One of the most scenic roads in Switzerland, the Furka Pass rises to 2,429 metres. Featured in the James Bond movie Goldfinger, it’s been attracting motorists, motorcyclists, and cyclists from all over the world. But visiting the Furka Pass is not only about driving tight hairpins. Read this guide to prepare for the ride and to find out what to do nearby one of Europe’s most iconic roads.
Like most of those crazy bendy roads, the road to the Furka Pass was built because of strategic military reasons. It connects the cantons of Uri and Wallis and is the gateway to one of the most beautiful corners of the Swiss Alps.
Taking one hairpin after another, you will feel the unique vibe of the car chase scene with Sean Connery in Goldfinger. Don’t get carried away though – you’ll pay through the nose if you get caught speeding in Switzerland!
When is the best time to visit the Furka Pass?
Because of its high altitude, the weather on the Furka Pass dictates when you can visit. Usually, it opens in June, and the season ends in the last days of October, but it varies year by year. Therefore, you can always check the status on this website before hitting the road. On your way, you will also see the signs informing you whether the pass is open.
Even if the pass is open, check the weather conditions beforehand to avoid getting in trouble because of the fog or slippery road.
When the pass is closed, and you need to get into the Goms Valley, you can use the car train through the Furka tunnel. A one-way ticket for a regular car costs 33 CHF in summer and 27 CHF in winter. You can book the tickets for the Furka car train here.
What to see on the Furka Pass
Rhone Glacier and the ice-cave
The Rhone Glacier is one of the fastest-melting glaciers in Europe. Like other Alpine glaciers, the Rhone Glacier is melting rapidly, losing about 5 metres of volume yearly. My friend born in the Goms Valley told me she remembers the times when it was still visible from the road. Today, you have to stop by the Hotel Belvedere and walk for a few minutes until you see what’s left of this beautiful work of nature.
I visited the glacier twice: once in 2018 and again in 2022. Even within four years, the difference was noticeable. Scientists estimate the Rhone Glacier might completely disappear by 2080.
I have to say that it’s quite a depressing experience to look at the greyish, dirty ice and the entry to the cave covered with white fabrics to slow down the melting.
If you want to experience the elements and the lively water running through the ice, you can basically go INTO THE GLACIER. No kidding. There is an ice cave in the Rhone Glacier that will give you a much better impression of what a glacier is than just staring at it from the side. The ice cave is open from June to October, and the entry fee is 9 CHF. The ice tunnel is minuscule, so don’t expect a long tour, but I still think it’s still worth visiting, especially if you’ve never seen a glacier from close.
Hotel Belvedere
In 1882, a young hotelier Josef Seiler built Hotel Belveder which quickly became a favoured spot among travellers to Switzerland. Who could resist spending a night with a view over a crystal clear glacier without having to walk for kilometres?
At that time, cars were slow, and stopping for a night between Uri and Wallis was convenient.
The biggest asset of the Hotel Belveder – the glacier view – has unfortunately disappeared over the last decades. Following a decrease in the number of visitors and some costly repairs after each season due to difficult winter conditions, the Hotel Belvedere eventually closed.
The building stood empty for years, and currently, the renovation costs would be outrageous, so it doesn’t look like the Hotel Belvedere will return to its old glory anytime soon. However, the iconic building is still one of the most photographed hotels in the Alps, inducing nostalgia for the belle epoque.
Furka Steam Railway
If you don’t feel like driving or cycling the road to Furka Pass, you can do it the old-school way – take the Furka Steam Railway. The train won’t take you to the highest point of the pass, as it only reaches 2160 m, but the views will be at least as spectacular as from the car.
And taking the steam train is an adventure on its own! The 18 km route takes about 2 hours. The slow pace allows you to appreciate the beauty of the valley formed by the Rhone Glacier. You will also see the rugged rocky walls from Realp’s side.
Driving the Furka Pass
Parking on Furka Pass
The parking on top of Furka Pass is free and quite big. During the high season, you can expect a lot of cars here, so it’s better to head up in the morning. There is also parking by the Rhone Glacier. You’ll also find a few spots along the road to stop and enjoy the view.
Cycling the Furka Pass
Conquering the Furka Pass by bicycle is a fantastic challenge and a great way to prove to yourself you have legs of steel. Don’t worry – the dramatic scenery will keep your mind busy, so you don’t have to focus on the struggle and pain.
