📷 Nikater, Public domainGrimsel Pass
Guttannen, Switzerland
A 2,164 m pass of polished granite and reservoirs between the Bernese Oberland and the Valais. The road is usually open from June to October.
At 2,164 metres the Grimsel Pass is a high Alpine pass in the Bernese Alps between the Haslital in the canton of Bern and the upper Rhone valley in the Valais. Near the summit lies the Totesee, which was enlarged into a reservoir and lies right beside the road. Other lakes along the way are the Räterichsbodensee and the Grimselsee, near which the Grimsel Hospice stands at about 1,980 metres.
The crossing has a long trading history: in 1397 districts and cities including Bern agreed to keep the mule track open and safe, and a hospice is recorded from 1400. Cheese and cattle went south, wine, rice, maize and olive oil went north, until the Gotthard railway opened in 1882. In 1894 the mule track was upgraded to a paved road.
The road is normally closed from October to May because of heavy snowfall. Please check the current status in advance.
- Nearest town
- Guttannen, Switzerland
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 46.5613, 8.3374
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. Cold, short days in November–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Furkapass (2,429 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: The Furka car-carrying train (Oberwald–Realp) runs all year.
- Grimselpass (2,164 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Go round via the Brünig and Furka car train.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- GrimselblickCampsite18 km from Grimsel PassTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping GadmenCampsite20 km from Grimsel PassTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWi-Fi
- Gotthard Camping AndermattMotorhome stopover21 km from Grimsel PassCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Hofstatt-DerfliCampsite22 km from Grimsel PassTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping EggishornCampsite23 km from Grimsel PassTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping GletscherdorfCampsite23 km from Grimsel Pass · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Grimsel Pass?
Grimsel Pass is in Guttannen, Switzerland, at GPS 46.5613, 8.3374. It is about 7 km from Ulrichen.
Can you camp near Grimsel Pass?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Stellplatz Alpenrösli, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Grimsel Pass?
Grimsel Pass is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lakes Thun and Brienz to the Grimsel Pass.
What is there to see near Grimsel Pass?
Places worth a stop nearby: Furkapass (6 km), Gotthard Pass and the Tremola (17 km), Aare Gorge (20 km) and Susten Pass (21 km).
When is the best time to visit Grimsel Pass?
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)