One Day, Four Legendary Passes – The Ultimate Swiss Alps Motorcycle Loop
Throttle, twist, repeat—this one-day Swiss Alps loop serves up four legendary passes, roaring waterfalls, and glacier-carved views at every turn.
From James Bond hairpins to folklore stones, it’s 191 miles of pure mountain magic.
There are motorcycle rides you remember, and then there are rides that etch themselves into your soul. The Swiss Alps offer the latter in abundance, and this one-day loop delivers a greatest-hits playlist of high-altitude thrills, dramatic landscapes, and iconic road engineering. Starting at the gateway to the Grimsel region, this route weaves through cascading waterfalls, glacier-fed gorges, and some of Europe’s most celebrated mountain passes—including the historic Gotthard, the sweeping Susten, the rugged Nufenen, and the legendary Furka made famous by James Bond.
With every ascent and descent, you’ll be trading hairpins for horizon views, skirting turquoise lakes, and brushing past Alpine folklore sites like the Teufelsstein (“Devil’s Stone”). Between the adrenaline-fuelled passes are moments to pause—a stroll across suspended walkways in the Aare Gorge, a ride on one of Europe’s steepest funiculars, or a plate of hearty Swiss-German fare in Andermatt.
It’s a 191-mile loop that packs in more scenery, culture, and riding satisfaction than most week-long tours—perfect for those who believe that a day in the saddle should be nothing short of unforgettable. Check out my own experience of riding this fantastic loop in my Baffle: Riding Solo Across the Channel - Part 2
Key Notes for Riders – Weather & Bike Prep
🌦 Expect Rapid Weather Changes
Dress for the weather! Even down to waterproof booties.
The Alps can throw four seasons in a day: sunshine in the valley, fog or rain mid‑slope, and even snow on high passes. You can start one side of the pass with tons of sunshine and get to the other with snow and rain. It changes that quickly.
Check local pass reports and webcams before you set off.
🧥 Gear for All Conditions
Pack as if it’s winter at altitude, even in summer:
Waterproof and insulated gloves
Heated or thermal base layers
A high‑quality waterproof outer shell
Add neck buffs and thermal liners—small but game‑changing in freezing winds.
🏍 Bike Preparedness is Crucial
Service your bike before the trip; make sure brakes, fluids, and chain/belt are in top condition.
Check your tires: good tread and proper pressure are essential for wet and cold alpine roads.
Consider tire types that handle sudden rain or light snow well; avoid worn sport tires on unpredictable passes.
Looking for affordable luggage that won’t break the bank? Check out my choices HERE.
❄ Snow & Ice Awareness
Snow can linger on shaded hairpins well into summer.
Early morning and late evening rides are most prone to frost and ice—time your pass crossings accordingly.
If caught in snow, descend carefully; conditions improve quickly at lower altitude.
⛽ Fuel & Flexibility
Top up before remote passes; detours for weather or closures can be long.
Have a backup route in case a pass is closed due to snow or landslides.
🕐 Smart Riding Timing
Late morning to mid‑afternoon is safest for high passes—less frost, better visibility.
Avoid pushing a pass if fog or snow reduces visibility below 50 m; wait it out at a café or refuge.
🏔 Emergency Ready
Carry a thermal blanket and basic tools.
Download offline maps in case GPS signal drops in deep valleys.
📸 Pro Tip
Cloud breaks and snow‑dusted peaks make for dramatic photos—just take them from a safe stop, never mid‑hairpin.
The Route
This one-day Swiss Alps loop packs four legendary passes—Susten, Furka, Gotthard, and Nufenen—into a 191-mile ride bursting with alpine drama. Starting from Giswil, you’ll weave through glacier-fed gorges, folklore landmarks, and high-altitude hairpins, with scenic stops for waterfalls, bridges, and hearty Swiss fare along the way. Perfect for riders who want maximum scenery and thrill in a single day.
Aare Gorge
What: A dramatic glacial canyon carved by the Aare River, featuring suspended walkways through towering limestone walls. This natural wonder offers a powerful introduction to Switzerland’s alpine landscape—making it an ideal first stop as you ride in from Zurich and begin your ascent into the heart of the Alps.
