Archiwa: Road - Adventures No Limits

Cuesta de Lipán

Adventures No Limits — Mon, 05 May 2025 20:23:43 +0000

06.05.2025

CUESTA DEL LIPÁN

The route called Cuesta de Lipán is located in northern Argentina. Despite being less than 20 kilometers long, the road is considered one of the most beautiful highways in the country. Numerous curves and breathtaking views of the local mountains at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level make the ride for any driver is unforgettable and memorable.

DESCRIPTION

Cuesta del Lipán is a section of the route that is part of the national highway number 52. It is the most winding and steep section of this highway, with numerous twists and turns. The section begins northwest of the town of Purmamarca and ends in Abra de Potrerillos, the highest point located on this route. The altitude of this place is 4170 meters above sea level. It’s worth stopping there to watch in the panoramic views there and take a photo of the vicuñas which often stroll there. Of course, besides this spot, there are a couple of other viewpoints where you can stop. If the weather is good, you can see the Quebrada de Humahuaca (a desert valley with beautiful colorful rock formations), the Nevado del Chañi mountain and the view of the Andes from there. The road is fully paved, and the entire stretch is 80 kilometers long and runs from Purmamarca, which lies 2,192 meters above sea level, to Santuario de Tres Pozos. Along the way we pass Salinas Grandes lying at an altitude of 3,450 meters above sea level. It is a salt marsh with an area of about 500 square kilometers, and the thickness of the salt cover total between 10 and 50 centimeters. Continuing on road number 52, you can reach the Chile-Argentina border crossing, which is located in Paso de Jama. This route is economically and strategically important, as it provides the province with a link to the Pacific Ocean after connecting with roads 27,23 and 24 on territory Chile.

Driving higher and higher, the landscape becomes more and more thinned. Of the plants, there are most cactuses. In addition to the vicuñas mentioned earlier, other types of llamas and donkeys can also be found there. It should be borne in mind that this is a road connecting two countries, also there are periods when many trucks pass along this highway. In the Cuesta del Lipán section, there are usually a couple of stands selling souvenirs and local handicrafts, and beside the Salinas Grandes salt pans not far away, there is another one half as big called Laguna de Guayatayoc that lies to the north of the road.

SHORT HISTORY

Long ago, the area was frequented by mules that descended from the highlands into the valley. However, in the early 1970s, it was decided to create a dirt road there being part of provincial route number 16, connecting San Salvador de Jujuy (the provincial capital) to the city of Susques. In 1979, the section from Purmamarca to Route 40 was embraced national jurisdiction and named National Road No. 52. In 1999, the country and the province signed an announcement agreement to tender for paving, and construction work began in 2000.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW DRIVING ON ARGENTINE’S ROADS

Traffic in Argentina is right-hand drive, and Spanish is the official language. In some areas of Argentina, drivers drive more aggressively. This mainly applies to the larger cities, where bumper-to-bumper driving situations can also occur. Unfortunately, some laws are enforced laxly by some Argentines (according to reports from tourists who have been to this country) such as the right of way. On the other hand, fortunately, drunk driving is strongly enforced there. If you rent a car, beware of trapitos, that is informal employees who charge a fee to watch your car in public places. When drivers refuse to pay for this service, they may have a scratched car or broken windows. In worse cases, things we left in the car may also be stolen. If someone approaches us and will not want to leave, the best solution is to hand him a small amount of money (a few dollars).

Considering the fact that Argentina has very high inflation (one of the highest in the world), is not a rich country, and many people live very modestly, some police officers in the country force bribes from drivers in exchange for not issuing a ticket. This is not praiseworthy behavior, but because of the poor living conditions in the country, it is not surprising.

To drive a car in Argentina, you need to have a valid driver’s license issued in your home country, a vehicle registration certificate and insurance. For cars taken from a rental company, don’t forget to check that the employee gave you a copy of the insurance policy. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of the rent agreement with you. Rental companies are most likely to rent cars to people who are at least 21 years old if they want to rent a car, or 25 years old in the case of a motorcycle. For those who do not meet these age standards, some rental companies may refuse to release the vehicle or will charge an additional fee, such as a deposit.

