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Nufenen Pass Overlook

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Distance:
0.6 km / 0.4 Miles
Type:
Out-and-Back
Difficulty:
Easy
Time to Hike:
~15 minutes
Features:
Surface Type:
Dirt
Town:
Obergoms VS, Switzerland
Get Directions:
46.477499, 8.386333
Added:
September 20, 2025
Updated:
November 09, 2025
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15m

Total Change
20m

Ascent
20m

Descent

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Key Takeaways

  • The Nufenen Pass is the highest paved road entirely within Switzerland at 2,478m (8,130 ft), making it a crucial stop for high-altitude Swiss Alps road trips and connecting the Valais and Ticino Cantons.
  • The route is a short, easy 0.7km hike perfect for all travelers, offering panoramic glacier views of the Griesgletscher, Griessee glacial lake, and iconic peaks like the Finsteraarhorn in the Bernese Alps.
  • Often less crowded than its neighbors (Furka and Gotthard), the Nufenen Pass is a must-drive scenic route but is seasonally closed from typically November to late May/early June due to heavy snow.

Nufenen Pass Overlook

Nufenen Pass, Switzerland's second highest mountain pass, divides the canton of Valais from Ticino and provides some of the most breathtaking panoramic Swiss Alps views. This stunning alpine route is a must-do road trip in Switzerland.

This short, easy 0.7km (0.4 mile) out-and-back hike leads visitors from the main parking area out to a mountainside viewpoint with views of the Griesgletscher, Griessee, the Finsteraarhorn, Lauteraarhorn, and other alpine peaks within the Bernese Alps.

Exploring Nufenen Pass

Visitors to Nufenen Pass will find a discrete trailhead located on the southwest side of the main parking lot where this short, family-friendly hike starts. The trail system here is mostly undefined, but following the general path leads to the incredible Griessee viewpoint. This route leads hikers uphill to reach an overlook of Nufenen Pass, the small alpine lake at the top, and a view into the canton of Ticino. After exploring the short hill overlook, the trail then leads southwest along a rocky path to reach a viewpoint where you'll find the dam of Griessee, holding back the glacial melt waters of Griesgletscher. The majestic mountain lake of Griessee is surrounded by alpine peaks like the Fulhorn, Battelmatthorn, and Blinnenhorn.

Panoramic Views of the Bernese Alps (Finsteraarhorn, Lauteraarhorn)

To the west sits a dramatic view of the Bernese Alps where you'll find the jagged Finsteraarhorn on the left-hand side with the Lauteraarhorn on the right. In between, and surrounding these Alpine peaks, are countless other Swiss Alps that sit on the horizon. Below the Finsteraarhorn, visitors will find a glimmer of the Studergletscher as it stretches eastward, filling in the alpine valleys with a river of frozen water.
When done exploring the views of Nufenen Pass, the trail leads right back to the parking lot to complete this short and easy 0.7km out-and-back hike.

When does Nufenen Pass open?

Due to heavy snow, Nufenen Pass is typically closed from November to May. For travelers, expect the road to be open from June through October, but due to changing weather conditions, it may vary. Always check local sources before committing to the drive.

How high is Nufenen Pass?

The summit is at 2,478 meters (8,130 feet) above sea level.

Is Nufenen Pass difficult to drive?

The road is paved but features many hairpin turns. It is generally considered easier than the Susten or Grimsel Passes.

Warning

Elevation sickness: Nufenen Pass sits around 2,500m (8,200 feet) above sea level, which is around where most people will start to feel effects of the altitude. For people who are effected by elevation/altitude sickness easily, you may notice the altitude after driving up the mountain pass.
Explore 11 trails near Obergoms VS, Switzerland
  1. Parking

    46.477499, 8.386333
  2. Main Trailhead

    46.477499, 8.386333
  3. View / Overlook / Vista

    46.477464, 8.386203
    View / Overlook / Vista
  4. View of Finsteraarhorn

    46.477067, 8.385908
    View of Finsteraarhorn
  5. Panoramic view from Nufenen Pass

    46.476844, 8.385469
    Panoramic view from Nufenen Pass
  6. View of Griesgletscher and Griessee

    46.476742, 8.385867
    View of Griesgletscher and Griessee
  7. View of Nufenen Pass with the Chilchhorn and an alpine lake

    46.476722, 8.386436
    View of Nufenen Pass with the Chilchhorn and an alpine lake
  8. A view of Griesgletscher and Griessee with a rock cairn in the foreground

    46.475594, 8.384397
    A view of Griesgletscher and Griessee with a rock cairn in the foreground
  9. View of the Bernese Alps

    46.475636, 8.384214
    View of the Bernese Alps
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Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 ratings.
0.4 miles / 0.6 km
September 20, 2025
Driving up Nufenen Pass was a bit crazy with a ton of bikers and motorcyclists. Views from the top were amazing and the short hike out to the viewpoints with the Bernese Alps in the distance was well worth the drive to get there.
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