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
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is the Transalpina road in Romania?
🇷🇴 Romania
Get ready for an epic Romanian road trip on the Transalpina! This beauty, also known as DN67C, winds for 148 km (92 miles) between Novaci and Sebeş, carving its way through the stunning Carpathian Mountains. Give yourself around 3 hours to soak it all in – and that’s without stopping (which you’ll definitely want to do!). Locals call it "The King's Road" thanks to King Carol II, who originally built it. It even has roots tracing back to Roman legions! After being rebuilt for military use during WWII, it was mostly inaccessible until recently. Now fully paved since 2009, it’s a modern marvel. Transalpina isn’t just a road, it’s an experience! Picture yourself surrounded by incredible natural beauty, far from the usual tourist spots. The views are seriously breathtaking! But fair warning: it's packed with twists and turns that'll keep you on your toes. Heads up though, this high-altitude road isn’t open year-round. At its peak, it reaches a whopping 2,145m (7,037ft)! Usually, snow shuts it down around November/December, reopening around mid-May, weather permitting, and only during the day (8 AM to 8 PM). Pack a jacket, even in summer – that mountain air can be crisp! For a truly unforgettable experience, plan your trip for mid-to-late autumn. The foliage is unreal, transforming the landscape into a vibrant explosion of colors. Trust me, you won't regret it!
extremeWhere is Tunnel du Mortier?
🇫🇷 France
Nestled in the Isère department of France, you'll find the abandoned Tunnel du Mortier, a relic sitting pretty at 1,370m. This beauty is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country. Word on the street is it was first built way back in 1911, then upgraded for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. Sadly, this tunnel closed its doors in 1992 after a massive rockfall wiped out the access road. Picture this: around 20,000 m3 of rock giving way, leaving a seriously unstable zone. Because it wasn't a super critical route, the powers that be decided to let it be. Nowadays, hikers and mountain bikers are the only ones who dare venture through. So, can you drive through? Technically, the tunnel itself, built wide enough for two lanes, is still there. But the road leading to it? Not so much. The first part is easy enough, but the middle gets seriously dark. Pro tip: avoid looking directly at the light at the other end; it'll mess with your vision. There's a rock slide that has cut off the road further down the climb, so you need to be very careful to cross. Getting there involves taking the D218, a paved road with some narrow bits. The southeastern side is still drivable up to the tunnel, but the northwestern side? Forget about it—completely collapsed. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12%. Once inside, bring a flashlight, since it’s a long tunnel and completely dark in the middle.
moderateRoad FV112
🇳🇴 Norway
# Road FV112: A Hidden Gem in Northern Norway Ready for a road trip that feels like stepping back in time? FV112 on the island of Hamnøya in Nordland county is exactly that kind of adventure. This scenic 9.6 km unpaved route kicks off from a ferry dock on the famous Kystriksveien (FV17) and winds its way toward Hamn, a charming little village that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. What makes this drive special? You'll pass through Forvik, one of Northern Norway's oldest trading places—basically driving through centuries of history. The road itself is pretty authentic too: unpaved with some delightfully narrow sections that'll keep you engaged the whole way. The scenery? Absolutely stunning, as you'd expect from this corner of Norway. The best part? FV112 stays open year-round, which means you can explore it in virtually any season. Just keep in mind that winter can be temperamental—occasional closures happen when the weather decides to throw its weight around. But when conditions are good, this drive is an absolute must-do for anyone seeking that genuine Norwegian experience without the crowds.
moderateThe inhumane climb to Alto de Carrascoy with 18% ramps
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de Carrascoy: A Brutal Climb in Spain's Murcia Region Ready for a serious leg-burner? Alto de Carrascoy, also known as Pico de La Maza, sits at 1,062m (3,484ft) in Murcia's stunning Sierra de Carrascoy mountain range down in southeastern Spain. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it's the real deal. The 9.5km (5.9 miles) ascent cranks up 891 meters of elevation, averaging a punishing 9.37% gradient. But here's where it gets gnarly: the first 6km average a brutal 11.9%, with sections hitting a whopping 18.3% that'll have your legs screaming. Fair warning though—the last couple of kilometers throw in some false flats and descent, which messes with your rhythm just when you need consistency most. The entire route runs on tarmac from the RM-603 road starting at Casas Nuevas de la Costera, but don't expect a smooth ride everywhere. Patches of the asphalt are in pretty rough shape, adding another layer of challenge to an already demanding climb. Once you reach the top within the Parque Regional Sierra de Carrascoy y El Valle, you'll find communication antennas and a tower marking the summit—plus some seriously rewarding views. Just note: the road ends here, so this is a true dead-end effort. Save this one for when you're feeling strong.