Klausen Pass (elevation of 1,948 meters) starts in Altdorf or Linthal. I rode from Altdorf, as it’s near to Andermatt. The Klausen Pass has it’s history in alpine cattle grazing and was originally just a cattle track over the mountain (about 800 years ago). The cows are still there, in numbers
Climb Stats
From Altdorf
- Distance: 24.6km
- Average Gradient: 6.1%
- Ascent: 1497 meters
From Linthal
- Distance: 23km
- Average Gradient: 5.7%
- Ascent: 1300 meters
I started my ride in Altdorf. The road is pretty gradual and steady, which was just what I needed after a week of hard riding. Traffic was light and as usual, the road surface was great.

Lower slopes on the west side of Klausen Pass are a steady grade on a great road.

Snow traps on a steep section, west side of Klausen pass.

View from west side of Klausen Pass. Not sure the name of this village.

Everything is manicured in Switzerland.

Taken near the top of Klausen Pass, east side.

Looking east on Klausen Pass.

The east side of Klausen Pass is full of cows just wandering around like they own the place.

“Cow art” in the parking lot of Klause-Ranch.

Klause Ranch, the Texas Roadhouse in Switzerland.

Klause-Ranch is a bar/restaurant on the east side of Klausen Pass. The funny thing about this place is the theme: Texas Roadhouse. The picture doesn’t do it justice. They really nailed the theme.
To Ride or Not to Ride
I really enjoyed this ride. It was a good “medium” day, full of beauty and had more cows than cars. This is a yes climb.