Road Trip Guide
Furka Pass: Switzerland's Glacier Run
Andermatt to Gletsch
Start Your Engine
Andermatt
The Finish Line
Gletsch
40 km
Miles
1-2 days
Days
Trip Essentials for Andermatt
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Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Andermatt Shell
Fuel
Fill your tank here; there are no reliable fuel stations once you begin the ascent.
Furka Pass Summit EV Charger
EV Charging
Limited charging points available; ensure you have enough range to reach Gletsch.
Gletsch Service Area
Supplies
Small kiosk for snacks and water before heading toward the Grimsel or Susten passes.
Always carry a paper map & physical emergency kit for remote stretches.
Insider Driving Tips
Always check the 'AlpenPässe' website before departure, as the Furka Pass is strictly seasonal and often closed due to heavy snow until early June.
Engine braking is your best friend on the descent to Gletsch; avoid riding your brakes to prevent overheating and ensure your pads remain effective for the entire journey.
Swiss traffic laws are strictly enforced with heavy fines for even minor speeding; keep a close eye on the speed limit signs, especially near village entrances.
Carry a high-quality pair of polarized sunglasses to mitigate the intense glare reflecting off the snowfields and the bright limestone rock faces.
Always yield to the iconic Swiss PostBus; these massive yellow coaches have the right of way on narrow mountain roads, and they will not stop for you.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Andermatt Village
Gasthaus Ochsen
“A traditional wood-paneled restaurant serving authentic Rosti and local alpine cheeses that provide the perfect caloric base for a day of mountain driving.”
Andermatt Main Square
Capture the contrast between the historic stone buildings and the towering, snow-dusted peaks in the background.
The Reuss River Bridge
The stone bridge provides a classic foreground for the rushing glacial water and the surrounding lush green valley.
The Suworow Monument
A haunting, massive cross carved directly into the rock face in the Schöllenen Gorge, commemorating the Russian general's brutal 1799 campaign.
Hospental
Hotel St. Gotthard
“A charming, historic hotel offering an outdoor terrace where you can sip espresso while watching the clouds dance around the surrounding peaks.”
Hospental Tower
Capture the juxtaposition of the ancient stone fortification against the backdrop of the emerging high-alpine terrain.
The Valley Junction
The point where the roads to the Gotthard and Furka passes diverge, offering a dramatic perspective on the scale of the infrastructure.
The Old Tower Ruins
Climb the short path to the 13th-century stone tower for a 360-degree view of the valley intersection.
Furka Pass Summit
Hotel Furkablick
“An iconic, historic hotel perched right at the summit, famous for its avant-garde art installations and warm, hearty mountain soups.”
The Summit Marker
The classic photo opportunity with the pass sign and the sprawling, snow-covered mountains in the background.
The Hairpin Viewpoint
A cliffside pull-off that looks directly down onto the winding road, capturing the true scale of the descent ahead.
The Furka-Viewfinder
An iron-frame structure at the peak that helps identify the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks by name and elevation.
Rhone Glacier Viewpoint
Belvedere Restaurant
“Located right next to the glacier, this spot offers a terrace where you can eat while staring directly at the receding ice face.”
The Glacial Edge
A safe but close vantage point to photograph the deep, electric blue crevasses of the glacier.
The Winding Road Below
From the glacier, look down to see the road curling like a snake through the valley toward Gletsch.
The Ice Grotto
Walk inside the man-made ice tunnel carved into the glacier, where you are surrounded by ancient, shimmering blue ice.
Gletsch Valley Floor
Hotel Glacier du Rhône
“Dine in the historic Belle Époque dining room, a step back in time that celebrates the classic hospitality of the Swiss Alps.”
The Village Church
The simple, white-walled church with its onion dome provides a beautiful contrast against the green valley slopes.
The Rhone River Source
Capture the crystal-clear, bubbling waters of the infant Rhone River as it starts its long journey.
The Steam Train Station
The terminus of the Furka Steam Railway, a restored line that offers a vintage, slow-paced alternative to the road trip.
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Grimsel Pass
An immediate continuation from Gletsch, offering a different, rockier landscape and turquoise reservoirs.
Why It's Worth It
“It is arguably even more dramatic than the Furka, featuring the stunning Totensee lake at the summit.”
Susten Pass
A loop back through a different valley, known for its massive stone bridges and lush forests.
Why It's Worth It
“It offers a completely different aesthetic, feeling more like a garden compared to the rugged Furka.”
Schöllenen Gorge
A deep, narrow gorge leading into Andermatt featuring the famous Devil's Bridge.
Why It's Worth It
“It is a historical wonder with a dark, fascinating legend and incredible engineering feats.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is a challenging road with many hairpin turns and narrow sections, but it is well-maintained and safe for experienced drivers.
Late June to early September is the optimal window to ensure all snow is cleared and the weather is stable.