Vier-Quellen-Weg, Stage 5/5

The last stage of the Four Headwaters Trail climbs to the source of the Rhone. You reach the Rhone glacier with magnificent views of the Valais' four-thousand-metre peaks, accompanied by a nostalgic steam train and the serpentines of the pass road. Alpine flora thrives between large boulders.

From the Obergesteln bus stop, the hiking trail initially leads through the broad valley to Oberwald. The route then joins a mountain hiking trail, passes St. Niklaus Chapel and gradually gains altitude between woodland and open slopes. Gletsch is reached after around three hours.

The long, panoramic ascent to the Furkapass now begins. The settlements are left behind, and meadows and pastures dominate the landscape. At 2,429 m, the trail crosses the pass and with it the European watershed between the Mediterranean and the North Sea. On the far side of the pass road, the route climbs briefly once more. Near the Furkastock, it reaches its highest point at just under 2,500 m.

The final section descends through increasingly rocky terrain to Belvédère. The tour of just over six hours ends at the snack bar; the Belvedere Furka bus stop is only a few steps away. At around 17 kilometres with over 1,300 metres of ascent, the hike requires good fitness, but remains on marked trails throughout.