Switzerland-5LegsLoop-Zurich
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Interactive Map
Legend: POI markers red · Hotels blue · Restaurants green. Route polyline follows main WPs and closes back to Zurich.
All marker links open Google Maps.
Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Loop — Zurich (5 Stages)
Start/End: Zurich · Overnight stops: Interlaken → Andermatt → Davos → St. Moritz → Zurich
BSL (Basel EuroAirport) — ~1h 15m to Zurich (fast motorway access)
MXP (Milan Malpensa) — ~3h 00m to St. Moritz / Engadin (seasonal conditions)
Route Introduction
This loop is built as a clean point-to-point progression (returning to the start only at the end), designed to keep the riding feeling fresh at every stage and to avoid re-using the same roads or waypoints. From Zurich you escape the city edges quickly and work south-west into the Bernese Oberland, arriving in Interlaken with the twin lakes as a backdrop and the high peaks already on the horizon. The next stage is the “classic glacier corridor”: you climb towards Grimsel Pass and then carve over to Furka Pass, a stretch that feels engineered for motorcycles—wide sightlines, steady rhythm, and scenery that changes with every hairpin.
From Andermatt you push east across Oberalp Pass into Graubünden: valleys tighten, villages become quieter, and the route starts to feel more remote. You finish the day in Davos, then continue into the Engadin with a high-alpine traverse via Flüela Pass, dipping down towards Susch before crossing borders for an Italian interlude at Livigno. The return north is pure postcard: the road lifts to Bernina Pass and rolls back into St. Moritz. The final stage completes the loop with a long, varied run via Julier Pass and the Rhine valley back to Zurich—fast where you want it, scenic where it matters.
Check “best viewpoints near” each overnight stop: Interlaken · Andermatt · Davos · St. Moritz
Technical Overview
Practical Riding Notes
- Pass openings: many Alpine passes are seasonal; always confirm same-day status (snow, closures, works).
- Cold + shade: even in summer, shaded switchbacks can be damp and cold; watch for gravel after storms.
- Traffic timing: start early on pass days to avoid camper queues; mid-week is calmer than weekends.
- Fuel strategy: tank up before the long pass sequences (Andermatt / Davos / St. Moritz areas).
- Commitment level: this is Moderate: sustained elevation changes, tight bends, and variable weather.
Seasonality
Roadbook (Stages)
Only indicative stage km are shown. Final/true km must be taken from your exported GPX. POIs are used as WPs where relevant.
Stage 1 · Zurich → Interlaken (via Lucerne, Entlebuch, Thun) ⌄
A clean warm-up stage that trades urban edges for rolling countryside and lake views. Leave Zurich on secondary roads where possible and point for Lucerne, then steer into the greener, quieter curves of Entlebuch. The approach to the Bernese Oberland builds anticipation: you drop towards Thun and finally reach Interlaken, perfectly placed between Lakes Thun and Brienz. Keep the pace relaxed—tomorrow is your first big pass day.
Compact, friendly base close to the action—good for riders who want a simple, well-run stay and an easy start tomorrow.
Modern comfort with practical amenities—ideal if you prefer a smoother check-in/out rhythm and a calmer night before the passes.
A high-end reset: spa recovery, polished service, and a “special trip” feel—perfect if you want to start the pass sequence fully recharged.
Stage 2 · Interlaken → Andermatt (via Grimsel Pass, Furka Pass) ⌄
This is the first true Alpine test: long climbs, exposed sections, and a constant change of light as you move between valleys and high plateaus. Work up towards Grimsel Pass for glacier-carved scenery and broad, confident curves, then cross towards Furka Pass for tighter switchbacks and dramatic viewpoints. Descend into Andermatt and give yourself time to unwind: tomorrow stays high and remote, so rest well.
Rider-friendly simplicity with a modern feel—good if you want comfort, quick logistics, and an early start without fuss.
Warm Alpine hospitality with a central location—great for an evening stroll, easy dining options, and a relaxed wind-down.
A luxury “reward” stay: impeccable service, strong wellness offering, and the kind of comfort that makes big pass days feel effortless.
Stage 3 · Andermatt → Davos (via Oberalp Pass, Surselva, Lenzerheide) ⌄
A day of changing textures: you climb out of Andermatt and crest Oberalp Pass, then descend into the quieter east where the riding becomes smoother and more flowing. The Surselva valley carries you toward Graubünden, with long sightlines and a steady cadence. Use Lenzerheide as a scenic pivot, then finish in Davos. Compared with yesterday’s raw passes, this stage feels like a fast, elegant traverse—perfect for building confidence before the Engadin run.
A rider-practical stay with strong guest feedback—ideal if you value a calm night, easy parking, and a straightforward morning exit.
Comfortable rooms and a proper wellness angle—excellent for recovery before the long Engadin traverse.
A “big-trip” base with high comfort and views—great if you want a premium reset before crossing into the Engadin and Italy.
Stage 4 · Davos → St. Moritz (via Flüela Pass, Susch, Livigno, Bernina Pass) ⌄
This stage is designed specifically to stay above the 150 km threshold without repeating prior roads: a high traverse over Flüela Pass drops you to Susch, then you cross into Italy for a different pace and atmosphere in Livigno. The return is spectacular: climb back through the Engadin towards Bernina Pass and roll into St. Moritz with wide-open views and a “cross-border” flavour you’ll feel all evening.
Lake-edge views with strong guest feedback—excellent value if you want a memorable setting without going full luxury.
Central comfort with practical parking solutions—ideal for an evening walk and an easy departure tomorrow.
A polished, design-forward premium stay—great if you want a standout night and a strong “endgame” feeling before the final loop closure.
Stage 5 · St. Moritz → Zurich (via Julier Pass, Thusis, Rhine valley) ⌄
The loop closes with a long, satisfying run that feels like three rides in one: first the high-alpine sweep over Julier Pass, then the deeper valley lines towards Thusis, and finally a fast, efficient return through the Rhine corridor back to Zurich. Manage fatigue with short photo stops and keep an eye on traffic as you re-enter the urban belt. This is the “wrap-up” stage: smooth, varied, and quietly epic once you realise you’ve stitched the Alps together without re-tracing your steps.
Solid, well-located and practical—good if you want a clean finish line with easy access and simple parking logistics.
A stylish, spa-leaning “post-ride reward” with a distinctive atmosphere—ideal for decompressing after the final long stage.
A flagship finish: top-tier service and a true “closing chapter” feel—perfect if you want the loop to end on a high note.
Loop closed in Zurich — summary: Bernese lakes → glacier passes → Graubünden traverse → Engadin + Italy → Julier return.
Safety & Effort
Key POIs (Google Maps)
POI Photo Gallery
Photo credits: images from Wikimedia Commons (see captions for authors and licenses). Used under CC BY-SA / public domain terms where applicable.
