Crystals at Furka Pass — the Alpine crystal hunters' paradise
Geologically, the Furka region belongs to the Aar massif, one of the most cleft-rich areas in the Alps. Between Tiefengletscher and Sidelengletscher, exceptional crystals have been found for centuries.
Smoky quartz, mountain crystal
Main finds
Rose fluorite, gwindel
Rarities
Aar massif, Canton Uri
Region
For centuries
Tradition
The legendary find of 1868
Crystal hunters from the Bernese Oberland discovered an enormous cleft at Tiefengletscher with brown-black smoky quartz crystals, known as morions, weighing up to 130 kilograms. They secretly transported them away before the people of Uri noticed.
Good to know
Since this legendary incident, the people of Uri have kept a particularly close eye on their treasures. Crystal hunting in Canton Uri requires a permit today.
What is crystal hunting?
In Switzerland, Alpine mineral seekers are called Strahler. The name refers to crystals, also called Strahlen. Their most important tool is the Strahlstock, similar to a crowbar and used as chisel, hook and walking aid.
Crystals form in clefts: cavities in rock created by tectonic forces during mountain formation. Over millions of years, fascinating crystal forms grow there under pressure and heat.
The collection at the hotel
Host Hansruedi Tresch is a passionate crystal hunter himself. His impressive collection in the restaurant includes dark smoky quartz with rose fluorite, rare gwindel and other highlights from the region.
Tip: Visit the exhibition in the restaurant and ask Hansruedi to tell you the stories behind the crystals over a glass of wine. Selected pieces are also available for purchase.
Experience the crystal world?
Visit the exhibition at Hotel Tiefenbach.