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Furka Pass – Legendary Mountain Passes

Cycling · Valais
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  • Cyclists in front of Hotel Belvedere, Furka Pass
    Cyclists in front of Hotel Belvedere, Furka Pass
    Photo: Tamara Berger, Valais/Wallis Promotion - Tamara Berger
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From the village of Oberwald at the very top of the Goms Valley to the summit of the Furka Pass, this road is one of the highest passes in Switzerland, connecting the canton of Valley with the canton of Uri.
difficult
Distance 16.5 km
3:00 h
1,064 m
3 m
2,429 m
1,368 m
The Furka Pass is probably one of the prettiest passes in Switzerland. At an altitude of 2,431m, it is the fourth highest after the Umbrail, the Grand-St-Bernard and Nufenen passes. From Oberwald in the magnificent Goms Valley until the summit which straddles the cantons of Valais and Uri, the route passes through Gletsch and then rises, coming flirtatiously close with the Rhone Glacier. The great river is derived from these remote snow melts before crossing the entire canton until Lake Geneva and – then – on to the Mediterranean! It is definitely worth a stop at the restaurant that overlooks this incredible place.

Author’s recommendation

Have a rest at the Belvédère hotel and visit the ice cave inside the Rhone Glacier. 
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Furka Pass, 2,429 m
Lowest point
Oberwald, 1,368 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec

Track types

Show elevation profile

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Tips and hints

 More information: 

 

Start

Oberwald (1,367 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'669'774E 1'154'077N
DD
46.534353, 8.348159
DMS
46°32'03.7"N 8°20'53.4"E
UTM
32T 450014 5153627
w3w 
///buzzards.jousting.skirting

Destination

Furka pass

Turn-by-turn directions

 

The cyclist who tackles the Furka Pass will discover the very edge of the canton of Valais and the source of the Rhone River; the most important river in the canton. The first few kilometres from Oberwald to Gletsch pass through forests and waterfalls on this road that eventually leads to Andermatt and the canton of Uri. After passing through Gletsch, the road climbs with a long straight hugging the side of the mountain before beginning to meander into curves. On the left, the Rhone Glacier is spectacular, and will leave you daydreaming despite the effort. The last kilometres to the summit become less steep, giving you a break to ponder over the views of the  Uri Alps and the Saint-Gotthard Massif.

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Public transport

Frequent CFF train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then MGB (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn) train or bus to Oberwald.

By road

From Brig, follow the cantonal route 19 "Furkastrasse" for 40km until you arrive in Oberwald.

Parking

Parking at the train station in Oberwald, follow the local car park routeing. 

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'669'774E 1'154'077N
DD
46.534353, 8.348159
DMS
46°32'03.7"N 8°20'53.4"E
UTM
32T 450014 5153627
w3w 
///buzzards.jousting.skirting
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Brochures: Road Cycling Map

Author’s map recommendations

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1250 Ulrichen

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

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Difficulty
difficult
Distance
16.5 km
Duration
3:00 h
Ascent
1,064 m
Descent
3 m
Highest point
2,429 m
Lowest point
1,368 m
Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Insider tip Linear route

Weather at the route's trailhead

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  • 2 Waypoints
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