Planning a road trip to the passes - Switzerland - advice?
Discussion
Hey guys
A few friends and I are planning a driving break with the goal a stop over at the Nurgurgring and then a stop over close enough to the Swiss mountain passes to drive them and head back to the hotel the same day.
We plan to leave on Friday, drive straight to the Ring, evening food/drinks, morning a lap or two, head off mid afternoon on the Saturday then drive to somewhere like Basel? Spend the evening there, food/drinks then at first light on the Sunday drive to the passes. Then head back to the hotel for more food/drink then head homewards on the Monday.
Now the Ring we're sorted. Its mainly the location of our two nights near to the passes. This needs to be on a budget as not everyone is made of money (including me!) So staying in St Moritz with the £200 a night hotel costs isn't going to fly. So without knowing that area at all I just looked for a big town and would have some nice places to eat, drink and socialise for two evenings and noted Basel.
Any thoughts? What's Basel like? A hole?
Any better places to set up as base? And any other tips / advice on the passes and staying in that region? Maybe suggestions to improve our chances of a clear run on the passes?
A few friends and I are planning a driving break with the goal a stop over at the Nurgurgring and then a stop over close enough to the Swiss mountain passes to drive them and head back to the hotel the same day.
We plan to leave on Friday, drive straight to the Ring, evening food/drinks, morning a lap or two, head off mid afternoon on the Saturday then drive to somewhere like Basel? Spend the evening there, food/drinks then at first light on the Sunday drive to the passes. Then head back to the hotel for more food/drink then head homewards on the Monday.
Now the Ring we're sorted. Its mainly the location of our two nights near to the passes. This needs to be on a budget as not everyone is made of money (including me!) So staying in St Moritz with the £200 a night hotel costs isn't going to fly. So without knowing that area at all I just looked for a big town and would have some nice places to eat, drink and socialise for two evenings and noted Basel.
Any thoughts? What's Basel like? A hole?
Any better places to set up as base? And any other tips / advice on the passes and staying in that region? Maybe suggestions to improve our chances of a clear run on the passes?Can't offer much advice on places to stay, but I did the passes in September.
I went over several of them and it was roughly middle of the day - there was plenty of traffic about but it really didn't seem to get in the way much and I had plenty of clear runs - far more than I expected. It was fabulous and definitely the highlight of a two week trip.
(The passes were the only thing I liked about Switzerland though. Massively over priced place).
I went over several of them and it was roughly middle of the day - there was plenty of traffic about but it really didn't seem to get in the way much and I had plenty of clear runs - far more than I expected. It was fabulous and definitely the highlight of a two week trip.
(The passes were the only thing I liked about Switzerland though. Massively over priced place).
Not quite Switzerland, but last year (2016) I did the Stelvio and Gavia passes on the way to Monza for the Italian GP. Absolutely brilliant especially with the top down on a sunny day. Top-down was actually very useful because you can look 'up' to see if anyone is approaching the hairpin bend on a descent, and if all clear you can give it the beans! It was midweek and traffic was light but quite a few cyclists(!) and motorcyclists. We stayed overnight at the top of the Stelvio. Folgore Hotel I think - a ski hotel out of season. Very basic but cheap.
We did a good route coming down south from Lucern, starting as Wassen taking in the Susternpass to Gadmen , turn south at Innertkirtchen down to the Grimselpass, east to the Furkapass to Andermatt for more fuel... Then more east onto the Oberalp then somehow south into Milan.
Fab and used by my buddy who does motorobike tours.
Fab and used by my buddy who does motorobike tours.
My advice would be to go see Basel but avoid setting up base there. Town itself is gorgeous, trams everywhere and lots of things to see. Some great cars there as well. Will need Swiss francs if my memory serves me well.
Spent 3 days there a few years ago and was very pleased to leave - not because the place was bad, primarily because the price of everything was so high. Even makes the Moulin Rouge look cheap!
Went to Strasbourg for a few days afterwards (abt 80 miles away) and what a sigh of relief, prices were reasonable and they also took the euro.
Spent 3 days there a few years ago and was very pleased to leave - not because the place was bad, primarily because the price of everything was so high. Even makes the Moulin Rouge look cheap!
Went to Strasbourg for a few days afterwards (abt 80 miles away) and what a sigh of relief, prices were reasonable and they also took the euro.
AstonExige said:
Thanks for the responses so far
Going early June at the moment. Although someone has suggested some of the passes could still be closed?!
Usually most of the passes are closed until mid to end of May. Depends on weather ...Going early June at the moment. Although someone has suggested some of the passes could still be closed?!
