Gotthard Pass, Mountain pass between Uri and Ticino cantons, Switzerland
Gotthard Pass sits at 2,106 meters (6,909 feet) and links the northern Swiss Alps with Ticino through the Saint-Gotthard Massif. The road winds in tight hairpins across a stony plateau, flanked by peaks and snowfields that remain visible even in summer.
Building the first wooden bridge through Schöllenen Gorge in 1220 opened regular trade traffic across the Alps. Since then, the route has been upgraded several times to handle growing commerce between northern and southern Europe.
The name comes from Saint Gotthard of Hildesheim, whose chapel once welcomed travelers at the crossing. Today, wayside crosses and small shrines along the route recall the centuries-old tradition of asking for safe passage here.
The pass road stays open only in the snow-free months; outside them the summit is reached on foot, ski or by rail through the tunnels. In open months a night driving ban applies between 18:00 and 08:00. Wind is frequent on the exposed saddle, so bring warm clothing even in sunshine.
Three tunnels cross beneath the pass: the 1882 railway tunnel, the 1980 road tunnel, and the 2016 base tunnel, each holding world records for length when opened. Each of these bores cut travel time sharply and shifted much of the traffic underground.
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