St. Gotthard Pass
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
The St. Gotthard Pass is one of the most legendary Alpine crossings. Drive through historic switchbacks, visit a museum full of history and immerse yourself in a landscape between rocks and mountain lakes.
The St. Gotthard Pass at a glance
The St. Gotthard Pass is located at an altitude of 2,106 metres and connects Hospental in the canton of Uri with Airolo in Ticino. The route has been considered an important north-south connection since the Middle Ages. At the top of the pass there is a historic hospice, the St. Gotthard Museum and the Sasso San Gottardo fortress. The pass is usually open from May to October.
What to experience
Drive over the pass (30-45 minutes)
The road leads from Hospental through the barren mountain landscape up to the top of the pass. On the way you cross the legendary Devil's Bridge. On the south side, the historic Tremola awaits you with 24 curves on cobblestones – the section is considered the longest architectural monument in Switzerland. On clear days, the view extends as far as the Leventina Valley.
- Good to know: The maximum weight for driving on the Tremola is 3.5 tonnes.
- Tip: Ride the Tremola from north to south to get the most out of the switchbacks.
By bus over the pass (50 minutes)
From June to October, a bus connects Andermatt with Airolo. You sit relaxed and enjoy the view of the mountains and the serpentines of the Tremola. The journey leads through two language regions: In Andermatt you say goodbye in German, in Airolo you will be greeted in Italian.
- Good to know: You can hop off along the way and continue your ride later.
National St. Gotthard Museum (1–2 hours)
At the top of the pass, you will immerse yourself in the history of the Gotthard from its beginnings around 1200 to the present day. Original films, sound documents and authentic objects tell of the construction of the tunnels, the mule track and the military significance. A children's course also makes the visit interesting for families.
- Good to know: The museum is open from June to September.
- Tip: Combine the visit with a walk to one of the mountain lakes.
General information
| Season |
May - October
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|---|---|
| Accessibility |
Partially accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
Via Stazione 22
6780
Airolo
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)91 869 15 33
leventina@bellinzonaevalli.ch
bellinzonaevalli.ch
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