Central Switzerland is home to some of the most scenic and famous mountain passes, offering breathtaking views, outdoor adventures, and easy access to the Swiss Alps. These passes are also well-connected by a range of transportation options, including buses, trains, and cable cars. The Tell-Pass is a popular travel pass in this region that provides unlimited access to many of these transportation options, making it an excellent choice for exploring the area.
Here’s a guide to Central Switzerland’s mountain passes, including the Tell-Pass:
1. Furka Pass
- Elevation: 2,429 meters (7,970 ft)
- Highlights:
- Stunning alpine scenery and views of the Rhone Glacier.
- A key filming location for the James Bond movie, Goldfinger.
- Connects the cantons of Uri and Valais.
- Activities: Hiking, driving, and glacier visits.
- Accessibility: Open to cars and cyclists during the summer months; closed in winter due to snow.
2. Susten Pass
- Elevation: 2,224 meters (7,297 ft)
- Highlights:
- Beautiful panoramic views and a great mix of tunnels and bridges.
- Passes through the Stein Glacier.
- Links the canton of Uri to Bern.
- Activities: Hiking, road cycling, and scenic drives.
- Accessibility: Open typically from June to October.
3. Grimsel Pass
- Elevation: 2,164 meters (7,100 ft)
- Highlights:
- Connects the canton of Bern with Valais.
- Stunning lake views and dramatic alpine landscapes.
- Ideal for motorcycle tours and scenic road trips.
- Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying lakeside picnics.
- Accessibility: Open in summer months only.
4. Klausen Pass
- Elevation: 1,948 meters (6,391 ft)
- Highlights:
- Connects the canton of Uri with Glarus.
- Historic mountain route used since the Roman times.
- Popular with motorcyclists and cyclists for its winding roads and challenging routes.
- Activities: Cycling, hiking, and mountaineering.
- Accessibility: Typically open from late May to October.
5. Gotthard Pass
- Elevation: 2,106 meters (6,909 ft)
- Highlights:
- One of Switzerland’s most historic passes, linking the north and south of the country.
- The pass has played a key role in Swiss history for centuries, serving as a major trade route.
- Features the Gotthard Tunnel and the old Tremola road with its iconic cobblestones.
- Activities: Hiking, historical tours, and scenic drives.
- Accessibility: Open in summer; the Gotthard Tunnel is accessible year-round.
The Tell-Pass
The Tell-Pass is an all-in-one travel pass specifically designed for exploring Central Switzerland. Named after the legendary Swiss hero William Tell, the pass provides unlimited travel across multiple forms of public transport, including trains, buses, boats, and cable cars, within Central Switzerland.
Key Features of the Tell-Pass:
- Unlimited Travel: With the Tell-Pass, you can travel without limits on trains, boats, buses, and up to 40 cable cars in the Central Switzerland region.
- Coverage: It includes popular areas such as Lucerne, Engelberg, Mount Titlis, Pilatus, Rigi, and Stoos, making it ideal for mountain pass excursions.
- Seasons: The Tell-Pass is available for both summer and winter, making it a flexible option for year-round travel.
- Discounts and Offers: Many cable cars and mountain railways, as well as some museums and attractions, offer discounts for Tell-Pass holders.
Tell-Pass Options:
- 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10-Day Passes: You can choose the duration of your pass depending on the length of your stay and how many places you plan to visit.
- Children’s Discounts: Children under 6 travel for free, and those aged 6 to 16 can travel with a Tell-Pass at a reduced rate.
Ideal for Visiting These Mountain Passes:
The Tell-Pass makes it easy to explore the mountain passes in Central Switzerland, giving you access to major transportation hubs like Lucerne, Engelberg, and Andermatt, as well as excursions to:
- Mount Pilatus via cable car and cogwheel railway.
- Rigi via boat and mountain railway.
- Stanserhorn with the world’s first open-top cable car.
- Titlis and its famous rotating cable car.
How to Use the Tell-Pass:
- Simply show your pass when boarding trains, boats, or cable cars included in the region.
- You can purchase the Tell-Pass online or at tourist information centers in Switzerland.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: June to October is the best time to visit most of these passes for hiking, driving, and scenic tours. Most mountain passes are open during this period.
- Winter: While many passes close, some, like the Gotthard Tunnel, remain accessible. The Tell-Pass also works for ski resorts and cable cars during the winter season.