Panoramastrasse Oberaar is a fun road if you enjoy narrow twisty roads in the mountains
Panoramastraße Oberaar is a very scenic high mountain road located in the Grimsel area, in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.
How long is the Panoramastrasse Oberaar?
The road is 5.8km (3.60 miles) long, running east-west from Grimsel Pass to the Oberaarsee reservoir.
Is the Panoramastrasse Oberaar challenging?
The road is totally paved and very narrow with sheer drops, serpentine twists, and turns. It’s one-way only. The road surface is fine, but it is obviously a very slow drive. The road tops out at 2.401m (7,877ft) above sea level. Since 2018, there has been a payment point directly at the traffic light. Completed in 1953, the road is pretty steep, hitting a 10.1% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. It’s a fun ride if you enjoy narrow twisty roads high in the mountains.
Is the Panoramastrasse Oberaar open?
This road is usually impassable from late September through late June or early July (depending on snow). Check if the road is open before going. Even if there is no snow, it can be closed due to fog. When the road is open, the access is controlled by a traffic light. Travel is only permitted in one direction at these times: From Grimsel mountain pass to Oberaar xx.00 - xx.10 h. From Oberaar to Grimsel mountain pass xx.30 - xx.40 h. Access to the road is not permitted between 12 midnight and 6:00 a.m. The vehicles can have a maximum length of 10 meters.
How long does it take to drive the Panoramastrasse Oberaar?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 15 and 25 minutes. It is not permitted to park vehicles along the panoramic road. There are a few viewpoints where 1-2 vehicles can park for a while. It’s a challenging ride, however, hugely rewarding as the views from the top are spectacular. The drive offers stunning views of the Oberaar glacier on the western side of the lake.
Pic: Dennis Jakupovic