Furka Pass
Switzerland
In short: Furka Pass is a 31 km mountain road trip in Switzerland, typically driven over 1 day, best in Summer only when live status is open. Highlights: Gletsch, Rhône Glacier viewpoint, Hotel Belvédère exterior.
Something of a rite of passage for hardcore Alpine cyclists, Switzerland's Furka Pass is enshrined in motoring legend through its starring role in the Aston Martin/Ford Mustang car chase in James Bond's Goldfinger (1964). An Alpine pass and a half, with hairy switchbacks to an otherworldly 2,431 m plateau, the Rhône Glacier visible from the Hotel Belvédère, and deeply fissured blue ice grotto.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Version A: drive Gletsch to Realp over Furka Pass
Rhône Glacier viewpoint and Belvédère exterior · Furka Pass scenic drive · Gasthaus Tiefenbach
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Furka Pass drive?
The Furka Pass covers 31 km from start to finish.
How long does the Furka Pass take to drive?
Most travellers spend 1 day on the Furka Pass, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Furka Pass?
The recommended season for the Furka Pass is Summer only when live status is open.
Where does the Furka Pass start and end?
The Furka Pass runs from Gletsch to Realp.
What are the main stops on the Furka Pass?
The Furka Pass passes through Gletsch, Rhône Glacier viewpoint, Hotel Belvédère exterior.
How difficult is the Furka Pass to drive?
The Furka Pass is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Furka Pass in a regular car?
Yes — the Furka Pass is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Is the Furka Pass EV friendly?
Yes — the Furka Pass has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.
Is the Furka Pass safe to drive?
The classic core is Gletsch–Rhône Glacier viewpoint–Hotel Belvédère exterior–Furka summit–Tiefenbach–Realp; Grimsel is a separate extension and is removed. The Rhône Glacier Ice Grotto is currently listed temporarily closed, so it is not guaranteed. In 2026 the road reopened 29 May, but future and temporary openings vary: check live canton status immediately before departure. The DFB steam railway is a separate prebooked version with a roughly 2 h 15 min one-way trip and explicit return/car-recovery plan; do not drive the pass the same day. Carry food/water and verify any seasonal restaurant.
What scenic tier is the Furka Pass?
The Furka Pass is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.