Switzerland · Alps
Furkapass
One of Switzerland's most beautiful high passes, the Furka winds past the Rhône Glacier and offers views across the Bernese and Valaisan Alps. Famous from the James Bond film Goldfinger.
- Length
- 12.7 km
- Avg gradient
- 7.1%
- Max gradient
- 11%
- Elevation gain
- 902 m
- Summit
- 2,429 m
- Hairpins
- 14
Versants
- From Realp — 12.7 km at 7.1% (max 11%)
- From Gletsch — 6.3 km at 10.7% (max 12%)
History
The Furka sits at 2,429 m and is most famous for its location near the Rhône Glacier, which riders can approach by bike on a short walk from the summit. The climb winds through high-Alpine meadow, and the views in every direction — across the Bernese and Valaisan Alps — are among the most complete in the Alps.
The pass was driven through a tunnel in 1982, which means the old mountain road is now quiet and primarily used by cyclists. The climb from Realp is 12.7 km at 7.1% average, manageable but sustained, and the scenery more than compensates for the effort.
The Furka is also famous from the James Bond film Goldfinger, in which a car drives the pass; the distinctive hairpins and alpine setting make it recognizable even to non-cyclists. The combination of accessible difficulty, stunning views, and low traffic makes it one of Switzerland's most popular cycling passes.