Switzerland · Alps
Grimselpass
A classic Swiss pass connecting the Haslital with the Goms valley. Stark granite landscapes and reservoirs make it feel otherworldly.
- Length
- 26.0 km
- Avg gradient
- 5.2%
- Max gradient
- 11%
- Elevation gain
- 1,341 m
- Summit
- 2,164 m
- Hairpins
- 16
Versants
- From Innertkirchen — 26.0 km at 5.2% (max 11%)
- From Gletsch — 6.0 km at 6.8% (max 10%)
History
The Grimselpass connects the Haslital with the Goms valley and is known for its stark granite landscapes — there are almost no trees at the summit, just bare rock and the reservoirs of multiple hydroelectric dams. The scenery is more geological than vegetative, making it feel like a moon landscape among the Bernese Alps.
The climb from Innertkirchen is 26 km at 5.2% average, one of the longer sustained climbs in the Alps but with an easy gradient that makes it more of an endurance test than a power climb. The final approach crosses multiple hydroelectric dam systems that are themselves engineering spectacles.
The Grimsel is less famous than the Furka or Gotthard but equally impressive for those seeking Alpine scenery with fewer crowds. Swiss cyclists use it regularly as a winter training climb, and it's popular for multiday pass tours in the region.