If you’re planning a trip to the majestic Swiss Alps and want to discover breathtaking and picture-perfect locations, look no further than Hotel Belvédère.
I had the incredible opportunity to explore this place in June 2023 and let me tell you, it was absolutely breathtaking. Words cannot fully capture the enchanting beauty and captivating atmosphere of this place, but I’ll do my best to convey its magic. So, stay tuned and continue reading!
A Little History of The Hotel
The Hotel Belvédère in the Swiss Alps Furka Pass, which has been around for over 130 years, is closed and abandoned. This charming hotel, nestled in the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps, has unfortunately fallen into disrepair over the years.
Once a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique and picturesque experience, the hotel has now become a haunting reminder of its former glory. Its once vibrant halls and cozy rooms now echo with a sense of abandonment.
Back in the day, guests could admire the glacier from their room windows as it extended far into the valley. Nowadays, though, the hotel functions as a sightseeing spot that can only be admired from the outside.
The sight from the hotel parking area is truly stunning. The landscape features majestic mountains, a dazzling glacier, and a winding road. Just the thought of spending a night in such a place and waking up to this breathtaking view fills me with a sense of longing, knowing that I may never have the opportunity to witness such beauty firsthand.
Hotel Belvédère Today
Hotel Belvédère shuttered its doors in 2016, and Tripadvisor reviews shed light on the reasons behind its closure. Based on the feedback and visuals shared by guests, the hotel’s furnishings were noticeably outdated. While the establishment had a distinctive charm, guests were likely dissatisfied with the lack of maintenance of the hotel rooms, bathrooms, and toilets.
Additionally, the high price of 115 CHF (around 120 USD) per night was considered exorbitant during that period. The cost may not be considered high in today’s pricey world, but in the past, people found it to be expensive. Moreover, the hotel’s service and quality did not justify the price, not to mention the lengthy journey to reach the hotel.
How To Get There
Belvédère hotel is nestled in the heart of Switzerland’s Furka Pass, located in the canton of Valais (mostly French-speaking part.) Goms, a nearby town, was one of the larger and closest places I stayed during my trip. It was just a short 30-minute drive from the hotel.
The journey through the Furka Pass is truly breathtaking. As you make your way to the hotel, you’ll be treated to magnificent mountain views, a stunning waterfall, and a winding road that demands cautious driving. While I can’t guarantee this is always the scenario, when I personally drove to the hotel, I noticed police officers either taking a break or monitoring the traffic at a nearby rest stop just below the hotel.
As soon as you reach the hotel, you’ll be greeted by a spacious parking area that you can use for free. Right beside it, there’s a delightful mini-waterfall, where water cascades down from above, creating a serene atmosphere. Additionally, you’ll find a charming market (or rather a gift shop) filled with a variety of traditional Swiss items, ranging from postcards and magnets to clothing.
If you’re interested in exploring beyond the confines of this hotel, you have the opportunity to visit the Rhone Glacier. The cost of admission is CHF 9 (around 10 USD), and you can enter through the gift shop located here.
Tips To Make The Most of Your Visit
- Despite its elevated location, this hotel remains a popular destination in the Alps. For a more serene experience and better photo opportunities, we recommend visiting after 5 pm when there are usually fewer visitors. This will also increase the likelihood of finding a vacant parking spot.
- While the road leading to the hotel may appear treacherous and potentially unsettling to certain individuals, it is completely secure, and there is no reason to be worried.
- If you’re up for a parking lot picnic, taking in all views of the hotel, and exploring the Rhone Glacier, make sure to allocate around 1 to 1.5 hours for this attraction.
- When I visited, the temperature was around 23 degrees Celsius, but since you’ll be up there, it might be a little breezy. It’s a good idea to bring along a lightweight jacket or hoodie.
Have you had the chance to visit this hotel and want to tell us about it? Or are you in the process of planning your visit and need some extra advice? Reach out to us on Twitter and let us know!
Happy travels!
Denisa
