Why this road
Built in the 1940s for cars, the Susten is one of the most elegant pass roads in Switzerland: wide, smooth, with tunnels and stone walls that fit the mountain. The highlight is the Stein glacier, which you see from the road above a green lake. The descent through the Meiental is long and quiet. In Innertkirchen it links up with the Grimsel and the Furka, so many people make a loop of all three.
The route
- AInnertkirchen
Start in Innertkirchen, where the Grimsel road comes down. Take the road east into the Gadmertal.
- 1Gadmen
A string of farmhouses on the sunny side of the valley, with steep rock faces above. From here the road climbs in earnest.
- 2Steingletscher
A hotel at the foot of the Stein glacier. A side road leads a short way up to the glacier lake.
- 3Sustenpass
The top at 2,224 m. The road crosses in a short tunnel; park near it and walk up for the view back over the glacier.
- 4Meien
A tiny village in the Meiental, a long, narrow valley with scattered farms and steep slopes on both sides.
- BWassen
The end of the pass on the Gotthard route. The church of Wassen on its hill is known from the famous railway loops below.
Stops worth it
Take the side road up to the glacier lake: grey ice above green water and a short walk along the shore.
From the car park at the top, walk a few minutes up for the view of the Stein glacier from above.
Light and the best time
You drive east up the Gadmertal, so in the morning the sun is ahead of you and can dazzle on the climb. The Stein glacier lies south of the road: late morning gives it side light, around midday it is against the light. From early afternoon the sun is behind you and the peaks ahead are well lit, but clouds often build by then. A start at about 10 is a good compromise. In the Meiental on the way down to Wassen you drive east again, with the sun high or behind you.
The pass is usually open from about June to October, depending on snow, and closed in winter. Check before you go. July to September is the most reliable time. Summer weekends are busy with motorbikes. Early autumn has clear air and fewer people.
By vehicle
A classic, with wide, smooth curves and tunnels. It pairs perfectly with the Grimsel and the Furka in one day.
Lovely open-top, the road is wide enough to enjoy the views. Cold at the top, bring a jacket.
Easy for any car, one of the most comfortable high passes in the Alps.
A long, steady climb on both sides. The western side from Innertkirchen is longer.
Good to know
No toll; the Swiss motorway vignette is only needed on motorways, not on the pass road. The road is closed in winter. There is little fuel on the way, fill up in Innertkirchen or Wassen. Parking at the top and at the glacier is limited on summer weekends. Postbuses use the road, give them room in the bends.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
When is the Susten Pass open?
Usually from about June to October, depending on snow. Check the current status before you go.
How long does it take to drive the Susten Pass?
About an hour of pure driving from Innertkirchen to Wassen. With stops at the glacier and the top, plan two to three hours.
Do I need a vignette for the Susten Pass?
No, the vignette is only needed on Swiss motorways. The pass road itself is free.
Can I combine the Susten with the Grimsel and Furka?
Yes, they meet at Innertkirchen, Gletsch and Andermatt. The loop of Susten, Furka and Grimsel is a popular day trip.