Hiking
Furka-Höhenweg
Stage 2, Furkapass–Andermatt
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Furka-Höhenweg
Stage 2, Furkapass–Andermatt
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Length
23 km
Ascent | Descent
900 m | 1900 m
Hiking time
7 h 30 min
Grade | Fitness level
medium
(mountain hiking trail)
|
difficult
Arrival | return travel
Season
Season
Beware: snowfields possible into summer months on high-level sections
More …
Saving metres in altitude
There is a bus between Furka, Passhöhe and Andermatt, Bahnhof that saves about 1900 metres in altitude.
Arrival | return travel
Contact
Signpost management
Signposting is managed by the cantonal hiking trail organisation on behalf of the canton and the communities.
Urner Wanderwege
Rathausplatz 4
6460 Altdorf
info@urnerwanderwege.ch
www.urnerwanderwege.ch
