Susten Pass by Motorcycle: A Rider's Paradise in the Heart of the Swiss Alps
Among Switzerland's great Alpine passes, the Susten Pass holds a special place. Connecting the cantons of Uri and Bern, it reaches an altitude of 2,224 metres (7,297 ft) and is widely regarded as one of the finest mountain roads in Europe.
Unlike many older Alpine passes, the Susten road was designed during the 20th century with smooth, flowing curves, a wide carriageway, and an exceptionally well-maintained surface. The result is a road that feels purpose-built for the pure enjoyment of riding.
Between waterfalls, glaciers, lush valleys, and dramatic rocky peaks, the Susten offers breathtaking scenery at every turn. Every kilometre invites you to slow down and soak in the spectacular surroundings.
Whether you're planning a day ride or a multi-day motorcycle tour through the Swiss Alps, the Susten Pass is an absolute must.
Susten Pass at a Glance
Information Details
Altitude 2,224 m (7,297 ft)
Connects Wassen (Uri) – Innertkirchen (Bern)
Length Approximately 46 km
Difficulty ★★☆☆☆
Road Surface Excellent
Opening Season Usually from June to October
Opening dates depend on snowfall and weather conditions. Always check the pass status before your trip: https://www.tcs.ch/fr/tools/inforoute-situation-trafic/cols-en-suisse.php
Why Do Motorcyclists Love the Susten Pass ?
The Susten isn't famous because of its altitude.
It's famous because of its road.
The sweeping bends are perfectly engineered, the transitions are smooth, and visibility is excellent along much of the route. Instead of endless tight hairpins, you enjoy a flowing rhythm that makes every kilometre a pleasure to ride.
Add to that an ever-changing landscape of forests, mountain streams, waterfalls, glaciers, and towering cliffs, and it's easy to understand why so many riders consider the Susten Pass to be the most enjoyable motorcycle road in Switzerland.
The Climb from Wassen
Starting from Wassen, the ascent begins gently.
The road follows the valley before gradually gaining elevation. The first few kilometres wind through lush green scenery, accompanied by mountain streams that run alongside the road.
As you climb higher, the mountains seem to close in around you.
The curves become more frequent, yet they remain beautifully flowing and predictable.
Overall, the road feels perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Personally, this is where I like to let the bike stretch its legs. The excellent visibility and flowing corners allow for a brisk but enjoyable pace—about ten minutes of pure riding pleasure.
The Climb from Innertkirchen
The Bernese side is just as spectacular.
The road winds between towering rock faces, passes through several tunnels, and offers magnificent views of the surrounding glaciers.
As you approach the summit, the scenery becomes increasingly rugged and alpine.
Every bend reveals a new panorama.
It's a side of the pass that's best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
The Stein Glacier
One of the highlights of the Susten Pass is the view of the Stein Glacier.
From several viewpoints along the road, you can admire this immense river of ice flowing down from the surrounding peaks.
It's one of the most breathtaking sights on the entire pass.
Take a few minutes to stop, switch off the engine, and simply enjoy the view.
The Best Places to Stop
The Susten Pass is filled with places where it's worth switching off the engine and taking in the scenery.
Some of our favourites include:
Viewpoints overlooking the Stein Glacier
The waterfalls that line the road
Scenic parking areas with panoramic views
The summit of the pass
The charming heart-shaped mountain lake
As tempting as it is to keep riding, these stops are an essential part of the Susten experience.
When Is the Best Time to Ride the Susten Pass ?
June
Snow walls often still line parts of the road, creating spectacular Alpine scenery.
July
Ideal riding conditions.
Long daylight hours and generally dry roads make this one of the best months to visit.
August
Traffic increases, especially on weekends.
Setting off early in the morning allows you to enjoy quieter roads.
September
Probably the perfect balance.
The temperatures remain pleasant, the roads are less crowded, and the autumn light makes the mountain landscapes even more breathtaking.
Mistakes to Avoid
The Susten Pass is accessible to most riders, but a few precautions are worth remembering:
Don't underestimate how quickly temperatures can change at altitude.
Stay alert in the tunnels, where the road surface can remain damp.
Give cyclists plenty of space.
Save the sightseeing for your stops—keep your eyes on the road while riding.
A smooth, relaxed riding style is the best way to enjoy this magnificent road.
Where to Take a Break
Several cafés, mountain restaurants, and lodges along the Susten Pass make excellent places to stop and recharge.
With ALPEX Moto, we'll take you to our favourite rider-friendly mountain refuges.
Can You Combine the Susten with Other Passes ?
Absolutely.
The Susten Pass is part of several legendary Swiss Alpine routes and combines perfectly with:
Grimsel Pass Grimselpass by motorcycle: the complete guide to discovering one of the most beautiful passes in the Swiss Alps
Gotthard Pass Gotthard Pass by Motorcycle: Between History, Cobblestones and Legendary Roads
Nufenen Pass Nufenenpass by motorcycle: the highest road pass in Switzerland entirely located on Swiss territory
Together, these passes create one of the finest motorcycle routes anywhere in the Alps.
My Personal Opinion
For me, the Susten Pass is the Swiss equivalent of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy—without the racing.
The visibility is outstanding, the road surface is flawless, and the succession of flowing corners lets you maintain a spirited pace while still riding safely.
It's the kind of road that gets your adrenaline pumping from the first bend to the last.
Discover the Susten Pass with ALPEX Moto
The Susten Pass is one of the routes we enjoy sharing the most.
Thanks to our extensive knowledge of the Swiss Alps, we tailor every ride according to the weather, the season, and the experience level of the group.
Our goal is simple: to help you discover Switzerland's finest mountain roads in the best possible conditions, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, the stops, and the sheer pleasure of riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Susten Pass suitable for beginners?
Yes. Thanks to its excellent road surface and flowing curves, it's accessible to most riders, provided you ride within your limits.
When is the best time to ride it?
Between June and September, when the pass is open and conditions are generally at their best.
How much time should I allow?
Without stops, crossing the pass takes around one hour. However, to fully enjoy the viewpoints and scenery, allow several hours.
Is the Susten more beautiful than the Furka or the Grimsel?
Each pass has its own character.
The Susten is often considered the most enjoyable to ride thanks to its flowing layout, while the Furka is famous for its iconic scenery and the Grimsel for its spectacular dams and mountain lakes.
Conclusion
The Susten Pass is one of the finest motorcycle roads in the Swiss Alps.
Its flowing design, outstanding road surface, and ever-changing mountain scenery make it a true paradise for riders.
Whether you're spending a day exploring the region or embarking on a longer Swiss Alpine road trip, make sure the Susten is on your itinerary—you'll quickly understand why so many motorcyclists rank it among their favourite roads.