Gotthard Pass: Hospental - Airolo
Whether on the historic Tremola or the new pass road, a journey over the legendary Gotthard Pass (2091 m above sea level), which connects Hospental in the Ursern Valley with Airolo in the canton of Ticino, is an experience. The rise of the pass began in the 13th century when the construction of the Devil's Bridge allowed the wild Schöllenen Gorge near Andermatt to be crossed. As the mule track was further expanded, it quickly developed into one of the most important Alpine crossings. Even today, the Gotthard, along with its road and rail tunnels, is probably the most important north-south connection for Switzerland and Europe.
The Gotthard massif forms the famous weather divide between north and south. No worries if it rains on one side and you cross the pass; often the sun shines on the other side.
- 0:20 h
- 22.50 km
- 656 m
- 966 m
- 1,142 m
- 2,091 m
- 949 m
- Start: Hospental Station
- Destination: Airolo Station
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Nature Highlight
Stop at an Inn
Directions & Parking facilities
You can reach the starting point Realp by car from various directions. Whether from Central Switzerland via the Schöllenen/Andermatt, via the Oberalp Pass, from Ticino via the Gotthard Pass, or from Valais via the Furka Pass.
Directly at the station in Hospental, slightly outside the village, or along the pass road, you will find various parking options.
The starting point Realp is accessible by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train from Andermatt or Oberwald. The timetable is as follows: SBB Timetable
Additional information
Author
Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus GmbH
Organization
Ferienregion Andermatt
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
- Visit the National St. Gotthard Museum and Sasso San Gottardo
- Excursion with a vintage car
- Caseificio del Gottardo in Airolo
- Historic postal service
Safety guidelines
Nearby
