the week, and we ride when conditions are right. If they are not, we move the day.
2'224 Metres
The Susten: the longest climb, saved for the second half
By the time you reach Innertkirchen you have two passes in your legs. The Susten is the longest climb of the day and the one that asks the most, with a steady gradient up past the Steingletscher to the summit tunnel. At the top there is time to refill, eat something and take in the glacier views before the long descent toward Wassen and the final push up to Andermatt.
The day in pictures
Furka, Grimsel and Susten
The granite ridges above the Furka road, climbing from Andermatt. 
The old Hotel Belvedere on the Furka, just below the Rhône glacier. 
The last kilometres to the Susten summit, glacier ahead.
Logistics
Everything sorted around the riding
Getting to Andermatt
The return transfer from Zürich is included, about 75 to 90 minutes each way. We leave Zürich early, around 6am, because of the drive and the long day of riding ahead. I get you home afterwards, so you do not have to think about logistics.
Your bike
A road bike, yours or a local rental. The whole loop is paved. Let me know when you book and I will help you arrange a rental in Andermatt if you need one.
Group size
This day is built for 1 to 2 riders: one guide, one car, both bikes. Bigger groups need a second guide and vehicle, so those are arranged on request.
The weather call
We agree a date window rather than a fixed date. I make the go / no-go call 24 to 48 hours ahead based on the forecast for all three passes, and we reschedule at no charge if it is not safe.
Fitness required
This is the biggest day on offer: 120 km and around 3'700 m of climbing at altitude, with 6.5 to 8 hours of riding. You need strong fitness and experience with long climbs. If you regularly ride 5+ hours with serious elevation, you will manage it at your own pace. It is not a race.
Best season
Late June through September. The Furka, Grimsel and Susten are closed in winter and typically open fully within that window.
Kit & practicalities
What to bring for a day above 2'000 metres
Gearing
A compact chainset (50/34) with an 11-32 or 11-34 cassette. The Susten alone is 27.5 km of climbing, and you will want the low gears late in the day.
Lights
Front and rear lights are required. The route has tunnels and galleries on the Grimsel, the Susten and in the Schöllenen gorge, and some are dimly lit.
Clothing
The valleys can be hot in July and August while the summits can be cold, wet or both. Carry a windproof gilet or light rain jacket for the long descents; arm warmers help too.
Water & food
Realp, Gletsch, Innertkirchen, Gadmen and Wassen all have either a water fountain or a restaurant or shop where you can refill. We fill both bottles in Innertkirchen before the Susten. Bring enough food for a 7 to 8 hour day on the bike.
Pricing
What the day costs
Private, 1 rider
CHF 549
Private guiding for the full loop, plus the return transfer from Zürich to Andermatt. The base rate for one rider, one guide, one car.
- 2 riders
- CHF 699 total
- 3+ riders
- On request
The second rider adds CHF 150. Groups above 2 need a second guide and vehicle, so those days are quoted individually.
What's included
- Private return transfer between Zürich and Andermatt
- A full day of private guiding across all three passes
- Route planning and real-time weather calls
- Local knowledge of every climb, descent and coffee stop
- Help arranging a bike rental if needed
Not included: bike rental and meals along the way. Happy to help arrange both.
FAQ
Booking the Furka, Grimsel & Susten day
120 km with around 3'700 m of climbing, starting and finishing in Andermatt. Expect 6.5 to 8 hours of riding, plus stops, and a return transfer from Zürich of about 75 to 90 minutes each way.
It is longer and harder: 120 km and around 3'700 m of climbing, against 105 km and 3'112 m. Both start in Andermatt and include the transfer from Zürich. If you want the toughest single day on offer, this is it. If you are not sure, the Furka, Nufenen & Gotthard loop is the better first step.
Strong. Expect 6.5 to 8 hours of riding with three long climbs at altitude. You should be used to long rides with a lot of climbing. We ride at your pace, but the distance and elevation do not change.
We agree a window rather than a fixed date, and I make the final call 24 to 48 hours ahead based on the forecast for all three passes. If it is not safe, we move the day at no charge.
Road bike. The entire loop is paved. Bring your own or arrange a rental in Andermatt.
The CHF 549 rate is for one rider, including the return transfer from Zürich. A second rider adds CHF 150, CHF 699 total for two. Groups of 3+ need a second guide and car and are quoted individually.
A compact chainset (50/34) with an 11-32 or 11-34 cassette. The Susten is 27.5 km and 1'600 m of climbing on its own, and the steeper ramps come in its upper half.
The Susten. It starts at the lowest point of the day in Innertkirchen, about 630 m, and climbs roughly 1'600 m over 27.5 km to 2'224 m, with the steeper kilometres near 10% in the upper half.