Andermatt to Sion Road Trip Guide: Alps Route

The A2 from Andermatt to Sion is a 110-kilometer drive through the heart of the Swiss Alps, crossing the famed Furka Pass. This route passes over the 2,431-meter-high Furka summit, where the road often closes in winter (November to May) due to snow.

Historical fact: the Furka Pass was featured in the James Bond film Goldfinger (1964) during the iconic car chase scene. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes in summer, but weather and traffic can extend it to 2.5 hours.

For tips on finding spontaneous detours, check out our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route transitions from the granite peaks of the Andermatt region to the lush Rhone Valley. As you ascend the Furka Pass, you'll see panoramic views of the Urner Alps. At the summit, the landscape is stark and alpine, with dwarfed vegetation and lingering snowfields even in July.

• Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The Furka Pass itself is the highlight, with its dramatic hairpin bends and views of the Rhone Glacier. Stop at the Belvedere Hotel (now a museum) for a photo. Further down, the Aareschlucht (Aare Gorge) near Meiringen is a short detour but accessed via a different route.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The route itself does not pass through any UNESCO sites. However, the nearby Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO site (including the Aletsch Glacier) is reachable with a 30-minute detour from Brig via the A9 direction to Fiesch. Alternatively, the historic Old Town of Bern (UNESCO) is 2 hours away.

• Local Commerce & Culture: In the village of Gletsch, you can buy locally produced honey and alpine cheese at the Kiosk Gletsch. In Brig, visit the Stockalper Palace and the Saturday market (08:00-13:00) for artisanal crafts and Valais wines.
• Culinary Infrastructure: For a hearty meal, stop at Restaurant Furka Pass at the summit (seasonal, June-October) for rosti and fondue. In Gletsch, the Hotel Glacier du Rhone offers traditional Swiss dishes. In Brig, try Restaurant Weissenwallis for raclette.
• Culinary tip: The Rhone Valley is known for its apricots. Look for roadside stalls near Sion selling fresh apricots in summer (July-August).

The A2 and Furka Pass are in excellent condition, but the pass section is narrow and requires caution. Watch for motorcycles and cyclists, especially in summer. Night driving is not recommended on the pass due to poor lighting. Toll gates: The Furka Pass toll is paid at the summit barrier (cash only).

• Family and Child Suitability: The Furka Pass summit has a small playground and a climbing wall. The Rhone Glacier viewpoint offers easy walking paths. In Brig, the Adventure World Park (indoors) is great for rainy days.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Dogs are allowed on the Furka summit viewpoint and many hiking trails. Most restaurants in villages like Gletsch and Brig have outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Always carry water for your pet; alpine water sources are safe.

• Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: The best spot for a quick break is the large rest area at the Furka Pass summit (parking, toilets, picnic tables). Another safe pull-off is at the Rhone Glacier viewpoint, 5 km before Gletsch. If you need a nap, park at the rest area near the Belvedere Hotel—it's flat and safe.
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: Five minutes off the A2 near Oberwald, you'll find the abandoned buildings of the old Furka Railway tunnel site. Explore the trails around the tunnel entrance. Also, the tiny village of Realp (3 km west of Andermatt) has a charming chapel and a remote feel.
• Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: The best time to witness sunset is from the Furka Pass summit, with the sun dipping behind the Galenstock peak. In July and August, temperatures range from 5°C at the summit to 25°C in Sion. Wind can be strong on the pass—hold your hat!

The A2 is a well-maintained two-lane road, but the Furka Pass section is narrow with tight switchbacks. Speed limits are strictly enforced: 80 km/h on open stretches, 50 km/h in towns. A Swiss motorway vignette (40 CHF) is required for the A2 south of Brig, but the Furka Pass itself is a toll road (15 CHF for cars).

• Fuel stations are sparse on the Furka summit. The last reliable station before the pass is in Andermatt (Avia Andermatt), and the next after is in Gletsch (small station). Plan to fill up in Andermatt or Brig.
• Estimated fuel cost: For a typical car (8 L/100km), the 110 km trip consumes about 8.8 liters of petrol. At current Swiss price (1.75 CHF/L), that's roughly 15.40 CHF. Diesel slightly cheaper (1.65 CHF/L).
• Fuel efficiency tips: Use engine braking on descents to save fuel. The climb to Furka Pass is steep (up to 12% gradient), so expect higher consumption on the uphill.
• Parking: Free parking is available at the Furka Pass summit viewpoint and at the Rhone Glacier viewpoint near Gletsch.