KLAUSEN PASS, SWITZERLAND – OLD-SCHOOL MOUNTAIN ROAD
Scenic: ★★★★☆
Thrilling: ★★★★☆
The Klausen Pass in Switzerland 🇨🇭 is a spectacular alpine road rising to 1,948 m (6,391 ft), linking the cantons of Uri and Glarus. It features a thrilling mix of tight curves, sweeping valleys, and panoramic mountain views. Known for its historic mountain race and largely untouched landscapes, Klausen Pass offers drivers a pure, exhilarating alpine experience, combining technical driving challenges with some of the most beautiful scenery in central Switzerland.
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DRIVING THE KLAUSEN PASS
The Klausen Pass might not be among the highest alpine passes, but don’t be misled — the Klausen can be challenging and highly rewarding to drive.
Approaching from the north (Zurich / Glarus side), the road begins with forest sections and gradually opens into alpine meadows, followed by more than 100 curves and serpentines. Early on, parts of the road still feature historic cobblestone pavement, giving travellers a real sense of how demanding this crossing once was.
Several small tunnels follow, combined with forested stretches and a rather narrow road layout, requiring focus and precise driving.
At Urnerboden, the landscape opens dramatically into a five-kilometre-long (3.1-mile) high-alpine plateau, bordered by a towering granite wall on one side. Driving this section in a convertible is a truly special experience — no other alpine pass offers quite the same view and sense of space.
Toward the end of the plateau, you can pull over to take photos of waterfalls cascading down the cliff face. Especially after rainfall, the waterfalls become stronger and even more impressive.
After the waterfalls, the Klausen is literally carved into the granite walls all the way to the summit. Near the Restaurant Klausenpasshöhe, you’ll find parking where you can stop and enjoy the views. On some days, you may find yourself above the clouds in bright sunshine, while the valleys below remain grey.
Descending on the Uri side, we recommend driving with caution and keeping a good distance from vehicles ahead. In several places, you may need to stop and give way to oncoming traffic. The exposed drop-offs add a distinct adrenaline factor to this section of the drive.
At the end of the descent lies Bürglen, birthplace of Wilhelm Tell, Switzerland’s national hero — a worthwhile cultural stop after an intense mountain drive.
ACCESS THE KLAUSEN PASS
Outside of race years, the Klausen Pass is generally a quiet alpine road, as a major motorway alternative exists nearby. As with most scenic roads in Europe, it’s best to avoid weekends and public holidays, when traffic can increase.
Typical opening period: late May to October
Seasonal closure: usually November to late May (weather dependent)
HISTORY OF THE KLAUSEN PASS
Unlike many other alpine passes, the Klausen Pass was not originally used as a trading route. During Roman or medieval times, it served primarily as a cattle track.
Until 1625, maintenance of the pass was shared between the cantons of Uri and Glarus, after which responsibility was transferred to a private individual. In 1717, a chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra was built near the summit.
Between 1870 and 1899, the road was gradually extended. The original 1717 chapel stood in the way of these works and was eventually replaced in 1938 by the current Bruder-Klaus-Kapelle. In 1893, the Swiss army recognised the strategic importance of the pass and further developed the road into the form largely seen today.
In 1900, the first horse-drawn post coach crossed the Klausen Pass, marking the arrival of early tourism. Motorised vehicles were temporarily banned between 1916 and 1917, but in 1922 the alpine bus route was opened.
That same year saw the launch of the legendary Klausenrennen — a 21.5-kilometre (13.4-mile) pre-war hill climb and the first organised car race in Switzerland, created even one year before the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Thousands of spectators once lined the road to watch this spectacular race.
Until 1934, the canton of Uri generated significant income from race fees. Since 1993, a historic revival event has taken place every 4–5 years, attracting hundreds of vintage cars and motorcycles. In 2006, the event was described as the craziest mountain motor race in Europe, drawing over 40,000 spectators, and was honoured with the prestigious Speed Event of the Year award at Stoneleigh Park.
