Gotthard Tremola — 2,106 metres over cobblestones

The Gotthard has been a trading corridor since at least Roman times, which is why there are now three roads over it: a modern dual carriageway, a historical paved road, and the reason to come, the Tremola. For four kilometres on the south side, the old road climbs a cobblestone ramp built in 1830. It is the longest piece of heritage pavement in Switzerland.

History

The Tremola was the main road over the Gotthard until the parallel modern route opened in 1977. Rather than remove the cobblestones, the cantonal government preserved them; the Tremola is now a protected historic monument. In summer the pavement is open to traffic, though almost everyone takes the new road and leaves the stones to cyclists.

Riding it

From Airolo on the south side, the first 9 km are normal paved switchbacks on the new road. Follow the signs for Strada Vecchia and you drop onto the cobbles for the final 4 km. Handling on the stones is fine at climbing speeds; the descent takes more care. The north side from Göschenen is paved the whole way.

Along the way

• Tremola cobblestone road — The four-kilometre stretch of original 1830 cobblestones on the south side, a protected historic monument and the longest preserved pavement in Switzerland.
• Gotthard Hospiz — A medieval hospice at the summit that has sheltered travellers since the 13th century, now operating as a hotel with views over the small summit lake.
• National St. Gotthard Museum — A museum at the pass summit covering centuries of transit history, from Roman-era trade routes to the modern base tunnel.
• Airolo — The small town at the southern foot of the pass, the starting point for the Tremola climb and the southern portal of the Gotthard railway tunnel.
• Furka and Nufenen — The two sibling passes of the Gotthard-Furka-Nufenen triangle, usually ridden as a loop from Airolo.
• Central Switzerland four-pass loop — The classic day combining Gotthard with Furka, Grimsel, and Susten.