The amazing mountain road to St. Gotthard Pass
Switzerland, europe
64 km
2,110 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo del San Gottardo: Switzerland's Alpine Masterpiece
Sitting pretty at 2,110 meters (6,922 feet) above sea level in the heart of Switzerland's Lepontine Alps, Passo del San Gottardo is an absolute must-drive for Alpine enthusiasts. Nestled in Ticino canton, this legendary pass serves as the crucial link between the Italian-speaking south and German-speaking central Switzerland—basically the main artery connecting Zürich with Lugano and beyond to Milan.
The 64-kilometer (40-mile) journey along National Road 2 from Andermatt to Biasca is gorgeously paved with smooth asphalt that makes driving a genuine pleasure. But here's where it gets spicy: the southern approach greets you with a series of dramatic hairpin turns that'll get your adrenaline pumping. You'll wind through steep sections dotted with avalanche galleries, treating you to jaw-dropping vistas around nearly every bend. If you're feeling adventurous, the old Tremola road on the eastern side offers an even more intense experience. Fair warning though—holiday season brings serious traffic congestion, so timing your visit strategically is key.
**When to go:** The pass closes from late October through late June (depending on snow), plus it shuts down nightly from 6 PM to 8 AM. Summer's the sweet spot, though expect slower-paced driving thanks to vacationing crowds—honestly, it's not a bad thing when you've got scenery this stunning to admire.
**A bit of history:** The first road opened in 1830, followed by a railway tunnel in 1881. Thanks to the 16.3-kilometer highway tunnel built in 1980—one of the world's longest—you can now traverse this route year-round. The tunnel passes near the legendary "Devil's Bridge," a centuries-old structure with a wild folklore tale attached to it involving a clever goatherd who outsmarted the devil himself.
The entire landscape feels wild and moody, with a somewhat melancholic charm that perfectly captures the raw power of high-altitude mountain terrain.
Where is it?
The amazing mountain road to St. Gotthard Pass is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.7119, 8.1076
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 64 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,110 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.7119, 8.1076
Related Roads in europe
moderate1. Decoding the Modern British Plate
🇬🇧 England
Alright, buckle up for a spin through the UK's number plate scene! Forget boring old ID tags – these plates are steeped in history and a surprisingly intricate system. **Decoding the Code:** Think of a license plate as a mini-biography of your car. It's got two letters that tell you where the vehicle was first registered. Then there's a two-digit age code that updates twice a year (March and September) so you can tell how old the ride is. Add three random letters at the end and BOOM – instant vehicle history. **The Thrill of the Hunt: Private Plates** Fancy something a little more special? The UK's got a buzzing market for personalized plates. We're talking everything from modern combos to vintage "dateless" plates from before 1963. These old-school plates are hot property 'cause they don't have an age identifier, so you can stick 'em on any car you want, no matter how old it is! Some of these unique plates, like "F 1" or ones with popular names, can fetch crazy prices at auction. **Play by the Rules (Or Pay the Price)** The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) doesn't mess around. They're super strict about keeping plates easy to read for those Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. So, ditch the fancy fonts and wild backgrounds, and stick to the official reflective materials (white in front, yellow in back) and the British Standard (BS AU 145e). Using fake or illegal plates will land you with hefty fines and might even get your registration revoked! **Bagging Your Dream Plate** So, how do you snag that perfect plate? You've got three options: * **DVLA Auctions:** Go straight to the source for plates that have never been issued before. * **Dealers:** Let certified dealers handle the tricky paperwork and transfer fees for you. * **Private Sellers:** Buy directly from an individual but make sure to get the V750 or V778 retention document for a smooth transfer. Whether you're trying to make your vintage ride look younger with a dateless plate or just want to add a personal touch to your daily driver, the UK system gives you plenty of room to play… as long as you stay within the lines. Always buy from a trusted seller to avoid scams and keep your car legal!