Notes:
🕒 Opening Times: Daily from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (summer season: extended to 7:00 PM)
💰 Entry fee: ~CHF 10
🚶 Easy 1 km walk through the gorge with tunnels and boardwalks
🅿️ Free motorcycle parking available at the west entrance
📸 Best visited in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds
Susten Pass
What: A favorite among motorcyclists for its smooth curves and alpine drama, Susten Pass offers a balanced mix of technical riding, wide scenic stretches, and breathtaking glacier views. Linking the Bernese Oberland to the Uri region, it's often considered one of the most beautiful riding roads in the Swiss Alps.
Notes:
🕒 Open Season: Typically June to October, depending on snowfall
🗺️ Elevation: 2,260 m
❄️ Stunning views of the Stein Glacier and surrounding peaks
🏍️ Ideal combination of flow and challenge—perfect for spirited riding
📸 Several pull-offs for photography and panoramic views
🧭 Often combined in a loop with Grimsel and Furka for a “3-Pass Day”
🚗 Can get busy with RVs and cars during peak hours—early starts recommended
Gotthard Pass
What: One of Switzerland’s most legendary alpine crossings, Gotthard Pass links the German- and Italian-speaking regions of the country. Riders can choose between the modern highway tunnel or the scenic old cobbled Tremola Road, a twisting masterpiece of hand-laid granite that climbs dramatically through the pass.
Notes:
🕒 Open Season: Typically June to October, depending on snow
🛣️ Ride the Tremola route for a historic, stone-paved ascent (caution: wet cobbles can be slick)
🗺️ Elevation: 2,106 m
🏁 Popular route among motorcyclists and cyclists alike
🏔️ Great views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes
📍 Connects well with Furka, Nufenen, and Grimsel for a multi-pass loop
🚫 Closed in winter — always check weather and road status in shoulder months
Nufenpass
What: Switzerland’s second-highest paved mountain pass, Nufenenpass (Passo della Novena) offers sweeping panoramic views and a thrilling ride along wide, open switchbacks. Less crowded than its more famous neighbors, it delivers one of the most tranquil yet dramatic alpine ascents in the country.
Notes:
🕒 Open Season: Usually June to October, weather permitting
🗺️ Elevation: 2,478 m — one of the highest rideable passes in Switzerland
🏍️ Ideal for a smooth, flowing ride with great sight lines
🌄 Offers views of the Bernese Alps and Valais peaks
☕ Small restaurant/kiosk at the summit (open during summer)
🚫 No fuel stations directly on the pass — fill up in Ulrichen or Airolo
📸 Popular for sunrise or sunset photo stops due to its elevation and open views
Furka Pass
What:
An iconic Swiss alpine pass with jaw-dropping views, Furka Pass is famed for its sweeping hairpins, dramatic glacier overlooks, and James Bond film fame (seen in Goldfinger). It's a must-ride route that links well with Grimsel and Gotthard for the ultimate high-mountain loop.
Notes:
🕒 Open Season: Typically June to October (subject to snow)
🗺️ Elevation: 2,429 m
🧊 Home to the Rhone Glacier, visible from the road with an optional walk to the ice cave
🎬 Featured in the 1964 Bond movie Goldfinger
🏍️ Tight switchbacks, technical riding—watch for tour buses in summer
🧭 Connects well with Grimsel, Nufenen, and Gotthard
📍 Great spot for drone footage and panoramic photos
🚫 Check local updates for avalanche or fog warnings in early/late season
By the time you roll back to your starting point, the odometer will read just under 200 miles—but it’ll feel like you’ve travelled through a dozen worlds. Snow-capped peaks, roaring waterfalls, twisting ribbons of tarmac, and pockets of Swiss tradition all blend into a ride that is equal parts challenge and reward. Whether you came for the tight hairpins, the sweeping alpine curves, or simply the pure joy of riding in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, this Swiss Alps loop proves that a single day can hold a lifetime of memories. The mountains may fade in your mirrors, but trust me—this is a route that stays with you long after the engine cools.
Carpe Viam Full Throttle