Gottardo Bike - Stage 1: Andermatt - Airolo (SwitzerlandMobility 65)

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32.60 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Tour
  • 3:45 h
  • 32.60 km
  • 918 m
  • 1,209 m
  • 1,177 m
  • 2,243 m
  • 1,066 m
  • Start: Andermatt
  • Destination: Airolo

Mainly on the old pass road and old mule paths up to the legendary Gotthardpass. 

An impressive conquest of the main chain of the Alps from Andermatt to Biasca in the Ticino. The Gottardo-Bike route holds the world-famous Gotthardpass, the lonely Piora high plain and the sunny Val Blenio.

The Gottardo-Bike route combines impressive, high-Alpine landscapes with a detailed lesson in Swiss history. The Gotthardpass has for centuries been one of the most important north-south links and also achieved military significance in World War II. The area is laced with subterranean bunkers, planned to offer refuge in an emergency. Extensive stretches of the route were originally military access roads.

The contrast to the Piora plain further south could not be greater. Here the focus is on nature. The peaceful plain with its two mountain lakes nestles in a rugged high-Alpine landscape. The Lago di Cadagno is actually world-famous among scientists, because there is no seasonal mixing of surface water, unique in Europe.

The descent into Val Blenio mainly follows the old route of the Lukmanier road. In medieval times the Passo del Lucomagno was the most important north-south link until the development of the Gotthard region. Largely unknown, it is one of the most scenic Alpine passes in Switzerland. The route to Olivone leads through open larch groves, over lush green plains, through dense pine forests and counts as one of the most beautiful tours in north Ticino.

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Pavements

Street
Asphalt
Gravel
Trail
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

The Gottardo-Bike route combines impressive, high-Alpine landscapes with a detailed lesson in Swiss history. The Gotthardpass has for centuries been one of the most important north-south links and also achieved military significance in World War II. The area is laced with subterranean bunkers, planned to offer refuge in an emergency. Extensive stretches of the route were originally military access roads.

The contrast to the Piora plain further south could not be greater. Here the focus is on nature. The peaceful plain with its two mountain lakes nestles in a rugged high-Alpine landscape. The Lago di Cadagno is actually world-famous among scientists, because there is no seasonal mixing of surface water, unique in Europe.

The descent into Val Blenio mainly follows the old route of the Lukmanier road. In medieval times the Passo del Lucomagno was the most important north-south link until the development of the Gotthard region. Largely unknown, it is one of the most scenic Alpine passes in Switzerland. The route to Olivone leads through open larch groves, over lush green plains, through dense pine forests and counts as one of the most beautiful tours in north Ticino.

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Stop at an Inn

Directions & Parking facilities

From Ticino: A2 motorway, Airolo exit, then Gotthard Pass. Alternative: Highway A2, exit Göschenen then road to Andermatt. From Graubünden: Operalp pass to Andermatt. From Valais: Furka Pass to Andermatt. From the north: A2 motorway, exit Göschenen then the road to Andermatt.
By train to Andermatt.

Author

Bellinzonese e Alto Ticino Turismo

Organization

Bellinzona e Valli Turismo

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

For mountain biking, follow the logo indicated on the red signposts: Gottardo Bike no. 65

Safety guidelines

 

  • Wear protective gear
  • Assess your capability accurately
  • Give hikers right of way
  • Stay on the trail
  • Close fence gates.

    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.

Nearby

Getting there

Gottardo Bike - Stage 1: Andermatt - Airolo (SwitzerlandMobility 65)
6490 Andermatt