{"id":7321,"date":"2022-06-17T06:30:33","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T06:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=7321"},"modified":"2026-09-25T08:47:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T08:47:05","slug":"cycling-in-crans-montana-furkapas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/fietsen-in-crans-montana-furkapas","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in Crans-Montana: Furkapas"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you go cycling in Crans-Montana, the bike sky is actually at your feet. That may sound a bit exaggerated, but there is certainly a kernel of truth in it. From the village, you can, among other things, see the Sanetschpas<\/a> climbing, which is also Switzerland\u2019s best-kept secret. In addition, you have the opportunity to visit all the hydroelectric dams and reservoirs. Within cycling distance, there are Grand-Dixence<\/a>, Lake Tseuzier<\/a> and Lac de Moiry<\/a>. With a short drive you can also get there Emosson Dam<\/a> Attach. We offer an additional option. Take the train and head to Brig. You can, among other things, ride the Simplon Pass, but if you\u2019re even more adventurous, you can ride the Furkapass, Nufenen or even the San Gottardo or Gotthard Pass. We\u2019d prefer to do all three at the same time. We choose the Fur cap<\/strong>. Spoiler: If you go cycling in Crans-Montana<\/a> This is a must-do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Grimsel,
Turn right to the top!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The start of the climb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

text: Sander Kolsloot, photos: Ruben Hoogland\/Sander Kolsloot<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story of a hotel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you Fur cap<\/strong> says, then that is almost synonymous with Hotel Belv\u00e9d\u00e8re<\/strong>. This is perhaps one of the most photographed hotels in the world. It is the most famous hotel in the Alps, especially when it comes to cycling and hairpin bends. A bit of history about this hotel: it was once built in 1882, after the construction of the Furkastrasse<\/em>, The mountain pass. The hotel has a rich history, where setbacks in the economic field are also a common thread. The strategic location of the hotel, as part of the first Alpine post bus route in 1921, has long ensured that the hotel has had a steady flow of guests and revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"cycling<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

James Bond <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the 1960s, the hotel\u2019s security of existence changed. The road was widened, the cars became more powerful, and as a result the need for an overnight stay at Belv\u00e9d\u00e8re decreased. Ironically, it might have been the scene from the film Goldfinger, in which James Bond (Sean Connery) breaks through the Furkapass in 1964, the beginning of the end. Although according to legend, Connery slept in the hotel and often returned later, it is precisely the speed and power of the cars that are the reason why the hotel was unable to survive. There have been several attempts to renovate the hotel and revive it. Since 2015, after an earthquake that closed off the road, the hotel has been empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to start at the Furkapass, there are several options. Of course, there is the possibility to drive up from Andermatt. Since we are departing from Crans-Montana, our starting point is on the \u2018Valais\u2019 side of the climb. The border with the canton Uri is located on top of the pass. You can almost start from Brig, but then it is a very long and relatively boring hike to the foot. By car, it is advisable to drive to Ulrichen. You can also take the train to this mountain village. From here, you have two options: the Furkapass or the Nufenenpass. The first 5 kilometers are flat, which makes for a great day program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furkapass<\/a>, Obergoms, Switzerland<\/p>\u2022 Distance: 10.2 km, Elevation difference: 650 m, Average gradient: 6.3 %<\/blockquote>