Crystal hunting · Furka Pass · Uri
Rock Crystals from Furka Pass
Crystal hunting around Furka Pass has a history stretching back to the 19th century. The Gotthard massif is one of the most significant crystal-finding regions in the Alps — and the Furka area is right at its heart.
The craft
What is crystal hunting?
"Strahlen" is the Swiss term for searching and extracting rock crystals from crevices in the rock. The name comes from the brilliantly shining quartz crystals that gleam in lamplight from the darkness of the fissure. It is one of the last genuine adventures in the Alps — physically demanding, requiring local knowledge and patience.
Tools
Drill, chisel, hammer — and years of experience. Crystal fissures don't open easily.
Patience
Some sites are worked for years. Spectacular finds are rare — but unforgettable.
Knowledge
Where quartz veins run, where fissures form — that's not learned from books, but through time in the field.
History
A tradition since the 19th century.
~7000 BC
Stone Age crystal hunters
In 2013, archaeologists found a crystal fissure with Stone Age tools in the Maderanertal (Uri). Rock crystals were mined in Uri 8000–10000 years ago — as raw material for arrowheads and knives.
19th century
Systematic searching begins
With the rise of Alpine tourism, systematic crystal hunting begins around Furka Pass. The Gotthard massif becomes known as Switzerland's most significant crystal-finding region.
2005
Find of the century
At Planggenstock (Uri), crystal hunters open a fissure containing almost 50 exceptional crystals — one of the most significant finds in the Alps. The largest smoky quartz weighs 250 kg.
Today
A living tradition
Around the Tiefenbach glacier near Furka Pass, crystal hunters have been active for generations. The retreating glacier continuously reveals new sites — a bitter reality with unexpected discoveries.
Geology
Why Furka Pass?
The Gotthard massif consists of ancient granite — a rock that offers ideal conditions for the formation of quartz veins and crystal fissures. Over millions of years, perfect quartz crystals formed in cracks and cavities in the granite. The Furka area sits at the boundary between the Gotthard and Aar massifs — a geologically particularly active zone. The retreating Tiefenbach glacier continuously exposes new surfaces that have lain under ice for centuries.
~300 million
Year-old granite massif
2109 m
Starting point Furka Basecamp
Quartz & smoky quartz
Most common crystal types
The collection
Hansruedi Tresch — crystal hunter at Furka Pass.
Hansruedi Tresch — long-time host at Furka Pass and expert on the area — has been collecting crystals from the rocks around Furka Pass for years. His collection includes rock crystals and smoky quartz from the Gotthard massif, personally extracted from the fissures. Selected pieces from his collection are available on site. A conversation about crystals, finding locations and the craft of crystal hunting is always possible.
What to see
Rock crystals and smoky quartz from the Gotthard massif — personally collected, displayed on site.
What to buy
Selected pieces from the collection. Sales location to be announced.
Stories behind them
Hansruedi is always happy to talk — about finding locations, special pieces and life as a crystal hunter at the pass.
Gallery
Crystals from the Furka region.
Important note about crystal hunting
Crystal hunting in Switzerland requires permission from the landowner (typically the Korporation or Canton Uri). Searching for crystals independently is not permitted and can result in fines. Those wishing to try crystal hunting should first contact the Korporation Uri or the cantonal office. We are happy to provide contacts to experienced local crystal hunters.
Visit
Come and see.
The crystal collection is on display on site. Hansruedi is available for questions and conversations — directly at Furka Pass, at 2109 m.