Frequently Questions People ask
Absolutely. Furka Pass is one of Europe’s most iconic mountain roads, offering a thrilling mix of hairpin curves, high-altitude driving, and jaw-dropping views of the Swiss Alps. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, motorcyclist, or road trip lover, it’s a must-drive route that delivers both adrenaline and scenery.
Furka Pass gained worldwide fame after appearing in the James Bond film Goldfinger, with Sean Connery racing an Aston Martin DB5 along its curves. Beyond Hollywood, it’s known for its elevation (2,429 m), dramatic switchbacks, and its place in Switzerland’s “Big Three” alpine passes alongside Grimsel and Susten.
No. Like most high Alpine passes, Furka closes for the harsh winter months. It’s typically one of the last to open in summer, usually by the first week of June, though heavy snow can delay this until mid-June.
Once open, the pass generally stays accessible until late October, unless early snowfall forces an earlier closure. If you’re planning a drive near the edges of the season, always check the latest updates at alpenpaesse.de before you go.
Furka Pass is located in central Switzerland between Andermatt (Uri) and Gletsch (Valais). From Zurich or Lucerne, drive south via Andermatt. From Geneva or Bern, head east through the Rhone Valley. The road is well-signposted and easily accessible during the open season by car, motorcycle, or camper.
Ask a seasoned petrolhead, and they’ll tell you: west to east is the way to go. The west side is wider, more flowing, and gives you uninterrupted views of the Rhône Glacier as you climb.
The east side is narrower, trickier, and occasionally a bit hairy, especially if you meet a Swiss PostBus coming the other way. That said, east to west has the edge if you’re more into dramatic downhill stretches and sweeping vistas.
“Furka” comes from the Latin word furca, meaning “fork” or “divide.” It refers to the shape of the mountain ridges and valleys the road crosses. In local dialect, it’s also associated with steep, rugged terrain, fitting for one of the most dramatic roads in the Alps.
Furka Pass has been around far longer than cars. This ancient alpine route dates back to pre-Roman times, though it was first formalized as a horse-and-wagon path in the 18th century. Queen Victoria famously stayed overnight here in 1868, even painting scenes of the surrounding valley.
The pass opened to motor traffic at the dawn of the 20th century, and with it came iconic landmarks like the Furkablick Hotel and the military barracks of 1917. Later, the legendary Furka railway tunnel was built, cementing the pass’s place in Swiss travel history.
June. The earlier the better. This is when you’ll still see snow clinging to the peaks and glacial melt feeding the rivers and waterfalls below, making the entire landscape look even more dramatic.
Furka can get busy, particularly on sunny summer weekends when bikers and tourists swarm the Alps. To enjoy the road at its best, aim for mid-week mornings before 10am, or go for a golden-hour run after 6pm.
-There aren’t many eateries on the pass itself, so your best bet is to head to Grimsel Hospiz at the summit of the nearby Grimsel Pass, just 8km from Furka. It’s a legendary spot with incredible views and a perfect excuse to extend your drive.
