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
Duration3:00 h
Ascent1,064 m
Descent3 m
Highest point2,429 m
Lowest point1,368 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
Nov
Dec
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).
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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Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Frequent CFF train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then MGB (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn) train or bus to Oberwald.
Getting there
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.
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