Furka-Höhenweg
Overview
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Distance 11 km
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Duration 4 h 30 min
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Ascent 1200 m
Intro
Follow the infant river Rhone to Gletsch and then continue towards the Furka Pass, with the historic Furka railway line alongside you. If you're lucky, you'll see a traditional steam train passing by. Striking views of the Rhone Glacier and the entire Goms valley.
Description
The Furka High Altitude Trail takes you up to Gletsch as you follow the young Rhone, known here as the "Rotten". You start out through a fairly dry larch forest, bathed in light – just like the pictures of Obergoms valley seen on many calendars – but the terrain soon becomes somewhat bleaker. The path crosses wetland meadows full of interesting flowers including the willow gentian, which blooms from August until October. There is a superb view from up here, across the valley floor as far as the Obergoms area, including the steep track of the Furka steam railway line. If you're lucky, you'll see the nostalgic steam train chug past. Still with views of the "Rotten" and the pass road snaking upwards, you reach the top at Gletsch, the first intermediate destination of this stage.
You'll be impressed by this bustling tourist resort with its eventful past and the historic Furka steam railway station. Surrounded by high peaks, the valley seems broad here – the ideal spot to inhale deep breaths of fresh air: you can still enjoy the view of the Klein Furkahorn and you'll already spot the top of the Furka Pass, the destination for this stage. After Gletsch, you'll be walking in solitude on good Alpine paths. Already above the tree line, you will hike upwards through alder shrubs with a series of magnificent views of the Furka pass road, the Rhone Glacier (Belvédère) and the Grimsel region.
From Oberalpstafel, the route to Muttbach station again takes you along meadowland paths that are rather damper, but still easily walkable. At this altitude, the grazing cattle certainly feast on the best grass during the short summer season. With luck, you'll also encounter many butterflies here, such as the Apollo species. Then the terrain changes drastically again: the last section zig-zags quite wildly up to the top of the Furka Pass – the destination for this stage – with all kinds of blooms (including chives) by the wayside during the flowering season. It's a little startling to be plunged back into civilisation at the end of the tour after such an abundance of nature.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Oberwald
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Furkapass
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
2000 m
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| Ascent |
1200 m
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| Descent |
140 m
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| Distance |
11 km
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| Duration |
4 h 30 min
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| Duration back |
3 h 20 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
June - October
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| Theme |
With panoramic view, Over a pass
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| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe51... |
Quick Facts
Route number
