The Sustenpass, in central Switzerland, rounds out the trio of great Swiss Alpine passes alongside the Furka and the Grimsel — a remarkably well-engineered climb, carved into the rock, that opens onto a direct view of the Stein Glacier.
An engineer’s road cut into the mountain
From Wassen, the road climbs 19 km for 1,400 m of elevation gain, averaging 7.4% through a succession of tunnels and viaducts characteristic of its construction between 1938 and 1946. The scenery gradually opens onto alpine pastures and then high-mountain terrain, up to a direct view of the Stein Glacier just before the summit.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset is still useful on the steeper ramps of the second half of the climb. The proximity of the Stein Glacier makes the air noticeably cooler at the summit: warm layers are recommended for the descent, whichever side you take.
When to go
June to September, as the road stays closed by snow the rest of the year at this altitude. Traffic, lighter than at the neighbouring Furka and Grimsel passes for lack of a resort at the top, makes the climb particularly pleasant even at the height of the season.
Good to know
Wassen, at the Uri foot of the pass, and Innertkirchen on the Bernese side offer enough accommodation, with convenient access to link this pass with the Furka and the Grimsel for a stay centred on the great passes of central Switzerland.