The following list shows what we need to carry with us, while driving:

– Valid driver’s license (required)

– Vehicle registration document (required)

– Proof of insurance (required)

– First aid kit, fire extinguisher, two warning triangles, (required)

– Wheel wrench and jack (recommended)

– Contract with rental company (recommended)

Speed limits:

– In urban areas, this is usually 40 to 60 km/h (25 to 37 mph).

– In areas outside the city, it is 110 km/h (68 mph).

– On highways, 120 to 130 km/h (74.5 to 81 mph).

Lights: You must have them on while driving at all times. There are fines and penalties for not having lights on.

Priority: In built-up areas, many intersections (except the main ones where there are traffic lights) do not have traffic signs. Occasionally, you may see a stop sign, but usually this sign is not present. Who has priority will not be obvious. At the intersection of a larger road with a smaller one, those driving from the larger (wider) road usually have priority. At some intersections, the car on the right theoretically has priority, but as a rule, the car/driver that gets there first has the “priority”. If we hesitate, most drivers will take this as a sign that he/she has priority.

Toll roads: Many major highways in and around cities are toll roads. Tolls can be paid in cash at toll booths. If there is a very heavy crowd (and drivers are waiting to pass, honking), sometimes workers will open the barriers, so drivers can pass for free.

Road signs: Many road signs are pictograms used throughout the world. All road signs are in Spanish.

Seat belts: Everyone in the car must fasten a seat belt. Children under the age of 12 must ride in a car seat or booster cushion. Children 12 and older may ride in the front seat.

Cell phones: When driving, you can only talk on a cell phone using a hands-free set.

Gas stations: There are many in major cities such as Buenos Aires, La Matanza, Rosario, La Plata and Cordoba. However, if you will be heading to Patagonia, you should take 1 or 2 canisters of fuel with you, as there are not many stations.

Emergency numbers:

911 emergency number

101 police

100 fire department

107 ambulances.

Parking: To park, look for the capital letter “E” and the words “estacionamiento,” which means parking lot in Spanish. In larger cities, parking lots are paid while on their outskirts or in towns you can find free parking. Keep in mind that some places have specific hours when parking is not allowed. Standing in the opposite direction on a one-way street is prohibited.

VEHICLE RENTAL AND ACCOMMODATION IN A CAMPER

Finding a rental car in Argentina is not difficult when it comes to the larger cities. In the capital of the province of Salta, in the city of Salta, you can find, Hertz and Alpha Rent, among others. This town is less than 200 kilometers from Cuesta del Lipán. You can rent “normal” sedan/combi cars or 4×4s such as minivans or off-road vehicles. It is logical that if you have plans for off-road expeditions, there can be only one choice – an off-roader 😊. You can also rent a camper or converted off-roader, but it is much easier and more often to find such rentals in Chile. One such company is Wicked Camper.

The advantage of an RV or converted off-roader is the ability to sleep in such a vehicle and the ease of camping in the wilder parts of South America. In Chile and Argentina, it is rather no problem to camp anywhere except, of course, in private areas, near military areas, etc. For lovers of being out in nature, this is ideal. Keep in mind, however, that at altitudes of 3,000 meters above sea level and above at night there are very frequently minus temperatures, so if you don’t have a proper sleeping bag or parking heater in your car, a reasonable option would be to choose a hostel (hospedajes) for the night, of which there are many in Argentina and Chile in the cities and towns there.

TIDBIT

Cuesta de Lipán was awarded “Road Work of the Year 2004” by the Argentine Road Association.

TIPS

Being in the local area and wanting to go to Chile, it is worth remembering that the average stopping time at a border crossing is 4 – 6 hours. This time should be recalculated x2 when you rent a car there because usually rental companies do not give permission to return the vehicle on the territory of Chile, so you have to return in a borrowed vehicle.
If possible, it is recommended to cross the border in the morning, as traffic is less then, and to avoid the holiday season, that is, from early December to late February.

