Scenic Road Trip
Furka Pass
James Bond's Alpine Playground
At 34 km, the Furka Pass is a short but intense slice of Swiss Alpine driving. Hairpin bends climb from the medieval valley of Andermatt to 2,429 m, where the Rhone Glacier clings to the mountainside and the air is thin enough to make your engine gasp — and your eyes widen.
Quick Facts
| Route | Andermatt to Gletsch (Oberwald) |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Distance | 34 km |
| Recommended days | 1 |
| Total drive time | ~1 hours |
| Best months | June–October |
| Toll cost | None on pass roads (Swiss motorway vignette NOT needed) |
| Est. fuel cost | ~EUR 5 |
| Motorway speed limit | 120 km/h |
| Alcohol limit (BAC) | 0.05 |
| Drives on | Right |
Top 5 Highlights
1. Furka Pass Summit
2,429 m saddle with views of the Bernese and Valais Alps in every direction
2. Rhone Glacier
The source of the Rhone River — a shrinking glacier with an artificial ice grotto (fee)
3. Hotel Belvedere (Abandoned)
The iconic abandoned hotel from Goldfinger — closed since 2015 but still photogenic
4. Realp Steam Railway
A heritage railway running vintage steam engines through Alpine tunnels
5. Grimsel Pass Junction
The Furka meets the Grimsel at Gletsch — extend to the dramatic Grimsel reservoir
Road Conditions & Terrain
Terrain: High Alpine pass crossing the ridge between the Urseren Valley and the Upper Valais
Road type: Well-maintained two-lane Swiss mountain road with sharp hairpin bends and 10% gradient sections
Best Time to Drive
Best months: June–October
Open June to mid-October; the Rhone Glacier is most visible in early summer before late-season snow
Key Driving Rules
Swiss mountain road limits: 50–80 km/h depending on signage. The Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) is not required for pass roads. Uphill traffic has right of way on mountain passes. Flash your lights at oncoming vehicles at blind bends. Winter tyres recommended May–October at altitude.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h |
| Rural/Open road | 80 km/h |
| Motorway | 120 km/h |
Required Equipment
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol, round trip) | ~EUR 5 |
| Tolls/vignette | None on pass roads (Swiss motorway vignette NOT needed) |
| Petrol price (per litre) | ~$1.92 USD |
| Diesel price (per litre) | ~$1.95 USD |
Practical Tips
- The east side (Andermatt) has the more dramatic hairpin sequence; save it for the ascent
- Combine with Grimsel and Susten passes for the ‘Three Passes Drive’ — a full-day Swiss classic
- The abandoned Hotel Belvedere is fenced off but visible from the road — a unique photo stop
- Postal buses have right of way — pull over when you hear the distinctive three-note horn
- Start early from Andermatt to have the hairpins to yourself before the motorcycle crowds arrive
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Furka Pass covers 34 km and takes approximately 1 hours of pure driving time. We recommend 1 days to enjoy the highlights and stops along the way.
The best months are June–October. Open June to mid-October; the Rhone Glacier is most visible in early summer before late-season snow
None on pass roads (Swiss motorway vignette NOT needed)
Switzerland drives on the right side of the road.
The blood alcohol limit in Switzerland is 0.05 BAC.
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