Any petrolhead or motoring fan will be well aware of the famous alpine roads known as Stelvio Pass and Furka Pass. Tackling them is sure to be on their bucket list. Here’s our guide to help you kick off your trip in your hire car.
Stelvio Pass – Photo by: ptnphotof/Fotolia
Stelvio Pass
Built between 1820-25 by the Austrian Empire to open trade opportunities, the road has had historic significance. Seen as the border between Austro-Hungarian and Italian forces in World War I, many lives were lost here. Be sure to check out the memorial to pay your respects to those that fought in the world’s highest battle of WWI.
This road became incredibly popular following it’s branding of “the greatest driving road in the world” back in 2008 by the Top Gear team. Since then, it’s lost the title, but it’s popularity hasn’t decreased.
When to visit
Stelvio Pass is open between May and November when the roads are clear of snow. A late opening or early closure can be possible dependent on snowfall. Peak traffic hits the road in high tourist season between July and August. If you’re going for the drive, avoid these months. The views of course are stunning year round.
For one day in August, around 8000 cyclists and 25 runners band together to challenge the incline and bends. The road is closed for this so you definitely shouldn’t visit in your vehicle on this day if you intend to make the drive.
The chances are that when you visit, you won’t have the road to yourself so you won’t be able to recreate the scenes from Top Gear. It’s advised to visit the road as early in the morning as possible before the traffic starts to pile up.
The challenge
Consisting of 48 hairpin bends on its northern side, many drivers of all 2- and 4-wheeled varieties see the road as a beast to be tamed at least once in their lives. Some even make a yearly pilgrimage. As it’s the highest paved mountain pass in the eastern alps with an average gradient of 7.6%, extreme caution must be exercised.
Much of the road is narrow so high speeds and overtaking are impossible. Patience in your hire car is a necessity for your visit!
It’s recommended to take the road east to west, from Prato to Bormio, so you take the roads going up the mountains. Pause to take in the scenery or for photos where you can.
Where to stay
Truly take advantage of the views and stay in the mountains. Split your trip and the journey so you don’t have to rush the roads. There are several hotels in the Dreisprachenspitze, the peak of three languages, including the Hotel Thoni 3000 and the Albergo Folgore. While you’re in the area you can go skiing or snowboarding if you fancy hitting the slopes.
Furka Pass – Photo by: Hans und Christa Ede/Fotolia
Furka Pass
At the time of its completion in 1867 it was the longest pass road in Switzerland. It connects Gletsch, Valais with Realp, Uri.
A similarly famous road, the Furka Pass attracts visitors annually to drive the iconic road featured in the James Bond film Goldfinger. If you’re visiting to check the movie scene, also be sure to visit the Aurora Hotel in Andermatt. You’ll see the petrol station from the film just after Tilly Masterson fails to assassinate Goldfinger.
Drive these twisty roads in your hire car and awe at the sights available. Again, stop wherever possible for photos or just take in the breath-taking scenery.
However, it’s not just the road and scenes that attract visitors. There’s also the Rhone Glacier and Furka steam train. The Rhone Glacier is on private property; the owners charge a small fee for entry into their glacier tunnel. Walk right through the ice! Alternatively, the best place to view the glacier is from the Hotel Belvedere, currently under renovation. Park your hire car here and take a short walk to the glacier.
When to visit
As with many alpine roads, the weather has a huge impact on the safety of the road. Although the Furka Pass is in places in very good condition and wide, the higher you go, the worse the road. Heavy snowfall, avalanches and rock slides can often close the road and you should be wary of these on your drive.
The Pass is also prone to heavy mists so it’s advisable not to drive in these conditions or when the road is icy. The weather conditions can be unpredictable so always drive safely and adapt to the driving conditions.
Alpine road dreams
Make your alpine road dreams a reality and tackle these two passes and awe at their stunning views in your hire car. Have you already travelled one or both of these? Let us know about your experiences in the comments or share photos with us on Facebook or Twitter!
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Written by Jessica Juby.