SUMMARY

Cuesta de Lipán is undoubtedly a beautiful stretch of road that is worth a drive if you are in the northwestern part of Argentina near the Chilean and Bolivian borders. The fact that it is a road with an elevation of 2,000 meters and its highest point is above 4,000 meters above sea level and in addition, it is open all year round makes that it is a must-see item for every motorized tourist and motorized Argentine. And it’s definitely worth going there for the local views, those.

Author MARINACHE2020, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Author Damien Roué source flickr.

Author Bachelot Pierre J-P, source commons.wikimedia.org.

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GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

LORD HOWE ISLAND

HALLASAN VOLCANO

Artykuł Cuesta de Lipán pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Dades Gorge road

Adventures No Limits — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 18:13:57 +0000

29.09.2022

DADES GORGE ROAD

The Dades Gorge is located practically in the center of Morocco. The road that runs through it is ranked among the most dangerous in all of Africa. It consists of numerous serpentine, bumps in the road and outstanding by the lack of barriers and shoulders. Therefore, persons with weak nerves or suffering from motion sickness, advise against driving this road. However, for people who feel comfortable behind the wheel and are not scary by driving in unfavorable conditions, a reward will await in the form of magnificent views of Morocco’s Dades Gorge.

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

Millions of years ago, today’s gorge area was flooded by ocean waters. Eventually, tectonic plate movements led to the formation of the Atlas Mountains and the Dades/Wadi Dadis River. Streams of water carved a path in the soft sedimentary rock, contributing to the widening and deepening of the gorge. Today, the Dades River is nearly 350 kilometers long (about 220 miles), and its source is in the High Atlas Mountains. The river flows into the Sahara Desert, where it joins the Wadi Dara/Draa River. The walls of the gorge reach heights of nearly 500 meters (about 1,600 feet) in some places, and the local Berbers use the river to irrigate their rose fields, olive groves and almond trees. In the surrounding mountains, people still live in caves, leading a nomadic lifestyle and using the valley as a seasonal route to pasture in the High Atlas Mountains.

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE GORGE

The Dades Gorge is known for its amazing rock formations and kasbahs, erected several centuries ago along the gorge. It is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Dades Valley is characterized by a wild landscape, with snow on the peaks of the Atlas Mountains and a semidesert landscape in the lower parts of the canyon. The Dades Gorge is also known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, and it has less than 130 kilometers long (about 80 miles) from Boumalne Dades to Agoudal. If you want to drive the entire gorge, it is essential one should own or rent a vehicle with drive 4×4 or an off-road motorcycle because as you pass the village of Msemrir (driving from the town of Boumalne Dades), the road becomes gravel. The rock formations change to various colors in shades of brown, beige, gold, orange, red and dark purple. Many of the historic kasbahs and ksars, that are old Berbers strongholds, have been converted into hotels and restaurants.

DADES GORGE-WHERE IS IT?

The gorge is located in Tinghir province, in the Drâa-Tafilalet administrative region. The easiest to reach the Dades Gorge is from the small town of Boumalne Dades, located 122 km northeast of Warzazat and 53 km from Tinerhir. The road is marked R704 on maps. It is paved (not all), but full of sharp curves. There are many viewpoints along the way where you can take photos. The best time to visit the lower parts of the valley is from March to June, while the mountains are the best gain from May to August. The gorge begins just north of the quiet town of Boumalne Dades, from which the road leads to the canyon. Be sure to visit the Tisdrine restaurant at the top, as there is a great spot with a view at all the way.

HOW TO DRIVE IN MOROCCO

DON’T EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT, NEITHER THE SOLID LINE

Police patrols are often view in larger cities and on roads with intensity traffic. Police most often stop drivers who exceed speed (probably like everywhere 😊) or cross the solid line. Speed limits in Morocco that 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h outside cities and 100 km/h on highways. If someone flashes headlights before us, it usually means that police officers are behind the next corner.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE AND DON’T RELY ON TURN SIGNALS

Moroccans have a very relaxed approach to traffic laws. They are not overly attached to turn signals. Rather, they prefer to drive without signaling directions. So, when driving on Moroccan roads, it is better to keep a large distance ahead of the car in front of you. Moroccan drivers will not necessarily pay attention to our turn signals.

