The Loop That Every Alpine Enthusiast Must Drive

In the heart of the Swiss Alps, three mountain passes form a near-perfect triangle that has become known as the Holy Trinity of alpine driving. The Grimsel Pass (2,164 m), Furka Pass (2,429 m), and Susten Pass (2,224 m) together create a roughly 120 km loop through some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere in the Alps.

Starting from the small town of Innertkirchen in the Haslital valley, the loop can be driven in either direction — but each way offers a completely different experience.

Grimsel Pass — The Moody One

The Grimsel Pass (2,164 m) is the most atmospheric of the three. The road climbs from the Haslital through a landscape shaped by hydroelectric power — vast reservoir lakes reflecting granite peaks, and tunnels blasted through solid rock.

The southern approach is wild and stark: smooth granite slabs, sparse vegetation, and the brooding waters of the Grimselsee and Räterichsbodensee. At the summit, the historic Grimsel Hospiz has provided shelter to travellers since the 14th century.

Key facts:

• Elevation: 2,164 m
• Road length: 38 km
• Max gradient: 11%
• Connects: Haslital (BE) with upper Rhone valley (VS)

Furka Pass — The Famous One

The Furka Pass (2,429 m) is probably the most recognizable of the three, thanks to its starring role in the James Bond film Goldfinger (1964). The scene where Bond's Aston Martin DB5 chases Tilly Masterson's Ford Mustang was filmed on the switchbacks of the Furka.

But the Furka's appeal goes far beyond cinema. From its summit you get a direct view of the Rhone Glacier — the source of the river that flows all the way to the Mediterranean. The glacier has retreated dramatically in recent decades, making each visit a reminder of how quickly the alpine landscape is changing.

The road itself is a masterpiece of engineering, with long sweeping curves on the Uri side and tighter, steeper hairpins descending into the Valais.

Key facts:

• Elevation: 2,429 m
• Road length: 25.5 km
• Max gradient: 11%
• Connects: Andermatt (UR) with Gletsch (VS)

Susten Pass — The Beautiful One

Many consider the Susten Pass (2,224 m) to be the most scenic of the three — and perhaps the most beautiful pass road in all of Switzerland. Built between 1938 and 1946, it was designed from the start with aesthetics in mind, unlike older passes that followed ancient mule trails.

The highlight is the eastern approach from Wassen, where the road winds through the dramatic Meien Valley before climbing to the Steingletscher (Stone Glacier). The final kilometres before the summit are breathtaking: the road curves through a high-alpine amphitheatre of rock and ice, with the remnants of the glacier visible just above.

Key facts:

• Elevation: 2,224 m
• Road length: 45 km
• Max gradient: 9%
• Connects: Haslital (BE) with Reuss valley (UR)

Planning the Loop

The Holy Trinity loop is best driven between June and October, though exact opening dates vary with snowfall. Here's what to know:

Direction: Clockwise (Grimsel → Furka → Susten) is the most popular direction, but counter-clockwise puts you on the outside of the most dramatic curves with better views.

Duration: Allow at least 4–5 hours for the full loop with stops. The roads are narrow in places and heavy with motorcycle and cycling traffic on summer weekends.

Starting point: Innertkirchen or Meiringen are the most convenient bases. Andermatt is another popular option, sitting between the Furka and Susten passes.

Fuel & facilities: Fill up before you start — there are limited services on the passes themselves. The Grimsel Hospiz and the Hotel Furka-Blick offer food and drink at altitude.

Why It Matters

The Holy Trinity isn't just a driving route — it's a condensed experience of everything that makes the Swiss Alps extraordinary. In a single loop you'll encounter glaciers, reservoirs, wildflower meadows, granite moonscapes, and engineering marvels. You'll cross three cantonal borders and two language boundaries.

Whether you're driving a sports car, riding a motorcycle, or pedalling a bicycle, this is a loop that will stay with you long after the last hairpin.