Furka Pass
Switzerland
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Gletsch
A hamlet at 1,757 m where the Furka and Grimsel passes divide. The Rhône Glacier's former snout reached almost to the hotel here before a 2 km retreat.
- Rhône Glacier
The source of the Rhône, retreating visibly since 1870. An ice grotto carved into the face each summer glows with the deep blue of compressed ancient ice.
- Hotel Belvédère
The pink hotel at 2,270 m where the Goldfinger Aston Martin chase was filmed. The hairpins below it are among the finest driving roads in Switzerland.
- Furka Pass Summit
The 2,431 m watershed between Valais and Uri. West the Rhône valley falls toward Brig; east the road corkscrews down to Andermatt in a series of steep hairpins.
- Realp
A quiet Urseren valley village where the historic Furka rack-and-pinion railway arrives from Oberwald. The Goms Valley beyond offers picture-book Swiss scenery.
Where to Eat
- Restaurant Grimsel HospizSwiss
Historic mountain inn offering traditional Swiss dishes with panoramic views of the Grimsel Pass.
- Hotel Restaurant AlpenhofSwiss
Cozy restaurant serving local specialties in a rustic setting near the Furka Pass.
- Gasthaus TiefenbachSwiss
Family-run guesthouse offering hearty Swiss meals and stunning alpine views.
Things to Do
- Furka Cogwheel Steam RailwayHistoric Railway
Ride a historic steam train through the scenic Furka Pass, offering breathtaking alpine vistas.
- Rhone Glacier Ice GrottoNatural Attraction
Explore a man-made ice tunnel within the Rhone Glacier, showcasing stunning blue ice formations.
- Grimsel PassScenic Drive
Drive through the Grimsel Pass, featuring hairpin bends and panoramic mountain views.
Travel advisory
The Furka Pass reaches 2,429 m and is closed from approximately October to June. Hairpin bends and sheer drop-offs require careful driving; descend slowly in low gear to protect brakes. Check weather forecasts before departing as conditions can deteriorate rapidly.