I recommend cycling from West, starting from Oberwald. This side is a tiny bit less steep (although it has some segments with a 13 % slope) and more spectacular than the road from Andermatt and Realp.
During the summer, there is a lot of traffic, so it’s best to start the ride early in the morning. Remember to pack an extra jacket and
Furka Pass by bus
If you don’t have your own vehicle, not all is lost! You can still enjoy the beautiful road to Furka Pass by bus. The Swiss Postal Buses (Postauto) will take you to the highest point of the pass. The line Andermatt – Furkapass – Oberwald is running from 25. Juni to 9. October. The bus goes twice a day from Andermatt 8:30 and 15:34) and three times a day from Oberwald (9:45, 12:20 and 17:20). You can buy the tickets and check the timetable here.
Best hikes from Furka Pass
There are only a few places in Europe where you can start a hike from over 2400 metres above sea level. At this elevation, the scenery is rugged and diversified. If you are looking for a great trek in Switzerland, starting from the Furka Pass gives you stupendous opportunities for an unforgettable experience.
Tällistock
With stunning views over the Rhone Glacier and Grimsel Lake, the hike to Tällistock is not long but rewarding. Follow the signposts from Furka Pass in the direction of Tällilücke. The first part is moderately easy, but later on, the trail gets steeper and more demanding until you reach the Peak of Tällistock (2766 m).
The trail is almost 11 km long and will take approximately 3:30 hours. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and snacks.
You can find the gpx-track here.
Sidelenhütte
If you want to experience the Swiss mountain hut life, the hike from Furkapass to Sidelenhütte is something for you! Over 3,3 kilometres, you will cross some streams, walk along a mountain lake and finally reach a beautifully located mountain hut.
You can stop there for a meal or stay a night. If you’re looking for more serious hikes, you can continue from Sidelenhütte on the Nepali Highway. This trail is marked with white-blue-white signs, which means it’s an alpine hike, suitable for people with high-mountain experience and no fear of heights.
You can find the gpx-track here.
Where to stay near Furka Pass
Camping on Furka Pass
As wild camping in Switzerland is legal above the tree line, you can pitch your tent near Furka Pass or stay in your campervan. Remember to bring a high-quality sleeping bag and warm clothes – even the summer nights are chilly at this altitude!
Eliska Hudcova wrote a great post about camping on Furka Pass, with even better pictures.
Check out iOverlander and Park4Night for recommended camping spots on Furka.
If you are not into wild camping and prefer having amenities, the closest official campsite from Furka Pass is Camping Nufenen (right at the bottom of another scenic pass – Nufenen!). It is open from 1. June to 30. September.
Unique accommodation near Furka Pass
Is camping not your thing, but you still would love to experience sleeping surrounded by the mountains and the tranquillity of the alpine countryside? In Obergesteln, just 3 kilometres from Oberwald, you will find a unique glamping lodge Gadestatt.
My old friend Maya runs it in a small mountain hut her family has owned for years. You can sleep in the wooden cabin or on the luxurious bed outside, with the most outstanding view over the Goms Valley.
Gadestatt is not just accommodation – it’s an experience ofauthentic Swiss rural life and the breathtaking panorama but with the comforts of a king-size bed and a bathroom. There is no wi-fi and electricity there, so it still feels off-the-grid, and you’ll be able to focus on star gazing and relaxing without any distractions from the modern world.
Hotels near the Furka Pass
There are plenty of hotels within 30 kilometres of the Furka Pass. But it’s Switzerland, so if you’re on a budget, it won’t be an easy task to find something that won’t drain your wallet. If you don’t mind driving a bit further, it’s easier to find low-budget accommodation in Interlaken. If you’d rather stay in the area, you’ll need to count on spending around 200 euros for a double room.
Wanna do more scenic roads in Switzerland? In the vicinity of Furka, there are two amazing mountain passes: Nufenen Pass and Grimsel Pass.
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For leisure cyclists try Interlaken to Stechelberg via Wilderswil and Lauterbrunen. Stay off the main roads and use the easy off-road route. This is a valley route with only a slight incline to Lauterbrunen making a fun return to Interlaken. Go to the hotel in Stechelberg and order their Black Forest Gateau…….The cycle road from Lauterbrjne to Stechelberg takes past some magnificent waterfalls including the longest cascade in Switzerland. The route up the valley gives you great views of the Jungfrau.
That’s a great suggestion, thank you, Duncan! I will definitely try it next time I visit Switzerland.