Furka Pass

Furka road climbs from the Rhône glacier (two steep bends), with a magnificent view of the glacier to the rear, and to the right, above the Gratschlucht glacier, of the Grosses Muttenhorn (3,103 m/10,181ft). In 2.5km/2mi the road reaches the Furka pass (2,431 m/7,976ft). The Furka ("Fork") is a saddle, falling steeply away on each side, between the Kleines Furkahorn (3,026 m/9,928ft; two hours north) and the Blauberg (2,757 m/9,046ft; 1.5 hours south), both offering easy and rewarding climbs. It forms the boundary between the cantons of Valais and Uri and affords magnificent views, extending northeast to the Urseren valley and the Oberalp pass and west to the Bernese Alps (Finsteraarhorn) and the Valais Alps (Weisshorn). Rewarding climb, to the north, of the Galenstock (3,583 m/11,756ft; five hours, with guide), which commands extensive views.