Realp at the Furka Pass: Trails, Railway and Nature

Realp lies at the western end of the high-altitude Urseren Valley, at the foot of the Furka Pass. The village is situated on the left bank of the Furkareuss; the municipality belongs to the canton of Uri. Marked mountain trails, the Furka Mountain Railway, nature along the river and seasonal winter activities shape the range of options available locally. The routes, elevations and seasons can help you plan your trip according to your interests.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The family-friendly, signposted variant of the Four-Source Trail starts in Realp. The entire hiking trail is around 85 kilometres long and leads to the sources of the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone. The Realp variant runs through the Witenwasserental; its waypoints include Oberstafel, the Rotondo Hut, Hüenerstock and the watershed at 3,025 metres. This brings the four source rivers together along a specific alpine route. The Realp variant can be reached by PostBus or the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. As timetables may vary, check the connection for your planned travel date.

Another hiking option is the Urschner Höhenweg. It runs above Realp and offers panoramic views towards the Furka Pass, Gotthard Pass and Oberalp Pass. The stage of the Rhine–Reuss–Rhone Pilgrim Trail from Realp to Gletsch is rated difficult: it is 15.1 kilometres long, and conditions in the mountains can vary. Details about the route and its length offer different points of reference when deciding which route to include in your plans.

Furka Mountain Railway and car transport

The Furka Mountain Steam Railway connects Realp in the canton of Uri with Oberwald in the canton of Valais over a distance of around 18 kilometres. Its metre-gauge rack railway runs through a largely untouched high-mountain landscape, along steep slopes and through narrow gorges, reaching over 2,000 metres above sea level. Historic locomotives and carriages operate on the route, many of them over 100 years old. The railway thus combines an alpine route with historic rolling stock.

The Furka car shuttle is a separate service: it runs year-round through the Furka Tunnel between Realp and Oberwald; the journey takes just under 20 minutes. As operating conditions can change, check the latest schedules before travelling. The steam railway and the car shuttle serve different purposes: one is a historic railway connection, while the other carries cars through the tunnel.

Nature along the river and in the valley

The Flesch nature reserve lies on the edge of Realp. Flowing water, wetlands, shrubland and meadows provide habitats for numerous plants and animals. You can explore the area on a valley hike and learn about the flora and fauna of the wetlands. There is also a barbecue area directly on the banks of the Furkareuss, about a ten-minute walk from Realp railway station. It has drinking water, seating and tables.

Other activities also have a tangible connection to the landscape: the golf course of Golfclub Andermatt Realp has been shaped by weather and ice and follows the natural contours of the terrain. Fishing is possible in the mountain lakes around Realp and in the Furkareuss; local regulations may apply. These activities differ considerably in focus, ranging from a valley hike in the protected area to golf or fishing.

Winter trails and seasonal activities

The Urserntal Trail is a winter hiking trail between Andermatt and Realp. It runs along the Reuss through the valley floor and is therefore situated differently from the Urschner Höhenweg, which runs above Realp. Conditions and closures on the winter hiking trail may change; check before setting out.

The Realp ski lift has a slope about one kilometre long, suitable for families, children and beginners. The children’s fun park at the ski lift features animal figures and a playful course to entertain young children. Both are seasonal offerings; check the latest operating information before making plans. The Realp Goldfinger snowshoe trail leads near the “James Bond Goldfinger bend” and adds another winter route with a specific destination.

Local history

Realp was first mentioned in 1363 under the name “Riealb”. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was first mentioned in 1448; the present building dates from 1879–1880. The dates distinguish the earliest mention of the village, the first mention of the chapel and the construction period of its present building.

Discover more destinations: Gurtnellen, Erstfeld, Göschenen, Spiringen, Bürglen, Hospental, Wassen, Attinghausen.

View the broader travel guide: Uri.