Furka-Höhenweg
Overview
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Distance 23 km
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Duration 7 h 25 min
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Ascent 880 m
Intro
Pleasant hike on Urschnen high-level trail along stony south-eastern slopes above Urserental. Views down to Realp and Hospental, pass road and historic Furka steam railway. En route: tiny lakes, Alpine flowers, mountain streams and jagged cliffs.
Description
The first stage of the Furka High Altitude Trail passes through fairly rough and wild terrain, but the second stage seems more mellow and gentle. Even so, it requires some stamina. From the path that runs slightly above the pass road, you will enjoy stunning views of the Urseren Valley far below and the region's many peaks. A typical feature at this altitude in high summer: various species of bellflower, including the yellow bellflower (Campanula thyrsoides). From Hotel Furkablick, a good but rather steep path takes you down to the station of the Furka steam railway. Keep your eyes peeled in case you can spot a smoke-breathing steam engine somewhere in the distance. And if you do, you'll be amazed at how tiny the little train looks in this broad valley.
From the station, the path follows the young river Furkareuss along Alpine meadow paths where cattle graze. On the downward section to Tiefenbach station, you have constant views of the track of the Furka steam railway. From afar, you can already make out the steep path up to Hotel Tiefenbach. After you have crossed the sturdy bridge over the Furkareuss, you may perspire a little before you reach the pass road at the top – especially if the sun is shining directly onto this south-eastern slope.
Heat-loving flowers flourish at this altitude and, surprisingly, you will find enormous numbers of lupins here from June until September. The terrain flattens out now and good Alpine roads take us onto the "Urschner High Trail". Hikers are rewarded for the steep ascent to Tiefenbach by magnificent vistas of the Gotthard massif. The high trail passes several large Alpine meadows with grazing cattle and plenty of Alpine roses. From up here, there is a fabulous view down to Realp, taking in two small mountain lakes: Lakes Trüb and Luter. The path heads downwards again with lovely views of Hospental. In the background, you can already see Andermatt – the destination for this stage. Untamed nature gradually becomes civilised again and soon, you only have to stroll past the golf course to reach Andermatt rail station.
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 |
Furkapass
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Andermatt
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
1500 m
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| Ascent |
880 m
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| Descent |
1900 m
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| Distance |
23 km
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| Duration |
7 h 25 min
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| Duration back |
8 h 30 min
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| 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://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r... |
Quick Facts
Route number
