Susten Pass

The Susten Pass is one of Switzerland’s classic Alpine motorcycle roads, linking the cantons of Bern and Uri through a spectacular high-mountain landscape. Rising to 2,224 metres, the pass is known for its carefully engineered road, long sweeping bends and distinctive sequence of hairpins. Unlike some of Switzerland’s more famous passes, Susten retains a sense of flow that makes the road itself as enjoyable as the scenery surrounding it.

The climb from Innertkirchen gradually becomes more demanding as the valley narrows and the road gains altitude. Long, flowing corners are mixed with tighter switchbacks, while the landscape changes from green Alpine meadows to exposed rock and high mountain terrain. Near Steingletscher, the road becomes noticeably more dramatic, with the surrounding peaks and glacier creating a powerful backdrop to the final climb.

For riders, Susten offers an excellent balance between technical riding and rhythm. The corners are frequent enough to keep the ride engaging, but the road never feels like a continuous sequence of hairpins. Combined with relatively light traffic compared with some of Switzerland’s better-known passes, this makes Susten one of the roads where you can settle into a natural riding rhythm and enjoy the mountain.

Susten does not need to shout to make an impression. Its appeal lies in the way the road, the landscape and the rhythm of the ride come together. Find your line, hold your pace and let the pass unfold.

The Susten Pass is a high-altitude seasonal road and is normally closed during the winter months, with opening dates depending on snow conditions. Weather can change quickly near the summit, and temperatures can be considerably lower than in the valleys. The road is generally quieter than Switzerland’s most famous Alpine passes, but summer weekends can still bring motorcycles, cars and cyclists. Check current road conditions before setting out, particularly early or late in the season.

The Ride Beyond route begins in Innertkirchen and follows the valley towards Gadmen. The opening section is relatively gentle, with the road gradually narrowing as it moves deeper into the mountains. The surrounding landscape becomes increasingly alpine as the route begins its sustained climb towards the pass.

Beyond Gadmen, the road becomes more engaging, combining flowing bends with increasingly tight corners as it approaches Steingletscher. The glacier and surrounding peaks mark the transition into the high-altitude section, where the road climbs across the mountainside through a series of well-spaced hairpins.

The final climb reaches the Susten Pass summit at 2,224 metres before the route begins its descent towards Wassen. The eastern side has a different rhythm, with the road winding through exposed mountain terrain before gradually dropping into the Reuss Valley. The contrast between the high pass and the lower valley makes the crossing feel more complete than simply riding to the summit and turning around.

Susten is a road to ride with rhythm rather than rush. The best moments come when the corners, elevation and landscape all start to flow together.