From Innertkirchen (2,051 ft / 625 m) to the Grimsel Pass (7,103 ft / 2,165 m) it’s 16.3 miles (26.3 km) at an average of 5.9% with 5,066 ft (1,544 m) of climbing, according to CyclingCols. Climbfinder gives 16.3 miles (26.3 km) and 5,033 ft (1,534 m); salite.ch and quäldich, 16.2 miles (26 km) and 5,052 ft (1,540 m). All the sources agree.
What the climb is like
It’s a long climb with a moderate, very steady grade, and the scenery changes completely along the way:
- Innertkirchen to Guttannen and Handegg. The Aare valley (Haslital) climbs through forests and meadows at 5-7%. This is the greenest part.
- Handegg to Räterichsboden. Past Handegg the road strings together several hairpins and a tunnel of about 0.5 miles (850 m) up to the Räterichsboden reservoir. From here on, it’s all glacier-polished granite.
- Finish. You skirt the reservoir and climb in big bends to the pass, home to the small Totensee lake.
CyclingCols gives a 12% maximum and Climbfinder 10.4% over 330 ft (100 m): there are no extreme ramps, but it’s nearly two hours of effort.
History
The Grimsel is the only direct road pass between the cantons of Bern and Valais through the Bernese Alps. It was a trade route until the Gotthard railway opened in 1882. Between the 1920s and the 1950s, the Kraftwerke Oberhasli company built several hydroelectric plants and reservoirs, and the road was widened and rerouted around them. The Tour de Suisse has climbed it several times.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s normally closed from October to May. In summer there’s lots of motorcycle and tour bus traffic; start early. The road is part of Swiss national cycling route 8 (Aare Route). Fill your bottles in Innertkirchen or Guttannen; there are places to eat at the top.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 8.6 mph (13.9 km/h) on 6%; with a 34x28 that’s about 91 rpm. A 34x28 or 34x30 is enough; the key is pacing. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Bring a light for the tunnel.
- On the other side, at Gletsch, the Furka begins: together they make a big day.
- Pack warm clothes for the summit, surrounded by lakes and rock.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Grimsel Pass from Innertkirchen?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 52 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 2 h 12 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 27 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
When is the Grimsel Pass open?
It's normally closed from October to May because of snow, although they try to keep it open as long as possible.
Which side of the Grimsel is harder?
The Innertkirchen side, with 16.3 miles (26.3 km) and 5,066 ft (1,544 m) of climbing. From Oberwald, via Gletsch, it's about 7.5 miles (12 km) and less than 2,620 ft (800 m).