ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND – THE HEART OF SWISS ALPINE DRIVING
Wake up surrounded by 3,000-metre peaks, spend the day crossing legendary mountain passes, then return to a luxury alpine spa as the evening sun lights up the surrounding mountains. Few places in Europe combine world-class driving, luxury hotels and breathtaking scenery quite like Andermatt.
Andermatt 🇨🇭 is arguably the best base for a driving holiday in the Swiss Alps. Nestled at 1,447 m (4,747 ft) in the Ursern Valley, this historic mountain village sits at the crossroads of some of Europe's most spectacular mountain roads.
From Andermatt, six legendary Alpine passes — Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Gotthard, Oberalp and Nufenen — are all within easy reach, creating a concentration of world-class driving that's difficult to match anywhere in Europe.
Whether you're planning an unforgettable Swiss road trip, a luxury driving holiday or simply want to experience the country's greatest mountain roads, Andermatt has become the destination of choice for driving enthusiasts from around the world.
Scenic: ★★★★★
Driving Variety: ★★★★★
WHY ANDERMATT IS SO SPECIAL
Most Alpine destinations offer access to one or two famous roads. From Andermatt, six legendary mountain passes unfold in every direction.
Furka Pass – Switzerland's most iconic driving road
Grimsel Pass – dramatic reservoirs and granite landscapes
Susten Pass – glacier views and flowing sweepers
Gotthard Pass – historic Swiss crossing and the Tremola
Oberalp Pass – Glacier Express scenery and wide-open tundra
Nufenen Pass – Switzerland's highest paved mountain pass
Klausen Pass – Classic Alpine Road
This unique location allows visitors to drive a different legendary road every day without constantly changing hotels.
THE BIG 3 PASSES OF ANDERMATT
Furka Pass
Made famous by the James Bond film Goldfinger, the Furka Pass combines dramatic elevation, tight bends and unforgettable views of the Rhone Glacier.
Scenic: ★★★★★
Thrilling: ★★★★★
Grimsel Pass
Known for its enormous reservoirs, granite peaks and cinematic scenery, Grimsel feels unlike any other pass in Switzerland.
Scenic: ★★★★★
Thrilling: ★★★★☆
Susten Pass
Wide, smooth and beautifully engineered, Susten is often considered one of the finest grand-touring roads in the Alps.
Scenic: ★★★★★
Thrilling: ★★★★☆
Together, these three roads form Switzerland's famous "Big 3" Alpine Pass Loop.
OTHER GREAT ROADS NEAR ANDERMATT
Gotthard Pass
One of Europe's most historic crossings, featuring both a modern summit road and the legendary Tremola cobblestone route.
Oberalp Pass
The scenic link between Andermatt and the Graubünden region, famous for its lighthouse and the Glacier Express railway.
Klausen Pass
The Klausen Pass in Switzerland 🇨🇭 rises to 1,948 m (6,391 ft) and links the cantons of Uri and Glarus. It’s a raw, old-school alpine drive.
GLACIER EXPRESS – EXPERIENCE THE SWISS ALPS FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
After days spent behind the wheel, the Glacier Express offers a completely different way to experience the Swiss Alps. Andermatt is one of the principal stops along this world-famous panoramic railway, making it easy to combine legendary mountain roads with one of the world's most scenic train journeys.
The section between St. Moritz and Andermatt is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular parts of the route. Panoramic windows reveal dramatic mountain scenery, deep gorges, the Rhine Gorge (often called the "Swiss Grand Canyon"), charming alpine villages and the famous Landwasser Viaduct as the train glides through the heart of Graubünden.
For many travellers, this combination creates the perfect balance: enjoy the excitement of crossing Switzerland's legendary mountain passes by sports car, then slow the pace and simply watch the Alpine landscape unfold from the comfort of the Glacier Express.
Whether you choose the scenic journey between St. Moritz and Andermatt or continue all the way to Zermatt, the Glacier Express is a memorable addition to any luxury driving holiday in Switzerland.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANDERMATT
Whether you're looking for ultra-luxury or contemporary Alpine comfort, Andermatt offers two standout hotels that perfectly complement a Swiss driving holiday.
The Chedi Andermatt ★★★★★
Widely regarded as one of Switzerland's finest luxury hotels, The Chedi combines Alpine architecture with elegant Asian-inspired design. After a day exploring the mountain passes, unwind in its award-winning spa, enjoy exceptional fine dining, and relax beside roaring fireplaces. For travellers seeking an unforgettable luxury experience, The Chedi is difficult to surpass.
Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen ★★★★
Just a short walk from the village centre, the Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen offers modern Alpine comfort with spacious rooms, an excellent spa, indoor pool and mountain views. It provides outstanding value while remaining an ideal base for exploring Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Gotthard and the surrounding Alpine passes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ANDERMATT
Mid-June to October
The prime driving season, when all major passes are typically open and conditions are at their best.
October
Often one of the most beautiful months, with autumn colours, quieter roads and crisp mountain air.
Winter
While many high passes close due to snow, Andermatt remains a popular mountain destination and gateway to the Swiss Alps.
IN SUMMARY
If you're looking for:
Switzerland's ultimate driving destination
The highest concentration of legendary Alpine passes
The famous Big 3 pass loop
Luxury hotels combined with unforgettable roads
An ideal base for exploring the Swiss Alps by car
...then Andermatt belongs at the very top of your list.
Few places in Europe offer so much driving variety within such a small area. For road-trip enthusiasts, it is difficult to imagine a better starting point for an Alpine adventure.
