From Wassen, at 3,005 ft (916 m), to the Sustenpass at 7,297 ft (2,224 m), it’s 11 miles (17.7 km) at an average 7.4% and 4,291 ft (1,308 m) of climbing. CyclingCols and quäldich agree; salite.ch and Climbfinder give 17.4 km and 1,307-1,308 m. Sources rarely line up this well.
What the climb is like
It’s a very steady climb, with no rests and no extreme ramps: CyclingCols gives a 10% maximum and Climbfinder 11.2% over 100 m. Almost the whole climb is between 7% and 8%.
- Leaving Wassen. The road gains height quickly above the Reuss valley and enters the Meien valley.
- Meien valley. Long miles up the valley, with few bends (Climbfinder counts only 3), small hamlets and the grade always there.
- Finish. Above the tree line the road climbs through pasture and rock to the tunnel at the top. On the other side, the Stein glacier comes into view.
History
Although the pass has been used for centuries, today’s road is modern: it was built between 1938 and 1945 and opened in September 1946. Its 29 miles (46 km) between Innertkirchen and Wassen have 26 bridges and tunnels. It’s one of the Alpine roads designed from the start for motor touring, with wide bends and steady grades, and you feel that on a bike.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s a high pass that closes in winter; the season runs from June to September. In summer and on weekends there’s heavy motorcycle traffic. Fill your bottles in Wassen: above the Meien valley there are very few places to refill.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 7.2 mph (11.6 km/h) on 7.5%; on a 34x30 you’ll pedal around 81 rpm. For an hour and a half sustained at 7-8%, a 34x30 is the most comfortable choice. Compare in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Ride it at a steady pace: the climb doesn’t let you recover.
- Combine it with the Grimsel and the Furka for the classic three-pass loop.
- The descent toward Innertkirchen is long and fast: dress warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Susten Pass from Wassen?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 30 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 47 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 09 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Which side of the Susten is harder?
The Wassen side: 11 miles (17.7 km) at 7.4%. From Innertkirchen it's almost 17.4 miles (28 km), with more climbing (about 5,250 ft, or 1,600 m) but at 5.8%.
When was the Susten Pass road built?
Between 1938 and 1945, with the official opening in September 1946. It has 26 bridges and tunnels over its 29 miles (46 km).