June should be no problem. Check out this link
https://www.alpen-paesse.ch/en/home/
and by the way, if time permits I would recommend the "Tremola Road" on St. Gotthardpass. Located near Andermatt, surrounded by Furkapass, Grimselpass and Sustenpass.
http://www.faszination-alpenpaesse.ch/en
Hope that helps, cheers
Edited by BlackV8 on Sunday 5th February 22:18
Some good suggestions there and now to something alternative:
I lived in Switzerland last year and whilst enjoying the passes there is one thing looming over driving in Switzerland and that is the draconian speeding fines that take all enjoyment out of driving there. I would steer well clear of Switzerland and head towards Garmish Patenkirchen and then cross into Austria. From there you have access to all the nice passes between Austria and Italy (Timmelsjoch, St Anton, Fuela etc) and you can do the Grossglockner Hochalpin Strasse which if you arrive early in the morning is spectacular (as all passes it gets very busy with motorcycles and cyclists and the dredded camper vans). It is a bit further than straight down to Basel but between Stuttgart and Garmish you can go flat out and it is way cheaper and equally breathtaking.
I lived in Switzerland last year and whilst enjoying the passes there is one thing looming over driving in Switzerland and that is the draconian speeding fines that take all enjoyment out of driving there. I would steer well clear of Switzerland and head towards Garmish Patenkirchen and then cross into Austria. From there you have access to all the nice passes between Austria and Italy (Timmelsjoch, St Anton, Fuela etc) and you can do the Grossglockner Hochalpin Strasse which if you arrive early in the morning is spectacular (as all passes it gets very busy with motorcycles and cyclists and the dredded camper vans). It is a bit further than straight down to Basel but between Stuttgart and Garmish you can go flat out and it is way cheaper and equally breathtaking.
Edited by hornbaek on Monday 6th February 11:15
Switzerland has some lovely roads that are often quite empty if you leave bed early enough. In the PM, however, passes might be jammed by middle-aged gentlemen taking out their Ferraris. A nice tour which we did with some fellow Pistonheads from Switzerland is
https://www.google.ch/maps/dir/Z%C3%BCrich/Gotthar...
Google Maps does not connect the waypoints as the passes are closed right now, but I guess it does to get the idea. As some previously remarked, do not do unreasonable things or you might return by train....
If you post into the Swiss forum, some people might actually join.
https://www.google.ch/maps/dir/Z%C3%BCrich/Gotthar...
Google Maps does not connect the waypoints as the passes are closed right now, but I guess it does to get the idea. As some previously remarked, do not do unreasonable things or you might return by train....
If you post into the Swiss forum, some people might actually join.
If you have your Ring date booked for the Saturday, do you have the possibility of doing the Swiss bit prior to that rather than after? The reason I say that is the trip is about driving, and that is what a hoard of Swiss people will go out and do on a nice June weekend, whereas on a week day you`ll have MUCH less traffic.
Regarding costs, it`s Switzerland, while some places have a slight variation in pricing it`s all expensive, so just get used to the idea and don`t let "How much for a coffee and cake???" spoil the trip. Basel has a nice enough old city, it`s mostly industrial around the outskirts. Luzern is much prettier and probably closer to the roads you want to drive, plus I could maybe come and join you for a pint ;-)
If you want to keep accommodation costs down don`t forget to look at www.airbnb.com where you might find a bargain.
Driving, my 5 cents worth... I have done Gotthard Pass a few times as we go to Italy once or twice a year and I`d much rather drive over than go through the 17km tunnel underneath, the pass is a fun drive. It`s only about one hour from where I live near Luzern so I`ve also gone to hit it a couple of times, just because.
While it can get a bit of traffic on it, It has fairly open visibility so there are overtaking opportunities, however, in June it begins... a LOT of tourists in cars and campers driving south for summer holidays... and when the obligatory 4km long traffic jam occurs before the Gotthard Tunnel, those in the know drive over the pass rather than wait to trickle through the hole in the rock, so while I would not be looking at 6am, the earlier you hit it the less likely you are to encounter meandering Dutch holiday-makers in overloaded wagons of various sizes with 5 pushbikes strapped to the back and children smearing stroopwafel all over the windows.
At the top there is a small lake and restaurant, and interesting rock formations that may still have ice wedged around them in June. Kind of interesting...
One nice early summer`s day I had a look at Furka Pass which is near Gotthard, but it was like an endless plague of motorbikes had descended on it, with intermittent Ferrari convertibles poodling along, and I gave up and turned around and went back over the Gotthard. I want to head back maybe in spring once things are open and have another look as it leads on to the Grimsel Pass which I have heard good things about.
