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Intro

The North–South Route leads through the large scenic Swiss regions of the Jura, Mittelland, Central Switzerland and over the Alps to the south. It follows many historically and culturally significant traffic routes and visits many places of interest.

Diversion, Giornico

The route is being diverted. Please follow the local signposts. See map for details.

Description

The longest historical monument in Switzerland takes you through 37 hairpin turns and along bumpy cobblestones from the Gotthard Pass (2,100 m) down to Airolo. The Tremola is the highlight on the North-South Route, traversing all the major landscape regions – the Jura, Mittelland, Central Switzerland, the Alps and Southern Switzerland. This classic transit route can of course be busy from time to time but there’s also plenty of cultural and scenic pearls to enjoy along the wayside. Waiting to greet you at the end of the journey is ­Ticino and its Mediterranean charm.

Highlights

  • Basel, Art Museum with its masterpieces of modern art
  • Lucerne, the Kapellbrücke including a cooling dip in the lake
  • Gotthard Pass, Museum Sasso San Gottardo in the former redoubt bunker
  • Bellinzona with its three castles (UNESCO World Heritage Property)
  • Lugano, Old Town and Gabbani delicatessen store


Public transportation combination offer
To avoid the heavy traffic on Axenstrasse between Brunnen and Flüelen, it’s worthwhile covering this stretch by boat. The boat takes an extremely beautiful route and provides a unique panorama of the sights bordering on Lake Lucerne. The stretch between Gersau and Beckenried is officially via water – the car ferry to be exact.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

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Start location
Basel
Destination
Chiasso
Ascent
4500 m
Descent
4500 m
Distance
365 km
Distance on tarred ways
330 km
Distance on natural surface
35 km
Multiday route
8 days
Physical requirements
Medium
Elevation profile
4500Meter ascents
4500Meter descents
Show elevation profile
Theme
Over a pass, Through a gorge
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/veloland/route3

All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 3
Stages: 8

Distance

365 km

Ascent

4500 m