The Furka Pass

Peaking at over 2400m and linking Andermatt in the east to Gletsch at the base of the Grimsel Pass, the Furka is one of the highest passes in the Swiss Alps.

The eastern side is quite narrow in places and has its fair share of blind corners and serious drops and although entertaining to drive, progress may well be hampered by oncoming traffic trying to stay well clear (understandably) of the concrete posts lining the edge of the road and oblivion beyond. The western slopes are wide, flowing and better surfaced, offering great views of the switchbacks that lead to the Rhone Glacier and the Belvedere Hotel perched on the mountainside. Although we drove it east to west from the base of the Gotthard Pass in the Andermatt area, I'd say it's probably better enjoyed driven in the opposite direction.

The Belvedere Hotel @ 2300m

There's ample parking adjacent to the Belvedere Hotel from where it's a short walk to the glacier and although the ice has retreated somewhat over the last few decades, it's still an incredible site. Each year a series of tunnels are cut into the ice allowing visitors to park up, grab a coffee, pay a few francs and head under/into the glacier itself.

The Furka Pass was immortalised for many over fifty years ago by Sean Connery's Aston Martin tussling with a Ford Mustang in James Bond's Goldfinger. On the eastern side there are a few stopping places and if you've recently seen the film, you'll recognise the vista towards Realp. There's a sign at the side of the road marking the location where Bond is observing Goldfinger and Oddjob when a shot is fired from overhead.

Looking down on the 'Goldfinger' corner

In bad weather it's surely not a route to be taken lightly, however in favourable conditions it's hugely enjoyable as it offers superb views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with the roads the snaking all over the scenery.