Susten Pass

While the rest of Europe were busy shooting at, and dropping bombs on, each other, the neutral Swiss simply got on with life and building one of the most impressive roads in Europe.

The Susten pass was built between 1938 and 1945, linking the cantons of Uri and Bern, running from Wassen to Innertkirchen. Although I guess if you live in Bern, that should probably be the other way around.

Which makes me think I've never driven it that way, so maybe there's a trip coming on. It's been the subject of some serious roadworks over the past few years, and now has a very good surface, ideal for either cars or bikes.

And if you don't feel like driving, you can always take the bus. Public transport is renowned for its quality, and the Postbus is a familiar sight in the mountains. Buses run about every two hours, and link up with trains at both ends. Remember, this is Switzerland, so should a delay occur, one will wait for the other.

Probably the most impressive part of the journey is the moment when you come round a corner to discover a glacier coming the other way. Fortunately they don't move too quickly, so if you do hit it, it'll be your fault.

The Steingletscher is receding slightly these days but before you blame global warming or climate change, I think I should point out that according to a survey carried out by the most prestigious of Swiss Universities, there is more ice around now than there was 2,000 years ago.


Photo credit: Wikipedia