Susten, Furka and Grimsel

[Ocean53]

I'm driving these three passes in one day in September, does anyone have a view over which direction is optimal?
I thought I would drive Grimsel, Furka and then Susten and then onto Gstaad, but any suggestions would be helpful

[amancalledrob]

It's a circular route and takes no more than a few hours - I did it on the bike back in August and it was great. I'd recommend staying in Andermatt for a night (it's right at the start of the Furka pass) and doing the three passes twice, once in each direction. Have breakfast, drive passes, have lunch, drive again. Brilliant day out and the views are so different going the other way

[mr pg]

It's worth trying to include the Nufenen Pass which is just a few miles south of the loop. Not quite so picturesque, but a wonderful driving road.

[VerySideways]

What day (week day or weekend), where are you coming from and where are you going to?
All of this is crucial in determining the best route through this area.
September is a good start though

[Ocean53]

Staying at Ennetburger the evening before so that we do the passes on a Monday, then on to Gstaad.
So could turn left and do Susten first, or straight on and do passes anti clockwise

[Allyc85]

For me the Susten is the best of the lot, and one of the best roads I have ever driven, so I would recommend doing that one first. Enjoy

[VerySideways]

I think from there I'd start by going to Meiringen, then head south over Grimsel, then skip Furka and do Nufenen (Novena) instead.
Then over St Gotthard (rather than through the tunnel) and out to Susten.
At the bottom of Susten you'll reach Innertkirchen, just turn right and you'll be back at Meiringen.

[Kyodo]

I've only driven the Susten from west to east and I'd say (from my limited experience) that may be the best direction for this particular road. The east side from the top is a longer, wide-open drive whereas the western side is more twisty, perhaps better enjoyed on the way up?
Following our last trip, I put together a few words on these passes here: www.ferrari360modena.co.uk/Mountain-passes-Europea...

[VerySideways]

Kyodo said:

I've only driven the Susten from west to east and I'd say (from my limited experience) that may be the best direction for this particular road. The east side from the top is a longer, wide-open drive whereas the western side is more twisty, perhaps better enjoyed on the way up?
Following our last trip, I put together a few words on these passes here: www.ferrari360modena.co.uk/Mountain-passes-Europea...

I'd beg to differ - next time you go try driving it the other way.

I've driven it extensively in both directions and i'm firmly of the opinion that it's best going east to west.

Descending the east side you are on the flimsy barrier side of the road from the tunnel at the summit all the way down to the valley, whereas climbing the east side you are on the mountain side... it certainly gives me more confidence (less fear!).
Likewise, the tighter section before the top, then through the tunnel, then it opens out onto the faster section coming down the western side from the tunnel at the summit - again, i think you go slower on the tighter stuff on the climb as a warm up, which then naturally progresses into the faster section down to Innertkirchen.

Actually, from your description i think we're agreeing on the twisty versus open, i think perhaps you have mis-remembered which side is the east and which side is the west?

[Kyodo]

Hmm, interesting. I'll definitely give it a go in the other direction in the future. I thought it greener and prettier on the western side (it's certainly more open with poo-inducing drops to the east!). I tend to make a bit of noise on the way up and have a nice cruise down so our direction suited me, but hey, life's too short to do it only once...
The twisty section on the west side, heading up through the trees is lovely I can't wait to go back.

[VerySideways]

Kyodo said:

Hmm, interesting. I'll definitely give it a go in the other direction in the future. I thought it greener and prettier on the western side (it's certainly more open with poo-inducing drops to the east!). I tend to make a bit of noise on the way up and have a nice cruise down so our direction suited me, but hey, life's too short to do it only once...
The twisty section on the west side, heading up through the trees is lovely I can't wait to go back.

Susten and Grimsel are amongst my favourites, and I drive these roads for a living!
Look forward to hearing your thoughts when you've done it the other way

[Ocean53]

The east side of Furka looks a bit narrow, and I like the sound of the Nufenen. What is width and road surface like? Is it a hairy pass, how would you rank it against the the other 3 in the circuit?

[sl0wlane]

Either which way you will have an absolutely amazing trip - best I have ever done, enjoy!

[mr pg]

Ocean53 said:

The east side of Furka looks a bit narrow, and I like the sound of the Nufenen. What is width and road surface like? Is it a hairy pass, how would you rank it against the the other 3 in the circuit?

I rate the Nufenen highly. It's fine for width (not narrow like some of the Furka) and surface. Coming from Airolo it's more sweeping curves before it begins to climb becoming more like an alpine pass. It doesn't have the scenery of others, has pylons down it, and isn't as long, but as a road to drive I love it. It's also far quieter than the other passes around Andermatt.

[VerySideways]

As above - Nufenen is less well known and less popular, but all the better for it.
To be fair it's superb in both directions, though very different either side of the summit.
Doesn't have the narrow section like Furka, but does have a few different surfaces and a variety of fast sweeping as well as tight hairpins, and all the stuff in between.

[Ocean53]

Very helpful, thanks. Decision made.
Do any of you guys use GoPro 5 Black? Suggestions for best setting. Wide angle or linear.
1080 and 60 fps!

[VerySideways]

Ocean53 said:

Very helpful, thanks. Decision made.
Do any of you guys use GoPro 5 Black? Suggestions for best setting. Wide angle or linear.
1080 and 60 fps!

More important is positioning. If you just stick it on the front of the car the footage is dull.
You either need to put it low on the front bumper, or inside the car to see the driver (careful you don't show the speedo though!), or stick it near the n/s front wheel where it'll see the front wheel turning and the white lines down the middle of the road