At some point we have to tackle the pass, even if it is still hot and the thunderstorm has not brought any cooling. We get up early and follow the recommendation to take the narrowest part of the Rhone Gorge by train.
The road here is so narrow that just two cars pass each other and we would look like standing obstacles.
It is 36 kilometres to the top of the pass. We are constantly overtaken by cars transporting bicycles. We are constantly strutting upwards and transporting our entire household. There are many cyclists, motorcyclists and cars on the road. They all enjoy the ride and the panorama. The route is clearly visible. Serpentine for serpentine goes up. After 25 kilometres we reach the village of Gletsch, looks like of earlier days. Shortly before, we let the steam locomotive pass through at the level crossing, also like of earlier days.
In Gletsch, road cyclists, mountain bikers, touring cyclists, all breathe through again, fill their drinking bottles, and then prepare for the eleven kilometres of the Furka Pass up to the top of the pass at an altitude of more than 2400 metres.
And then it goes up. Kilometers by kilometer. From time to time we stop to drink.
It demands a lot from us, but finally we reach the top of the pass. We have given everything. At the height of the Rhone Glacier, the temperature is pleasant. We eat our supplies and watch people and their companions.
After an extended break we cycle the more than 1000 depth meters to the other side. We are still met by many ambitious cyclists. We are happy that we have made it, were upstairs and enjoy the descent. It’s a bit of a show.
In Hospental we have a reservation in the youth hostel.
After a rested night and a phenomenal breakfast, we drive up the Oberalp Pass, urprisingly relaxed. Rhine spring area.
And on the other side down again. Welcome to Graubünden. Here people speak Rhaeto-Romansh and the Rhine is so completely different than one knows it. We shop for two days, because Saturday, 1st of August, is a national holiday. For diner we have sausages, a St Gallen’s specialty with Roesti (kind of potatoes), of course homecooked. And in the evening we had fireworks.
