St Gotthard Attractions
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Height of pass: 2,108 m/6,916ft
The St Gotthard massif in central Switzerland is one of Europe's most important watersheds, with the sources of the Rhine, the Rhône, the Reuss and the Ticino (Tessin). This rugged mass of crystalline schists and granite was for many centuries an obstacle to transit through the Alps, and it was only the bold road-building operations of the 18th and 19th C. and the construction of the St Gotthard railroad that opened up this shortest route from north to south for modern traffic. In 1980 after 11 years' work the St Gotthard road tunnel was completed. There was already a bridle-path over the St Gotthard pass in the 13th C. The first section of the modern road, between Andermatt and Airolo, was constructed in 1819-30, and this was later extended farther south. The construction of the St Gotthard railroad (Gotthardbahn) in 1874-82 was an outstanding technical achievement for its day, costing the lives of 177 men, including the engineer in charge, Louis Favre.
The St Gotthard massif in central Switzerland is one of Europe's most important watersheds, with the sources of the Rhine, the Rhône, the Reuss and the Ticino (Tessin). This rugged mass of crystalline schists and granite was for many centuries an obstacle to transit through the Alps, and it was only the bold road-building operations of the 18th and 19th C. and the construction of the St Gotthard railroad that opened up this shortest route from north to south for modern traffic. In 1980 after 11 years' work the St Gotthard road tunnel was completed. There was already a bridle-path over the St Gotthard pass in the 13th C. The first section of the modern road, between Andermatt and Airolo, was constructed in 1819-30, and this was later extended farther south. The construction of the St Gotthard railroad (Gotthardbahn) in 1874-82 was an outstanding technical achievement for its day, costing the lives of 177 men, including the engineer in charge, Louis Favre.
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Gotthardbahn (Basel, Zurich to Lugano railroad)
These rail journeys on the Gotthard Railroad, which take three or four hours, run north-south through the Swiss Alps.
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St Gotthard Pass
A road with series of sharp switchbacks leads to Gotthard Pass, which reaches an elevation of 2,108 m. It features a number of small lakes.
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St Gotthard Road Tunnel
The St Gotthard Road Tunnel is 16.3 km long and allows direct travel from Basle to Chiasso.
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Val Piora (Taneda)
This area is incredibly picturesque with waterfalls, mountains, and typical alpine scenery.
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Valley of Trembling
The road running through into this valley is a tangle of twists and turns, with 38 bends clinging to the hillside.
