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Furka Pass — Switzerland — Mountain
Europe

Furka Pass

Switzerland

In short: Furka Pass is a 31 km mountain road trip in Switzerland, typically driven over Half–1 day, best in June – October. Highlights: Gletsch, Rhône Glacier, Hotel Belvédère.

Distance
31 km
Duration
Half–1 day
Best Season
June – October
IconicModerateMountainEV-friendly

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.

Practical notes
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.
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Stops along the route

Gletsch — Departure — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Departure
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.
Hotels
Realp — Arrival — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Arrival
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.
Hotels

Things to Do

Rhône Glacier — Nature — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Nature
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 — Landmark — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Landmark
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 — Nature — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Nature
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.
Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway — Historic Railway — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Historic Railway
Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway
Ride a historic steam train through the scenic Furka Pass, offering breathtaking alpine vistas.
Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto — Natural Attraction — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Natural Attraction
Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto
Explore a man-made ice tunnel within the Rhone Glacier, showcasing stunning blue ice formations.
Grimsel Pass — Scenic Drive — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Scenic Drive
Grimsel Pass
Drive through the Grimsel Pass, featuring hairpin bends and panoramic mountain views.

Where to Eat

Restaurant Grimsel Hospiz — Swiss — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Swiss
Restaurant Grimsel Hospiz
Historic mountain inn offering traditional Swiss dishes with panoramic views of the Grimsel Pass.
Hotel Restaurant Alpenhof — Swiss — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Swiss
Hotel Restaurant Alpenhof
Cozy restaurant serving local specialties in a rustic setting near the Furka Pass.
Gasthaus Tiefenbach — Swiss — Furka Pass — Switzerland
Swiss
Gasthaus Tiefenbach
Family-run guesthouse offering hearty Swiss meals and stunning alpine views.

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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 Half–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 June – October.

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, Hotel Belvédère.

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 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.

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.