Susten Pass

Start in Wassen

I prefer driving Susten Pass from Wassen towards Meiringen. The climb from the Wassen side feels wide, well surfaced and naturally suited to a sports car. There is space to enjoy the car’s grip and the low-end torque of the BMW Z4 M40i while keeping a sensible, legal pace.

The descent towards Meiringen is narrower and more technical. I take that half at a calmer rhythm, which also avoids putting unnecessary heat into the brakes. For me, this direction gives the route a better flow from start to finish.

Rock, green valleys and summer snow

What made the strongest impression was the contrast: dark rock walls, deep green Alpine slopes and snow still visible on the peaks in summer. During my visit there was even old snow beside the parking area near the pass.

It is one of those places where you can arrive in shorts, pick up a handful of snow and throw a snowball simply because the landscape makes it feel impossible not to. That small detail captures the character of Susten better than a generic list of viewpoints.

More space to enjoy the drive

Whenever I have driven these three passes, Susten has felt like the least crowded. There were fewer mixed groups of cars, cyclists and other road users than on the Furka route, giving the drive a little more breathing room.

I also noticed more interesting sports cars here than elsewhere. That does not turn the road into a race track: it simply adds to the feeling that Susten attracts people who genuinely appreciate driving and the mountains.

How long to allow

The drive from Wassen to Meiringen covers approximately 51 km. At a brisk but lawful pace, and without stops, I usually allow around one hour. Add extra time for photographs, the mountain scenery and any snow you find beside the road.