The Furka High Trail (Furka-Höhenweg) is a magnificent route with incredible views that leads through centuries of history. You dive into the Belle Époque, a period of economic and cultural boom at the beginning of the 20th century, as you hike between Oberwald and Andermatt in Switzerland, discovering the Furka Pass. You discover nostalgic mountain villages, crystal-clear lakes and a mighty glacier, with the historic Furka steam train and winding road of the pass never far away.

A good 40 kilometres (24.8 mi) of wonder and discovery await you on this two-day hike. When Johann Wolfgang von Goethe crossed the Furka Pass in 1779, there was not a single inn between Oberwald and Realp. 100 years later, this changed with the construction of the Furka road and grand hotels such as the famous Hotel Belvédère that featured in the Bond film ‘Goldfinger’.

In addition to these fascinating historical highlights, the Furka High Trail impresses with its scenery: flower-filled alpine meadows alternate with picturesque streams and magnificent views of mountain peaks. On the first day, you head from Oberwald in the canton of Valais to the village of Gletsch, the Rhone Glacier, and up to the Furka Pass. You spend the night in Hotel Tiefenbach nearby. The second stage takes you along the scenic Ursener High Trail, past mountain lakes to Andermatt in the canton of Uri.

You can reach the starting point in Oberwald by train. The journey takes just under three hours from Bern and four from Zurich. The train ride already reveals some impressive panoramas. If you arrive the day before, you can enjoy a relaxed start to your hiking Tour. Andermatt also has rail connections. The journey from Andermatt to Zurich takes two hours and three hours to Bern.

Sufficient stamina is required for both stages, which are about 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) long. Although you reach 2,500 metres (8,202 ft), you don't need any alpine experience to walk the Furka Höhenweg thanks to the well-developed hiking trails. Moreover, you can make the first stage easier by catching the Furka steam train which stops at several points en route (check the timetable in advance). You’ll find refreshment stops on both stages.

Since the area around the Furka Pass is very snowy during the long winters, the Furka Höhenweg is only accessible between June and September. To ensure that the paths are passable, please check local information before you set off at the Andermatt tourist office (andermatt.ch/).