DON’T CARE THE HONKING

Moroccan roads are noisy, almost everyone honked. The reason is not only to warn of danger, but also the impatience of drivers at traffic lights, honk at pedestrians who walk all over the road, word of thanks for dropping into a lane or paying attention, that someone is letting someone on the roadway.

RENT THE RIGHT CAR

If you are going to Morocco not in your car or motorcycle, it is worth taking care of what kind of vehicle you rent. If you want to drive around cities or tourist regions, suffice an ordinary single-axle drive car. On the other hand, if you want to drive on the roads in the Atlas Mountains, then here you should to rent a vehicle with drive 4×4 or an off-road motorcycle. The reason is this, that in higher parts of the mountains there are few paved roads and there may be snow in the mountains even in summer.

DOWNLOAD MAPS ON YOUR PHONE BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is important to keep in mind that Morocco is a poor country compared to, for example, European countries, whereby the Internet network is poorly developed. Therefore, it’s a good idea, that before traveling to this country to download maps of the regions where you will be driving and use offline navigation. It is also a good option is to buy paper maps.

AVOID WINTER IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE THROUGH MOUNTAIN PASSES

Snow in the Atlas Mountains falls annually. Although the main roads are open year-round, roads in the higher portion can be blocked for short periods after heavy precipitation. If you intend to drive through a pass such as Tizi-n’Tichka or Tiz-n’Test, be aware, that these roads may be closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall.

AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT AND DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

Roads in Morocco are poorly lit, even the main roads, therefore, when driving at night, special care must be taken. Sometimes you may pass donkeys, oxen or pedestrians without any reflections in the evening. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited in Morocco, and for this violation you can get a ticket or go to jail.

HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION WITH YOU

When picking up your rental car, make sure that you have your passport and a valid driver’s license with you Worth also own a credit card or extra cash, to pay the deposit for the rental car. Have all documentation with you when you drive, in case of a police check. The minimum age to drive in Morocco is 18, but many car rental companies require in order that the driver has at least 21-23 years old. It’s a good idea to have an app installed on your phone to translate texts, as the contract will often not be written in English. In the beginning, it is also a good idea to take a video of the car before renting, to “document” the condition of the vehicle, in case the owner wants to tell us that, for example, Somewhere we scratched the car after returning it.

USEFUL INFORMATION

If we want to book a car online in Morocco, we can do it, for example, on Rentalcars.com.

Due to the disobedience of traffic regulations on the issue of priority right by Moroccan drivers, it is better to rent a car with full insurance.

It is advisable to take food and plenty of drinks with you on the road, as stores are rare in the more remote areas.

It’s a good idea to print out a proof of reservation, in order that avoid unpleasantness, just before renting the car.

In Morocco, there is practically no exist something this as priority right, and you usually give way priority right to the more “aggressive” driver.

When driving in rural areas of Morocco, there will be many stalls and huts on the side of the road selling various goods. Often there are fruit, Moroccan tagine, argan oil, and jewelry – don’t forget to haggle!

Gas stations are not self-service. A service employee pumps fuel into the cars and then takes money. Many stations do not have the prospect to pay by card, so it is a good idea to carry cash in a wallet.

You can check current gasoline prices in Morocco here.

Moroccan signs are similar to the European signs. Often, unfortunately, lack street names.

Because of lack of sidewalks outside the cities in Morocco, you have to be careful and watching for pedestrians, especially driving on local and intercity roads.

WHERE CAN TO STAY?

There are many hotels and guesthouses to choose as well as in the Boumalne Dades and along the Thousand Kasb Road. Most often these are motels or 3-star hotels. One of the most prestigious places along the road is the Auberge Chez Pierre. It is a traditional kasbah, built into the hillside, transformed into a 4-star hotel, set among terraced gardens full of fruit trees. It also has a swimming pool, a bar and beautifully decorated at Arabian-style rooms and suites.

TIDBITS

If you don’t feel good to driving a car through the gorge, you can make use of the 4×4 tours that several hotels in the town of Boumalne Dades organize up the Dadès Gorge and along the dirt road to the nearby Todra Gorge.

