Furka Pass, Hotel Belvédère & Rhone Glacier

Furka Pass (2,429 m / 7,969 ft) is one of Switzerland’s most legendary alpine passes, connecting Uri and Valais. It’s a paradise for road trip lovers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers. Winding curves, jaw-dropping views of glaciers and valleys, and a touch of cinematic history – this pass became famous thanks to a James Bond car chase in Goldfinger (1964).

Hotel Belvédère

Perched dramatically on a curve of the Furka Pass road stands the iconic Hotel Belvédère. Once a glamorous stop for travelers crossing the Alps, today it’s abandoned – but still one of the most photographed hotels in the world thanks to its surreal backdrop of mountains and glaciers.

Rhone Glacier (Rhonegletscher)

Just behind the hotel lies the Rhone Glacier, source of the mighty Rhone River. For decades, visitors could step into the famous Ice Grotto – a tunnel carved each year into the glacier, glowing in magical shades of blue. Sadly, due to climate change, the glacier has retreated dramatically, and access is no longer the same as it once was – making it a place of both awe and reflection.

How to Visit

• By car: Easily accessible in summer (June–October), when the pass road is open.

• By train: Take the Furka steam railway (Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke) for a nostalgic alpine journey.

• The hotel is located directly along the Furka Pass road, near the top

Insider Tips

• Best time: July–September (when the pass is fully open and snow-free).

• Stop at multiple viewpoints – the curves themselves offer unforgettable panoramas.

• Even though Hotel Belvédère is closed, you can walk around it and capture incredible photos with the glacier backdrop.

• Combine with nearby Grimsel Pass or Gotthard Pass for an epic alpine road trip.