Furka Pass – Legendary Mountain Passes

Logo Furka Pass – Legendary Mountain Passes
Logo Furka Pass – Legendary Mountain Passes
Tour data
16.49km
1,368 - 2,428m
Distance
968hm
Ascent
03:00h
 
Duration
Brief description

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.

Difficulty
difficult
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

Oberwald

Route
Furka
Kirche Heilig Kreuz
0.0 km
Binelti
0.1 km
Oberwald (1,377 m)
0.1 km
St. Niklaus
1.2 km
Rhonequelle
3.2 km
Gletsch (1,759 m)
6.0 km
Gletsch (1,757 m)
6.4 km


Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description

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.

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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Highest point
2,428 m
Endpoint

Furka pass

Height profile
© outdooractive.com

Equipment

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

Safety instructions

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

Have a rest at the Belvédère hotel and visit the ice cave inside the Rhone Glacier. 

Additional information

 More information: 

Furka pass Obergoms

 


Directions

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

Public transportation

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

Parking

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


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General info

Refreshment stop
Cultural/Historical
Insider tip
Flora
A lot of view
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