In place, it’s also worth exploring the canyon on foot. There are several dozen of hiking trails to choose, some lasting from a few hours to even a few days. For example, the route connecting the Dades and Todra gorges takes from two to three days. Most hotels have the option of hiring a guide, and some also offer mountain bike tours.

Police unfortunately not infrequently catch drivers for trivial offenses, such as driving on a solid line. Of course, in the name of the law, but really reason it is extorting money from the driver. Often a “bribe” of $10 or $15 takes care of that.

From the 19th century until 1956, that is, until the local population regained independence, Morocco was a French colony. For this reason, it is possible to communicate in French in many places in Morocco.

SUMMARY

The Dades Gorge road is undoubtedly beautiful, but also dangerous. Measuring almost 130 kilometers in length, whence half of the road is not paved and is covered with gravel, it certainly requires composure and concentration from the driver. Due to the construction of many hotels and guesthouses in recent years, it certainly can’t be said, that it is a desolate place, despite the fact that the Dades Gorge is located among the Atlas Mountains. For a more comfortable drive, it’s best to drive this section early in the morning, when traffic is at its lowest, and you can take many pictures. Certainly, transiting this a route will provide an unforgettable experience.

jonl1973, source flickr (photo edited).

Nawfal Kharbach, source commons.wikimedia.org.

jonl1973, source flickr (photo edited).

Rigel, source Unsplash.

Frida Aguilar Estrada, source Unsplash.

Rigel, source Unsplash.

Nuno Silva, source Unsplash.

Rigel, source Unsplash.

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

TRUNK BAY

Artykuł Dades Gorge road pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Grossglockner Alpine Road

Adventures No Limits — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 12:00:41 +0000

23.03.2022

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

The Grossglockner Alpine Road is named after the highest mountain in Austria, Großglockner, which measures 3,798 meters above sea level. It lies on the border between Carinthia and East Tyrol, inside the High Tauern National Park, about surface 1,856 square kilometers. The park includes 266 mountains, about 550 lakes and about 250 glaciers. But before we get to the description of this beautiful road, a short history of how it came to be.

DIFFICULT BEGINNINGS IN DIFFICULT TIMES

In 1924, when few people owned cars, the first plans for a road along the Großglockner mountain were presented. At the time, these plans evoked only sarcasm. Mainly because Austria was struggling with economic and social problems caused by the loss of World War I. In addition, Austria as a country had shrunk by one-seventh of its former, pre-war size.

On October 29, 1929, after the crash of the New York Stock Exchange (known as Black Tuesday) and the subsequent Great Depression, Austria also was faced with an economic crisis. The country therefore needed projects to combat the ever-increasing unemployment.

The Austrian government again reviewed the plans for the “Großglockner Hochalpenstraße” again and decided to continue with the original construction plans from 1924. It also assumed that the width of the road would be 6 meters (originally the road was to be 3 meters wide, with the possibility of widening it to 5 meters).

Tourism was expected to pay off the cost of building the road and provide a steady income from tolls. But not only that. The idea was also to stimulate so-called high-end tourism in Austria. This concerns the consumption of goods and services among the more affluent population. Cars in those days were a luxury that only wealthy citizens could afford.

In 1930 on August 30 at 09:30 the first explosive charge was detonated under the future high mountain road Grossglockner. The road owes its existence to the road engineer Franz Wallack and Franz Rehrl, the governor of Salzburg. They were the first to drive the gravel road in 1934, when it was not yet finished. Thanks to nearly 4,000 workers, the road was completed on August 3, 1935 and officially opened that day.

As the economic situation improved in Austria and Germany after the Second World War, more and more cars appeared on the roads. At that time, the road was further modernized and expanded. The parking were enlarged and new were built to accommodate 4000 cars (previously it was 800 cars) and the road was widened from 6 meters to 7.5 meters. The maximum speed allowed on the road was also raised from 40 km/h to 70 km/h. New catering and accommodation facilities were also built over time.

Below is a video that can be found on YT showing how the work on the Grossglockner road looked in the years 1930-1935.