moderateThe curvy road to San Bernardino Pass was built in 1770
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Passo di San Bernardino: A Swiss Alpine Classic Perched at 2,065 meters (6,775 feet) in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, Passo di San Bernardino is one of those legendary Alpine passes that deserves a spot on every road-tripper's bucket list. Named after San Bernardino of Siena, who supposedly preached here back in the early 1400s, this mountain gateway has been connecting the Hinterrhein and Mesolcina valleys since Roman times. The pass's real heyday came in the 15th century when it became a crucial mule track, followed by the construction of a proper wheeled-vehicle road in 1770. Between 1821 and 1823, they spruced it up significantly—so much so that locals called it "The Italian Road." Then came 1967 and the opening of the San Bernardino tunnel, which actually turned out to be a blessing for those of us who prefer the scenic route. Traffic shifted underground, leaving the mountain pass wonderfully peaceful for those willing to take the long way. Route 13, as it's officially known, stretches 30.6 kilometers (19 miles) north-south from the village of Hinterrhein to the charming municipality of Mesocco. Every inch is fully paved, but you're in for a treat—or a challenge, depending on how you look at it. More than 40 hairpin turns (most clustered in the northern section) keep you honest, with gradients hitting 9.7% on some stretches. Plan about 45 minutes for the drive without stops, though honestly, you'll want to linger. The road only opens May through November, so time your visit accordingly. Once you reach the summit, you'll discover a pristine alpine lake with impossibly blue water and a historic hospice. The views? Absolutely stunning—Swiss Alps at their most majestic.
hardSedlo Pass is the highest paved mountain road of Montenegro
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Prevoj Sedlo Pass in Montenegro is calling your name. Nestled in Durmitor National Park, this high-altitude stunner tops out at 1,907m (6,256ft). The P14 road winds for almost 50 km (30+ miles) from Žabljak (the Balkans' highest town!) to Plužine, and trust me, it's an experience. Think paved roads, but with a twist: narrow sections that demand cooperation (and maybe a little patience) with oncoming traffic. Oh, and keep an eye out for unlit tunnels! Larger vehicles might want to sit this one out. Word to the wise: winter snow can shut this route down, so check with the locals for the real scoop on road conditions. Apparently, bus drivers are the pros here, especially when the weather gets dicey. Budget around 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in (without stops). The views from the summit? Totally worth it! Get ready for panoramic vistas, including the shimmering Valovito Jezero lake and the dramatic Stožina peak. It's the highest point on the road and supposedly the highest paved pass in Montenegro. Seriously epic!
extremePunta d’Icún: Driving the 9.6% 4x4 climb in the Pyrenees of Huesca
🇪🇸 Spain
# Punta d'Icún: A Pyrenean Beast for Off-Road Adventurers Tucked away in the Aragonese Pyrenees near the French border, Punta d'Icún is a stunning 2,069m (6,788ft) peak that's become something of a cult classic among serious off-roaders. Also known as Cerro de las Canales, this hidden gem sits high above the Tena Valley and serves up some genuinely challenging terrain for those brave enough to tackle it. The adventure kicks off from the tiny village of Yosa de Sobremonte and covers just 9 km (5.6 miles) to the summit. Sounds doable, right? Well, here's the catch—you're climbing 868 meters in those 9 kilometers, translating to a punishing 9.64% average gradient. This is genuinely steep stuff, and the unpaved track of loose gravel, limestone rocks, and natural earth demands your full attention. Expect relentless climbing with barely any flat sections where you can catch your breath. The real challenge isn't just the gradient, though. The Pyrenees throw everything at you up here. Year-round high winds are the norm, and they can get seriously intense near the summit, making exposed stretches without guardrails genuinely nerve-wracking. You'll absolutely need a capable 4x4 with proper ground clearance and solid off-road chops to handle this one. From the top, the reward is magnificent—a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of dramatic granite peaks and deep valleys stretching toward France. It's the kind of view that makes the bruising climb worthwhile. Fair warning: this road only opens during summer. Heavy snow blankets the area from October through June, turning those steep grades into icy death traps. Even in summer, mountain storms can appear out of nowhere, so always check conditions before you go. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a technical, isolated mountain expedition that demands respect and proper preparation.