The Brunig Pass that is in between Luzern and Interlaken is not a particularly long drive but is pretty good (with nice scenery which is usually the case in Switzerland) if it`s not overly cluttered and has a cool second hand shop at the top next to the train station if you want to pick up an old pewter jug or cart wheel, but better still the Brunig leads on to the Susten Pass which is a peach. I came across it by accident while out exploring last January and at that time it was clearly deserted. To be honest I did not go over the entire pass as it started snowing quite heavily as I got a bit of altitude and as this road is off the beaten track there was no immediate road cleaning despite providence serving up a beer & sausage while waiting, so I headed back, but from what I experienced it will certainly be getting another look when I have a chance, there were flowing chicanes, cambered switchbacks, sweeping valley roads, really nice.
Maybe my opinion is tainted as I came across it unexpectedly and empty...
I hope it all works out great for you!
Regarding costs, it`s Switzerland, while some places have a slight variation in pricing it`s all expensive, so just get used to the idea and don`t let "How much for a coffee and cake???" spoil the trip. Basel has a nice enough old city, it`s mostly industrial around the outskirts. Luzern is much prettier and probably closer to the roads you want to drive, plus I could maybe come and join you for a pint ;-)
If you want to keep accommodation costs down don`t forget to look at www.airbnb.com where you might find a bargain.
Driving, my 5 cents worth... I have done Gotthard Pass a few times as we go to Italy once or twice a year and I`d much rather drive over than go through the 17km tunnel underneath, the pass is a fun drive. It`s only about one hour from where I live near Luzern so I`ve also gone to hit it a couple of times, just because.
While it can get a bit of traffic on it, It has fairly open visibility so there are overtaking opportunities, however, in June it begins... a LOT of tourists in cars and campers driving south for summer holidays... and when the obligatory 4km long traffic jam occurs before the Gotthard Tunnel, those in the know drive over the pass rather than wait to trickle through the hole in the rock, so while I would not be looking at 6am, the earlier you hit it the less likely you are to encounter meandering Dutch holiday-makers in overloaded wagons of various sizes with 5 pushbikes strapped to the back and children smearing stroopwafel all over the windows.
At the top there is a small lake and restaurant, and interesting rock formations that may still have ice wedged around them in June. Kind of interesting...
One nice early summer`s day I had a look at Furka Pass which is near Gotthard, but it was like an endless plague of motorbikes had descended on it, with intermittent Ferrari convertibles poodling along, and I gave up and turned around and went back over the Gotthard. I want to head back maybe in spring once things are open and have another look as it leads on to the Grimsel Pass which I have heard good things about.
The Brunig Pass that is in between Luzern and Interlaken is not a particularly long drive but is pretty good (with nice scenery which is usually the case in Switzerland) if it`s not overly cluttered and has a cool second hand shop at the top next to the train station if you want to pick up an old pewter jug or cart wheel, but better still the Brunig leads on to the Susten Pass which is a peach. I came across it by accident while out exploring last January and at that time it was clearly deserted. To be honest I did not go over the entire pass as it started snowing quite heavily as I got a bit of altitude and as this road is off the beaten track there was no immediate road cleaning despite providence serving up a beer & sausage while waiting, so I headed back, but from what I experienced it will certainly be getting another look when I have a chance, there were flowing chicanes, cambered switchbacks, sweeping valley roads, really nice.
Maybe my opinion is tainted as I came across it unexpectedly and empty...
I hope it all works out great for you!
Mr.Tremlini said:
One nice early summer`s day I had a look at Furka Pass which is near Gotthard, but it was like an endless plague of motorbikes had descended on it, with intermittent Ferrari convertibles poodling along, and I gave up and turned around and went back over the Gotthard. I want to head back maybe in spring once things are open and have another look as it leads on to the Grimsel Pass which I have heard good things about.
Grimsel was one of the passes I went over, and it was good.Your post reminded me - it wasn't the number of cars that I found surprising on the mountain passes, it was the number of bicycles. I didn't see any groups - but the number of individuals who thought the best way to get up a mountain was on a bicycle amazed me. There are some very odd people in the world!
Just read this on the www.ch.ch website.
Jesus, draconian doesn't touch it, what's wrong with these people.......that's got to be the epitome of police state.
"Repeat offences
If you are caught speeding repeatedly, you will be banned from driving for a much longer period. In the case of excessive speeding violations, you will be banned from driving until it has been decided whether to permanently disqualify you. In addition, you will be assessed by a psychologist to see whether you are fit to drive."
So let me get this correct, if I get caught speeding repeatedly I will need to see a psychologist.......however according to statistics only 7.6% of people convicted of "Assault causing bodily injury" are sent to prison in Switzerland.
So in summary, if I beat the police offer up who stops me for speeding I have more chance of being convicted of the speeding offence than for beating him up.
Something tells me they need to address that
Jesus, draconian doesn't touch it, what's wrong with these people.......that's got to be the epitome of police state.