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD IN NUMBERS

GUIDE

There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing to drive the Grossglockner alpine road. First of all, the route is closed during the winter and is open for tourists from the beginning of May until the beginning of November (although the time when the route is opened and closed depends on weather conditions and may change, so it is worth checking the dates of opening on the official website, which you can find here).

This road is toll and prices are as follows (2022).

– 38 EUR for cars

– 28 EUR for motorcycles

The toll booth is near Wildpark Ferleiten (to the north) and near Heiligenblut, (to the south).

The toll can be paid in cash or by credit card.

Also keep in mind the opening hours of the Grossglockner road, and they are as follows.

From the beginning of May to 31 May, 6.00 am to 8.00 pm

1 June to 31 August: 5.30 a.m. to 9 pm

1 September to the beginning of November 6.00 am – 7.30 pm

The last possible entrance is 45 minutes before the road closes.

The current price list and opening hours can be found here on the official website.

It is worth remembering that the weather in the Alps can change at a short time. In spring and late autumn, you can experience occasional short snowfalls. Therefore, you should think about taking warm clothing for the trip and a solid full footwear. For those who would like to spend a few days in this beautiful place, there will be no problem finding accommodation in mountain hotels or cottages (after prior reservation, of course).

This popular road in the eastern Alps can be crowded by tourists on sunny summer days. Therefore, a much better idea is to go during the beside season, (between May and June, or between October and November). It is also good to avoid weekends and public holidays, as the road is also popular with locals. Another alternative is to stay overnight in one of the hotels or huts located on the pass near the road. Then, for maximum driving pleasure, get up early and leave for the road at 6 or 7 am, so that other drivers do not distract us, and we can enjoy the beautiful views.

WHERE TO STOP

Along the highway, there are many places to stop, take pictures and enjoy the beautiful views. These include:

Edelweißspitze (2,572 m) – a small detour from the main road with an amazing 360-degree panorama of more than 30 three-thousand-metre peaks.

Gamsgrubenweg hiking trail – an easy hiking trail with incredible alpine views, leading from Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe along the Pasterze glacier, to the Wasserfallwinkel. It is of course possible to continue to Oberwalderhütte mountain hut, but the route becomes more difficult after crossing the Wasserfallwinkel and is not recommended for persons without adequate preparation.

Tourist Center Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe (2,369 m) – named after the Habsburg emperor Franz-Josef, who probably to have hiked here in 1856. Here you can find interesting facts about glaciers, the Glockner exhibition and the Glockner panorama hall. From here, you have a view of the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps, the ” Pasterze”, which has about 9 kilometers long. The visitor center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from mid-May to early October (find current opening hours here on the official website).

TIDBITS

The Grossglockner Alpine Road is visited by more than one million tourists a year, making it the most visited tourist attraction in Austria, after Schönbrunn Palace.

The observatory at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe tourist center was built with the support of the Swarovski family. Wood and glass were used in the construction, and its design reminds of mountain crystal.

Franz Rehrl was the first driver to drive a car on the Grossglockner alpine road on September 22, 1934 (which was not yet completed) in a converted Steyr 100 car.

SUMMARY

The Grossglockner Alpine Road is one of the most beautiful alpine roads, not only in Austria but in Europe. It enjoys great popularity and is visited by over a million tourists every year. Despite the difficulties that were encountered during its construction in the form of the Great Depression after World War I and the economic crisis of 1929, eventually a road was built. Thanks to this, every year, thousands of drivers can ride with a smile on their lips on the serpentines of the High Tauern National Park and admire the beauty of the Alpine mountains.

Photo by Adventures No Limits

Viktor Hanacek, source picjumbo.

Christoph Pöpperl, source pixabay (photo edited).

Viktor Hanacek, source picjumbo.

Pasterze Glacier, Dimitry Anikin, source pixabay (photo edited).

Viktor Hanacek, source picjumbo

Viktor Hanacek, source picjumbo.

