Realp

Small at the end of the Ursern valley, but high at the foot of the Furka pass.

The mountain village Realp is situated on 1538 m above sea level and has about 160 inhabitants. The name of the village goes back to the village creek Lochbergbach, which attracts attention in spring due to its white foaming water. "Riva alba" means white creek.

Travellers have been staying overnight in Realp since the 18th century, when the hospice of the monks served as accommodation. In 1779 Goethe also honoured the mountain village. A little more than 100 years later, in 1886, Realp was better connected thanks to the construction of the Furka pass road and thus enjoyed the attention of tourists. The Ursern valley was now also well connected to the west. The journey from east to west and vice versa was made even easier in 1926 with the opening of the Furka-Oberalp railway (today's Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). In 1982, exactly one century after the Gotthard tunnel had been opened, the Furka base tunnel was opened.

This village, harmoniously embedded in the landscape, is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet as well as for nature lovers. In summer, the Furka steam train reminds you of old times and the probably "most alpine" golf course turns it into a hike. During the winter months, children can ski down a gentle slope in the skiing area, and those returning to the sport feel safe here to experience the world on boards.

"My name is Pass, Furka Pass", the mountain might have sounded like this or something similar in 1964 when Sean Connery as Agent 007 and Tania Mallet in their short bond girl role followed the wicked Goldfinger. Nowadays, in winter, snowshoes are used to get as close as possible to the Goldfinger turn.