"Repeat offences
If you are caught speeding repeatedly, you will be banned from driving for a much longer period. In the case of excessive speeding violations, you will be banned from driving until it has been decided whether to permanently disqualify you. In addition, you will be assessed by a psychologist to see whether you are fit to drive."
So let me get this correct, if I get caught speeding repeatedly I will need to see a psychologist.......however according to statistics only 7.6% of people convicted of "Assault causing bodily injury" are sent to prison in Switzerland.
So in summary, if I beat the police offer up who stops me for speeding I have more chance of being convicted of the speeding offence than for beating him up.
Something tells me they need to address that
Big Ry said:
Just read this on the www.ch.ch website.
Jesus, draconian doesn't touch it, what's wrong with these people.......that's got to be the epitome of police state.
"Repeat offences
If you are caught speeding repeatedly, you will be banned from driving for a much longer period. In the case of excessive speeding violations, you will be banned from driving until it has been decided whether to permanently disqualify you. In addition, you will be assessed by a psychologist to see whether you are fit to drive."
So let me get this correct, if I get caught speeding repeatedly I will need to see a psychologist.......however according to statistics only 7.6% of people convicted of "Assault causing bodily injury" are sent to prison in Switzerland.
So in summary, if I beat the police offer up who stops me for speeding I have more chance of being convicted of the speeding offence than for beating him up.
Something tells me they need to address that
I didn't get stopped for speeding but was pulled over at a roadside stop for document check. Make sure you have your V5 with you.Jesus, draconian doesn't touch it, what's wrong with these people.......that's got to be the epitome of police state.
"Repeat offences
If you are caught speeding repeatedly, you will be banned from driving for a much longer period. In the case of excessive speeding violations, you will be banned from driving until it has been decided whether to permanently disqualify you. In addition, you will be assessed by a psychologist to see whether you are fit to drive."
So let me get this correct, if I get caught speeding repeatedly I will need to see a psychologist.......however according to statistics only 7.6% of people convicted of "Assault causing bodily injury" are sent to prison in Switzerland.
So in summary, if I beat the police offer up who stops me for speeding I have more chance of being convicted of the speeding offence than for beating him up.
Something tells me they need to address that
(As far as I could tell, most of the Swiss motorways are 60mph - which is particularly frustrating if you got there via Germany.....)
davek_964 said:
(As far as I could tell, most of the Swiss motorways are 60mph - which is particularly frustrating if you got there via Germany.....)
The Swiss motorways are officially 120km/h (75 in old money) although people happily cruise in the outside lane at 130km/h + as the main impediment to speed is the speed cameras rather than cops patrolling, and most folks know where these fixed cameras are located. Mobile cameras are quite uncommon, especially on motoways. Getting caught above 140km/h is mighty expensive so avoid this with prudent use of cruise control. Speed camera fines automatically shave 5km/h off the flashed speed, so if you are doing 126km/h you will get a fine for doing 121km/h! This is usually 20-40chf depending on the jurisdiction.
The open speed on the B-roads is 80km/h (50) which is disappointing as well as hard to maintain in these cars on some terrific roads. I was nicked by a mobile camera last year doing 99 in an 80... 800chf (650quid) ...
Mr.Tremlini said:
The Swiss motorways are officially 120km/h (75 in old money) although people happily cruise in the outside lane at 130km/h + as the main impediment to speed is the speed cameras rather than cops patrolling, and most folks know where these fixed cameras are located. Mobile cameras are quite uncommon, especially on motoways. Getting caught above 140km/h is mighty expensive so avoid this with prudent use of cruise control.
Speed camera fines automatically shave 5km/h off the flashed speed, so if you are doing 126km/h you will get a fine for doing 121km/h! This is usually 20-40chf depending on the jurisdiction.
The open speed on the B-roads is 80km/h (50) which is disappointing as well as hard to maintain in these cars on some terrific roads. I was nicked by a mobile camera last year doing 99 in an 80... 800chf (650quid) ...
None of the above need working about with a uk reg car! I,m always being flashed by some hidden speed camera in Switzerland.Speed camera fines automatically shave 5km/h off the flashed speed, so if you are doing 126km/h you will get a fine for doing 121km/h! This is usually 20-40chf depending on the jurisdiction.
The open speed on the B-roads is 80km/h (50) which is disappointing as well as hard to maintain in these cars on some terrific roads. I was nicked by a mobile camera last year doing 99 in an 80... 800chf (650quid) ...
cayman-black said:
None of the above need working about with a uk reg car! I,m always being flashed by some hidden speed camera in Switzerland.
Yeah, maybe true with cameras, but not with the actual cops! Very different, more a Judge Dredd type scenario ... If too fast car is confiscated, no more 
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