FILM TOURISM AND VISITING THE RHONE GLACIER
Furka Pass is a place that we absolutely wanted to see for a few good years, but we put off trips to Switzerland for a long time hearing from others how much this country is “police”.
I think everyone is afraid of fines, especially we motorcyclists.However, as it happens in most cases, fear has big eyes and how you follow the rules there is nothing to fear.
We set off early in the morning, from our Italian base near Como, all in order to have enough time for our second photography passion.We had to drive about 150km to the village of Hospendal, which is located at the foot of the pass and from where the climb begins to 2429 metres above sea sea.Lazily, slowly turn after turn, we begin to climb our brave donkey.
The serpentines and steep driveways ensured that the smile did not leave our faces throughout the route.
Just after the top of the pass, we stop at the commemorative plaque “Grand Tour of Switzerland”.This is a red sign empty in the middle with which every self-respecting tourist … including us, takes a photo, and seriously this sign belongs to the route marked out by the Swiss, which is 1643km long, leads through 4 regions, five alpine passes and 11 places inscribed in the UNESCO.
From this place we see our goal, a world-famous building.
This Hotel Belvedere, located on the Furka Pass, is such a non-obvious supporting actor who became famous thanks to his film performance in “Goldfinger” from the 007 series. It was here, in the scene with the hotel, that one of the most memorable scenes took place, where James Bond takes part in an exciting car chase for 30 seconds.
After the film’s premiere, Furka Pass and Hotel Belvedere gained immense popularity among fans of James Bond films. Tourists began to visit this place to see in person where the unforgettable scenes from one of the series’s most iconic films took place. We don’t do film tourism, but it’s always fun to see such places live and compare how they were adapted to the film set.
Opposite the hotel there is a second no less important actor but this gentleman specialises in natural roles.
You need a ticket for a few francs to see it, but it’s not a regular ticket. It’s a ticket that contributes to saving our hero, the Rhone glacier.After walking several metres after the hill, one of the oldest glaciers in the Alps appears.It is impossible to describe in words the moment when man realises that he is perhaps one of the last to watch this miracle of nature from millions of years ago.
And the already indescribable cosmic emotion is the fact that there is also the possibility of going deep into this glacier… at least in part, through the famous cave.
The cave in the glacier is a unique attraction allows you to enter the depths of the glacier through a tunnel that is about 100 metres long. Inside there is a wooden walkway, on which a walk takes place so as not to destroy the glacier.
Do you know how a person feels inside?
Like this squirrel from the Ice Age.
Unfortunately, due to climate warming, the Rhone glacier has receded significantly. Part of the glacier is covered with white tarpaulins.These are thermal sheets that reflect the sun’s rays in an attempt to keep its temperature and reduce ice loss.
As a result of the melting of ice at the foot of the glacier, a lake with a milky colour of water was created. The water from the lake falls down the waterfall forming the beginning of the Rhone River.
A motorcycle trip through the Furka Pass and visiting the Rhone glacier was an unforgettable adventure for us, which combines the thrill of the motorcycle trail and the strength and beauty of nature.
After Furce, we set out to discover another gem of Switzerland, but about you in the next account, which we already encourage you to read.
IN WHAT WE RIDE AND WHAT WE USE
SECA ARRAKIS II TITANIUM
GARMIN inReach Mini 2