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THE CITY OF ROCKS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

GERLACH PEAK

PARTNACH GORGE

Artykuł Grossglockner Alpine Road pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Furka Pass

Adventures No Limits — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 19:15:23 +0000

07.06.2022

FURKAPASS

The Furkapass is one of the highest and most beautiful mountain passes in Switzerland. The road stretches 2,429 meters (7,969 feet) across the two cantons of Valais and Uri. It is also considered one of the most dangerous and difficult roads in Europe. While driving along this scenic road, you can enjoy views of the Rhone glacier, the Schöllenen gorge, and the Galenstock summit rising to an altitude of 3583 meters.

HISTORY

The pass was used during exist of the Roman Empire for transporting goods and marching troops. Later, from the 13th century, appeared a trail for mules at the pass, which carried more and more goods, such as salt, wine, furs and also grain. In the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, the Walser people (one of the Alemannic tribes) used the pass as a trade route between Valais, Uri and Graubünden. In 1864 started the construction of the road from Hospental to Oberwald, and in 1866 it was officially opened (some sources say it was 1867). At first, a horse-drawn post office operated along the route until the first postal bus passed through the pass in 1921. In 1911 started the construction of the Furka Railroad, which was opened in 1925. It could only be used for a few months of the year when there was no snow. In 1982 built, the Furka Tunnel. Consequently, train rides could be made all year round.

WHERE IS THE FURKAPASS LOCATED?

The road is located in the Swiss Alps, on the border of the cantons of Uri and Valais. Furkapass is located in the Lepontine Alps, in the heart of the Saint-Gotthard Massif. The nearest village/community where you can stay overnight while being near this beautiful road is Obergoms.

HOW TO GET TO THE PASS?

The pass is located on road 19, which connects Brig in the west with Chur in the east. The route is start in Gletsch and end in Andermatt (or vice versa, depending on whether you are driving from west to east or east to west).

WHEN IS THE PASS OPEN?

The pass is usually open from the end of May to early November. Before heading out in the trip, check information about weather on the official website (link here) whether a road has been closed due to bad weather.

IS THE FURKA ALPINE ROAD DEMANDING?

The road leading to the pass from Gletsch is wide and has two lanes. However, on the Realp side, it is narrower, and sometimes you have to stop in order to two cars can pass each other. On weekends and during the holiday season, there is more traffic on the route. During this period, it is best to leave early in the morning, because then you can enjoy the ride. 250,000 people pass through the pass each year on bicycles, motorcycles, cars, buses, or the historic steam train that runs through the local mountains. It is a route with amazing views, but you have to remember that it has a lot of sharp corners. The road is well-marked. However, you must pay attention to the atmospheric factors. When it rains, driving becomes difficult and extra caution is required.

FURKA CAR TRANSPORT

In winter, the road to the Furkapass is closed. During this period, the car can be transported by train through the Furka base tunnel, which connects Realp and Oberwald. Furka Car Transport, runs year round and the trip takes only 15 minutes. Train departures are every 30 minutes from Friday to Monday and every hour from Tuesday to Thursday. However, riding the pass by car or motorbike in the summer is definitely a more rewarding experience. 😊

You can find all information about Furka Car Transport here on the official website.

WHERE FILMED A MOVIE “GOLDFINGER” WITH JAMES BOND?

In 1964, the sharp corners in the Furkapass have been remembered in cinema history, thanks to a scene in the film Goldfinger. Filmed over there chase between James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 (Sean Connery) and a Ford Mustang driven by Tania Mallet, whose only acting role was in Goldfinger. This scene was shot in front of the Rhone glacier. If you want to feel like James Bond, you can visit the iconic gas station in Andermatt where Bond and Tilly part ways after their failed attempt to assassinate Goldfinger – now it is part of the Aurora Hotel. One of the curves on the east side of the pass is even named “James Bond Strasse”. At the sign, there is a viewpoint with a small parking area. The chase scene, featuring Bond, can be viewed below.

WHAT TO VISIT IN THE AREA

Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere is a hotel located by the road to Furkapass. It was built on a curve overlooking the Rhone Glacier. The road to the pass was opened in 1866 and the hotel in 1882. Rebuilt in 1890 and 1903, it then became a very popular stopping place for tourists. It owed this panorama to the Rhone Glacier and served as a starting point for mountain expeditions Within a one century, automotive progress has made crossing the Alps became easier and therefore more accessible. The retreat of the Rhone Glacier by almost a kilometer has made that the view at the glacier became less spectacular. As a result, the hotel first closed in 1980 and reopened about ten years later. As of 2015, the hotel is closed again.

