Five must-drive mountain roads in Switzerland
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The Swiss Alps are a cacophony of cowbells and tyre-screeching corners where, if the altitude doesn’t take your breath away, then the views most certainly will. There really is nowhere else where such a plethora of driving pleasure can be found in such close proximity. Here are five to get you started.
Flüela Pass
Nathan Morgan
The Flüela Pass begins on the outskirts of Davos in a rather barren, rock-strewn and tree-free environment. Wind through a few hairpins and it opens up to a flat and fast section leading to the stunning Schottensee lake. It’s a great starting point for any Swiss driving adventure. Find out more.
Stelvio Pass
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The Stelvio Pass is a bucket list drive for many, thanks to its 48 hairpins and Jeremy Clarkson calling it “The best road… in the world.” Madly popular with driver, riders and cyclists you need to time your drive carefully to get the best out of it. Find out more.
Great St Bernard Pass
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The mountain pass where the rescue dogs got their name is a belter. It’s smooth, spectacular and immortalised in film during the opening sequence to The Italian Job. Find out more.
Furka Pass
Nik Berg
Another one for film fans, the Furka Pass saw James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 run Tilly Masterson’s Mustang off the road in Goldfinger. It’s a fabulous mix of tight hairpins and more open corners and features the most amazing stilt-supported section. Find out more.
Gotthard Pass
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The Gotthard Pass is one of the most challenging mountain roads in Switzerland. Effectively replaced by the short-cutting Gotthard Tunnel in 1980 it carries less traffic than other passes. But those that do drive it are there either for the thrills or the views. So that means a mix of mad motorcyclists and supercar drivers, with the odd motorhome to act as a rolling roadblock. Thankfully there’s room to pass if you’re patient. Otherwise expect to be rewarded with steep rises and falls, switchbacks and an amazing cobbled section leading to the summit and the National Gotthard Museum.