Gotthard group, Mountain range in central Switzerland.
The Gotthard group is a mountain range in central Switzerland stretching across four cantons with peaks around 3,200 meters high. It contains the sources of several major rivers and is crossed by several mountain passes that serve as important routes over the Alps.
The region became significant in the 13th century when mountain passes became a main trade route connecting northern Europe with the Mediterranean. This commerce led to the development of settlements and pathways that shaped economic activity in Switzerland for centuries.
The Gotthard range connects German-speaking regions with the Italian-speaking south, serving as a natural boundary that has shaped distinct regional identities. The passes and valleys have long brought together people from different backgrounds through trade and movement across the mountains.
You can visit year-round, but winter can bring closures at some passes and snow may limit access to higher areas. The best time to explore is from May through October, when the upper regions are snow-free and paths are easy to walk.
The range is the source of four major European rivers - the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino, and Rhône - which flow toward different seas. This rare hydrological role makes the area a natural junction where waters disperse across thousands of kilometers in separate directions.
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