Furka Pass
Switzerland, europe
38 km
2,429 m
moderate
June to October
# The Furka Pass: A Swiss Alpine Classic
If you're hunting for one of Switzerland's most iconic high-altitude drives, the Furka Pass is calling your name. Perched at a breathtaking 2,429 meters above sea level, this 38-kilometer beauty connects the cantons of Valais and Uri and serves as the gateway to the Rhone Glacier—the very source of the Rhone River itself.
The drive from Gletsch to Hospental is pure Alpine drama. You'll climb from verdant valleys into an otherworldly landscape of jagged peaks and windswept plateaus, with the legendary Goldfinger car chase location from 1964 adding a splash of cinematic cool to your journey. The sweeping curves here are built for memorable drives, whether you're a Bond fan or just a lover of mountain roads.
The Rhone Glacier is the real star, though it's visibly retreating thanks to climate change. Even so, it's still worth stopping for—they carve out an ice grotto each summer where you can actually walk inside glowing blue ice. The iconic Hotel Belvedere, dramatically perched above the glacier at a hairpin turn, has become a legendary photo spot (even if it's currently closed).
Here's the best part: the Furka is part of a triumphant Alpine triple-pass circuit with the Grimsel and Susten passes nearby. Combine them all and you've got one unforgettable road trip. The pass opens June through October with perfectly maintained asphalt and solid guardrails, so the drive itself is surprisingly comfortable. For winter crossings or a nostalgic experience, hop on the historic Furka Steam Railway for a charming steam-powered adventure over the summit.
Where is it?
Furka Pass is located in Valais / Uri, Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.5726, 8.4145
Driving Tips
# Furka Pass Road Trip Tips
**Best Time to Visit**
Plan your trip between June and October when the pass is open. Outside these months, it's closed due to snow, so check conditions before you head out.
**Make It a Full Alpine Adventure**
If you've got a full day, string together the Furka, Grimsel, and Susten passes for an epic loop. You'll hit some seriously stunning Alpine scenery and get a real sense of the region's best roads.
**Don't Miss the Rhone Glacier**
Stop by the ice grotto at Rhone Glacier while you're up there. It's a cool (literally!) detour that breaks up the drive and gives you something memorable to see beyond just the road itself.
**Watch Out for Weekend Riders**
On weekends, expect a fair number of motorcyclists enjoying the curves. Stay alert, give them space when passing, and be aware they might be moving faster than regular traffic. It's all part of the charm of these mountain passes.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Valais / Uri
- Length
- 38 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,429 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- June to October
- Coordinates
- 46.5726, 8.4145
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