ViaGottardo
Overview
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Distance 7 km
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Duration 2 h 5 min
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Ascent 20 m
Intro
From the pass with its old refuge, the Hospiz, and Totenkappelle (Cemetery Chapel), the section leads to the world-famous Tremolastrasse, which climbs an impressive 340 metres around 24 bends. Once you reach Airolo, the obere Leventina valley awaits with further discoveries.
Description
The historic stage to Airolo starts on the most important north-south trans-Alpine route, the language border between German- and Italian-speaking Switzerland and the wellspring of Europe. Even the Romans avoided the Gotthard route, not for the Alps' height, but for the Schöllenen Gorge between Andermatt and Göschenen, which was reputed to be impassable. It all changed with the construction of the Devil's Bridge at the start of the 13th century. At the same time, the muleteer's trail was also improved over its entire length. The pass soon became one of the most important Alpine crossings.
From the start, the route first follows the winding Tremola road for 100 metres. It's Switzerland's longest memorial to road construction. Hiking on a path, you will soon find yourself high above the world-famous serpentine road, which on its most spectacular section climbs 300 metres in altitude around 24 bends. To this day, the Tremola road has largely retained the appearance of its reconstruction completed in 1951 – with granite cobblestones, old drystone walls and the beautiful kilometre stones.
The hiking trail in the Val Tremola winds its way down to the road and along the Foss stream to Motto di Dentro, where you pass under the new mountain pass road. Affording views of the military barracks and the Leventina, the route continues downhill. Airolo, at 1,175 metres above sea level, is known for the southern portal of the railway and motorway tunnels. The countryside surrounding the uppermost village in the Leventina valley also boasts scenic beauty and historic sites: unspoilt villages, an exhibition dairy, idyllic mountain lakes and hiking areas. The gateway to the south also marks the endpoint of the Via Gottardo stage.
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
| Start location |
Gotthardpass
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Airolo
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
20 m
|
| Descent |
950 m
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| Distance |
7 km
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| Duration |
2 h 5 min
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| Duration back |
3 h
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
May - September
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, Over a pass
|
| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe7.... |
Quick Facts
Route number
