{"id":7321,"date":"2022-06-17T06:30:33","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T06:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=7321"},"modified":"2025-11-17T10:06:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T09:06:49","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: Furka pass"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are cycling in Crans-Montana, cycling heaven is actually at your feet. That may sound a bit exaggerated but there is definitely a grain of truth in it. From the village you can take the Sanetsch Pass<\/a> climb, aka Switzerland's best-kept secret. You also have the opportunity to visit all the dams and reservoirs. Within cycling distance are Grand-Dixence<\/a>, Lac de Tseuzier<\/a> and Lac de Moiry<\/a>. With a small drive, you can also Barrage d'Emosson<\/a> attach. We give an additional option. Take the train and drive towards Brig. Then you can ride the Simplon Pass, among others, but even better drive the Furka Pass, Nufenen or even the San Gottardo or Gotthard Pass. Preferably all three at once. We opt for the Furkapas<\/strong>. Spoiler: If you go cycling in Crans-Montana<\/a> this is a must-do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Grimsel,
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 Furkapas<\/strong> says, then that is almost synonymous with the 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 little history of 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 economic setbacks in particular are a common thread. The strategic position of the hotel, as part of the first Alpine post bus route in 1921, has long ensured that the hotel had a steady stream of guests and revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/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's livelihood changed. The pass was widened, cars became more powerful and thus the need for an overnight stay at Belv\u00e9d\u00e8re diminished. Ironically, perhaps the scene from the film Goldfinger, in which James Bond (Sean Connery) tears over the Furka Pass in 1964, was the beginning of the end. Although Connery is said to have slept at the hotel and later returned often, it is precisely the speed and power of the cars that prevented the hotel from surviving. There have been several attempts to renovate and revive the hotel. Since 2015, after a landslide closed the road, the hotel has stood empty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

If you want to start at the Furka pass, there are several options. Of course, there is the option of driving up from Andermatt. Since we start from Crans-Montana, our starting point is on the 'Valais' side of the climb. The border with the canton of Uri is on top of the pass. You can already start almost from Brig, but then it is a very long and relatively boring approach to the foot. By car, it is recommended to drive to Ulrichen. You can also take the train to this mountain village. From here, you can go in two directions: Furka Pass or Nufenen Pass. From here it is a good 20 kilometres to the tip of the pass. With the first 5 kilometres false flat, it's a great day's programme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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