Adventure along the wild road to Furggen in Valais
Furggen is a high mountain open meadow at an elevation of 2.457m (8,061ft) above sea level located in the district of Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.
When was the road to Furggen built?
It’s an old military road built by the Swiss military during World War II.
What’s Kapelle Maria zum Schnee Furggen?
Near the summit there’s an old chapel (Kapelle Maria zum Schnee Furggen). Built atop a gently domed hill, the chapel rises over the mountain huts around it. When the rings were counted in the ridge beam and in the ceiling joists in October 2007, it was established that the chapel was built in 1662.
Is the road to Furggen paved?
Set high in the Pennine Alps, close to the Matterhorn, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. A 4x4 vehicle is required. It is said to be one of the most difficult roads in the Alps.
How long is the road to Furggen?
Located to the south of Breithorn peak, near the Italian border, the road is 21.6 km (13.42 miles) long running from Grengiols to Heiligkreuz. The road is not easy, with extremely narrow parts, 27 hairpin turns and steep sections, up to 17%.
Pic: Loperetti Philippe