Driving the Furka Pass in August

For driving times, use via Michelin, except it currently takes you around a longer route because the Grimsel and Furka passes are closed November-May.
Google maps takes you the long way round, for the same reason.

"Is this route I have mentioned the most direct?" - this is the only route. These are mountains, the only route over them is by the few passes. Unless you are a mountain goat, are a hiker or a Bond villain with a helicopter.

Thanks so much for your help. I guess I didn't ask my question very well. My husband is actually the big Bond fan and I am coming along for the amazing scenery. We have already checked out the current driving times and we realize because of snow it is shows different times and perhaps routes. What I am really asking is if anyone who has actually done this drive in the summer or perhaps even August like when we will be there and how long would it take. I'm assuming by your answer that to drive from Gindewald to Gletsch (via Grimsel) and then over the Furka Pass to Realp is the only option. Is that correct? Or is there any other direction that can be taken in a car :)

Yes, that is the only option, the only road.

• From Grindelwald, back out to Interlaken in the main valley (the way you came in).
• Then turn right, and go up the valley. Past Brienzersee (lake).
• At Meiringen, stop to see the Aareslucht (Aare gorge)
• Onwards and upwards, there is only one road.
• At the top of the Grimsel pass, stop for a break. Restaurant.
• Look over edge and down to Gletsch, 400 metres below you, Rhone glacier and Furka pass to your left
• Down to Gletsch (need to decide who will drive, the driver will not see any views)
• In Gletsch, left up over Furka pass and down to Realp.

You can see it all on a map here: https://map.schweizmobil.ch/?lang=en&bgLayer=pk&logo=yes&season=summer&resolution=50&E=2655050&N=1165150
Note the white road shown direct from Grindelwald to Meiringen is closed to private vehicles, buses only.

Photo, view from Grimselpass, down to Gletsch, then left up again, past the end of the Rhonegletscher and onward to the Furkapass: https://2seventy.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/rimg0097.jpg

Video of someone doing this by bike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmDbykEC96o
Note cyclists! And snow in June.
You can visit the Rhone Glacier and go inside (ice cave).
You will enjoy this (as long as you like heights, note the shear drops with just posts, no barriers).

Thanks so very much for sending me that information. That was very kind of you and the detail was great. I loved watching that video too! I'm excited to see it!!

Chris' info is spot on. Like him, I lived in Switzerland for a time. I drove pretty much that exact route (Brienz to Realp and back) a few years back and it's awesome, but plan to devote the entire day. Odds are you'll be stopping to take pictures or just generally admire the view. Be prepared for a lot of cyclists (both motorcycle as well as road cyclists) on the passes. It's no biggie, but in some spots - particularly the Furka - the road is fairly narrow and the only guardrail in parts are granite pillars.

If on your way there/back you want an incredibly gorgeous detour, take the funicular up to the Gelmersee (Lake Gelmer). It was the steepest funicular in the world until another one in Switzerland surpassed it. The great thing about the Gelmerbahn is that it's all outside - you're not in a cabin, you're essentially in a very large roller coaster car and the views are amazing going up, down as well as at the top. Google it - there are a few videos of it on YouTube.

Another good, but minor detour is to drive the northern (old) route along Brienzersee. Its slower, but very scenic (and a bit of a different view from driving on the south shore)

Finally, if you want another option (I've also done this one), is to take the Sustenpass home. You basically keep going after you cross the Furka pass, go through Andermatt, down the Schöllenenschlucht (Schöllen Gorge) into Göschenen and then up the Sustenpass back to Meiringen. Also gorgeous, but the Susten is very different than the others.

Thanks so much for your help! It is so valuable to know and we will for sure plan the day doing this then. This drive is a priority (especially for my husband) so we don't want to rush it. We really appreciate the extra tips and I will for sure check them out!!

The Furka Pass is one of the best drives I've ever done...I love to DRIVE and this was such a satisfying mountain pass with its curves and spectacular views. I did it in a rather powerful Volvo and it was thrilling.
You are right that the route you have mapped out is the ONLY way to get there...gorgeous drive though! It'll take a while but you won't be bored.

Thanks Anita! You got me really excited to go!!