Grimsel Pass

The pass is the only road crossing between the cantons of Valais and Bern and was used as far back as the 14th century. Often used by warring parties before Switzerland's cantons united, the pass's original route was diverted by the installation of the hydroelectric power stations and dams that give it a unique pylon-covered look. The original route and hostel were flooded in 1932 to create the first dam and hydroelectric plant.

From Gletsch it's a short steep climb to the summit with the lake Totensee - the Lake of the Dead, named after a battle between the cantons in the Napoleonic wars. On the descent are the dam and Grimselsee. The hostel sits on a peninsula with a single-carriageway cobblestone surface. A myriad of cables and pylons criss-cross the scenery creating an unusual landscape. The discovery of a large crack in the Spitallamm dam wall means that a new dam wall is being created. The new dam is scheduled to be completed by 2025.