KMII[Montblanc Moderator]
34719
Grimselpass - MCGs favorite π¨π
Oct 25, 2024,08:31 AM
As Markus recently posted his roadtrip over some of Switzerlandβs fun roads (here: www.watchprosite.com
for his post), I figured itβs high time to do his favorite pass some justice and do a short photo journey across it.
Approaching from the North (both directions appear to be similar amounts of fun - but Markus has certainly more experience) the same journey allows you to cover several passes in a day - Susten (as pictured here), being one option (for another day) but Furka (here
https://www.watchprosite.com/automotive/more-glorious-in-name--the-furka-pass--/1076.1616466.16322926/0/ for the post) and several others also seamlessly connect to it.
As with most passes choosing the right time of year and day and time in the week is key, if you do not want to be stuck in traffic. At least Switzerland on occasion offers some fun machinery, like this Swiss proto-Tesla Roadster π Not a huge challenge to overtake, fortunately π
While nice weather will increase traffic, it also offers glorious vistas all around.
After a gently sloping foothill section to get you and your car warmed up, the climb proper starts. Itβs an Alpine pass from the era where road builders saw vehicular enjoyment as a clear part of their brief and one can tell. The road is wide enough to not impede progress, it of course needs curves to manage the elevation changes but these do not necessitate a walking pace negotiation of the seit CH backs as some other more famous passes do (looking at you, Stelvio).
What you have instead is a well sighted road, with some flowing sections punctuated by the odd switchback, which is wide enough for a good speed and nice fun behind the wheel. Like on all mountain passes, some instant torque is helpful for overtaking but itβs a pass that does not require monster engines to get all out of.
After reaching the accumulation lake, the road opens up even more, with much longer straights between the curves, and some nice views of the lake. OK - color wise it has nothing on the one Marcus recently posted but you will quickly forget about that once behind the wheel again π The straights also allow you to pass any impeding traffic, should you find yourself stuck behind any.
Thereβs a hotel on top (standard Alpine approach) but as I didnβt stop (more planned for the day), I cannot comment on cuisine or ambience ππ€·π»ββοΈ
Descending on the other side is similar fun, and one has to say that with four wheel grip itβs not hard chasing down the occasional motorcycle π
Had I known how cool it was I would not have planned so many additional passes for the day but would turn right around for another (and possibly another) go at it.
As it is, itβs definitely on the favorites list for many a return journey. Thanks for the tip Marcus, itβs been spectacular ππ»ππ»ππ»