Where is St. Gotthard Pass?
Switzerland, europe
64 km
2,110 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Switzerland, aiming for the legendary Passo del San Gottardo, a whopping 2,110 meters (6,922 feet) high in the Saint-Gotthard Massif. This isn't just any road; it's National Road 2, a major artery stretching 64 kilometers (40 miles) between Andermatt and Biasca, connecting the German and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland. Think Zurich to Lugano, or even Germany to Italy – this pass is the shortcut!
The road is all smooth pavement, but hold on tight as you head south. Get ready for hairpin turns galore, each offering incredible views…and countless avalanche galleries protecting you from potential slides. It can get crowded during holidays, but honestly, the slower pace lets you soak in the breathtaking scenery. For an extra thrill, check out the old Tremola road on the eastern side – it's a real challenge.
Keep in mind this beauty is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, and even in summer, it's closed nightly. You’ll find reservoirs and buildings dotting the summit, all while surrounded by a stark, almost mournful landscape – a true testament to the harsh conditions up here. And if you’re wondering about the name, it comes from a chapel built in honor of Saint Gotthard way back in the 1300s. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 64 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,110 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardRoche Madeleine
🇫🇷 France
# Roche Madeleine: Alpine Adventure Awaits Perched at a stunning 2,370 meters (7,775 feet) in the heart of the French Alps, Roche Madeleine is a high mountain pass that straddles the border between France and Italy. Nestled within the breathtaking Mercantour National Park in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, this hidden gem offers serious alpine enthusiasts the ultimate driving challenge. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the summit is a rough-and-tumble gravel and rocky affair—narrow, steep, and notoriously slippery when wet. Muddy conditions are basically guaranteed after rain, and come winter? Forget about it—the pass becomes completely impassable. Running parallel to Route de la Bonette (D64), the track occasionally gets blocked due to military exercises in the area, so timing is everything. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle to tackle this beast. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the rewards are spectacular mountain scenery and the kind of driving experience that'll have you buzzing long after you've descended. Just make sure you're prepared, check conditions beforehand, and respect the mountain's moods.
hardCol de Lachau
🇫🇷 France
Col de Lachau is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.332m (4,370ft) above the sea level, located in the Drôme department in southeastern France. The road to the summit, located within the Vercors Natural Regional Park, is called D76 (Combe Laval Road) It’s asphalted but pretty narrow and steep, with some sections up to 9.1%. This road is one of the most famous balcony roads in France. A balcony road is a hair-raising lane cut into the sides of sheer cliffs. A very bumpy, grueling road to Bocca di Battaglia Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardRoad F335 (Hagavatnsvegur)
🇮🇸 Iceland
Hagavatnsvegur (F335) in Iceland's Southern Region isn't your average Sunday drive! This 16.6 km highland track, starting from Route 35 near Sandá and leading to a hut by Hagavatn lake (fed by the Eystry-Hagafellsjökull glacier), demands a serious 4x4 with high clearance. Forget smooth sailing; this is a rocky, bumpy ride with unbridged rivers thrown in for good measure. Think large potholes, ruts, and boulders aplenty, especially as you approach Hagavatn and the Nýifoss waterfall. And if you're not a fan of heights, this might test your nerves! Small cars? Absolutely not – it's irresponsible and potentially dangerous. Open only during the summer months (late June to early September, give or take), F335 serves up incredible lunar landscapes. Don't expect crowds – this is a solitary journey. In fact, going solo isn't recommended. Cell service is spotty, and help could be a long time coming if you get stuck. Those river crossings? They're not for the faint of heart. Experience is key. Never cross alone or during heavy rain, as water levels can rise rapidly. Only well-equipped jeeps should attempt it. Always scout the river's depth beforehand, and remember: rental car insurance rarely covers water damage! But trust us, the views are worth the challenge.
hardWhere is SH20 road in Albania?
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: SH20, a hidden gem in Albania's Shkodër County, practically hugging the Montenegro border. This 30km (18.6 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss snakes its way from Hani i Hotit to Tamarë. Worried about conditions? Fear not! This road got a major glow-up and was completely paved in 2016. And past Tamare towards the border? That was done in 2018. There's just a tiny bit of gravel right before you hit the border. Now, here's the kicker: SH20 is a well-kept secret. Seriously, it's like nobody knows it's been resurfaced, so traffic is practically non-existent. Translation? Twisty roads all to yourself! Get ready for a workout – this road climbs with an average gradient of 7% and a zillion hairpin turns. But trust me, the views are worth every single shift of the gear. You'll be carving through massive rocky mountains, following the Cem Selcit river, with incredible scenery around every bend. Keep your eyes peeled for old bunkers and abandoned military houses – little slices of history along the way. Cyclists and motorcyclists adore this route, and you will, too.