Rhone Glacier

The Rhone Glacier (Rhonegletscher or Rottengletscher in German) is located at the northeastern end of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It gives start the Rhone River, who’s the source is near the town of Gletsch. The river has influx in the Gulf of Lions on the Mediterranean Sea. The glacier extends over 8 kilometers (5 miles) and reaches a width of some over 1 kilometer (3280 feet). It has a surface of 16 km2. Like most alpine glaciers, it has regressed considerably since the mid-19th century. It is easily accessible thanks to the road to the Furkapass. The glacier has a blue ice tunnel length about 100 meters, where there are the “ice halls”. The tunnel and halls have been re-cut into the glacier every year since 1870.

Goms Bridge in Valais

In the canton of Valais a Goms Bridge was built connecting the villages of Fürgangen and Mühlebach. The bridge is 280 metres long, and it is located over the Rhone River. It is one of the longest hanging bridges in Valais. Walking on it, you can feel its gentle swaying. The Goms Bridge is open all year round.

TIDBITS

In summer, you can take a ride on the historic steam train Furka, which runs on the route Oberwald-Gletsch-Realp. Rides take place from June to October. You can find all the information you need here on the official website.

The name of the pass comes from the Latin word furca, which in ancient times meant an object with split tips resembling a pitchfork, used as a pitchfork in the household and also as a support in the cultivation of, for example, vines.

SUMMARY

Being in Switzerland, anyone who feels good behind the steering wheel should drive the swichbacks of the Furkapass. This 30-kilometer route, which is one of the highest roads in Europe, will provide drivers and also passengers unforgettable impressions and views. And for those less motorized, wait a 2-hour ride on the Furka Steam Railway with extraordinary panoramas of the Central Alps.

Author Adventures No Limits

Patrick Robert Doyle, Rhone Glacier, source Unsplash.

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SAVICA WATERFALL

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

PARTNACH GORGE

Artykuł Furka Pass pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Archiwa: Road - Adventures No Limits

Cuesta de Lipán

CUESTA DEL LIPÁN

DESCRIPTION

SHORT HISTORY

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW DRIVING ON ARGENTINE’S ROADS

VEHICLE RENTAL AND ACCOMMODATION IN A CAMPER

TIPS

SUMMARY

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SEE ALSO

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

LORD HOWE ISLAND

HALLASAN VOLCANO

Dades Gorge road

DADES GORGE ROAD

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE GORGE

DADES GORGE-WHERE IS IT?

HOW TO DRIVE IN MOROCCO

DON’T EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT, NEITHER THE SOLID LINE

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE AND DON’T RELY ON TURN SIGNALS

DON’T CARE THE HONKING

RENT THE RIGHT CAR

DOWNLOAD MAPS ON YOUR PHONE BEFORE YOUR TRIP

AVOID WINTER IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE THROUGH MOUNTAIN PASSES

AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT AND DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION WITH YOU

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHERE CAN TO STAY?

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

TRUNK BAY

Grossglockner Alpine Road

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

DIFFICULT BEGINNINGS IN DIFFICULT TIMES

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD IN NUMBERS

GUIDE

WHERE TO STOP

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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THE CITY OF ROCKS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

GERLACH PEAK

PARTNACH GORGE

Furka Pass

FURKAPASS

HISTORY

WHERE IS THE FURKAPASS LOCATED?

HOW TO GET TO THE PASS?

WHEN IS THE PASS OPEN?

IS THE FURKA ALPINE ROAD DEMANDING?

FURKA CAR TRANSPORT

WHERE FILMED A MOVIE “GOLDFINGER” WITH JAMES BOND?

WHAT TO VISIT IN THE AREA

Hotel Belvedere

Rhone Glacier

Goms Bridge in Valais

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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SAVICA WATERFALL

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

PARTNACH GORGE