Trans Swiss Trail, Stage 24/32

A steep mountain trail leads from the legendary Swiss Alpine pass down to the Leventina Valley. A spectacular Alpine landscape combined with amazing construction achievements from different eras and in close vicinity of the Tremola, a road with landmark designation.

The hike begins at the Gotthard Passhöhe bus stop at just under 2,100 m, which is also the highest point of the route. Near the Cappella di San Gottardo, the white-red-white waymarked mountain trail starts its long descent into the Valle Leventina. The Lago dei Morti lies slightly off the route.

Initially, the path crosses open meadows and pastures. Almost the entire route, around seven kilometres long, follows a mountain hiking trail. With only a few short counter-ascents, the total descent amounts to around 950 metres. Farther down, the forest draws closer, lending the steep trail a quieter character. After Scíma du Bòsc', the first houses signal the approach to the valley floor.

The final section leads into Airolo and past the Chiesa Santi Nazario e Celso. The destination is reached shortly afterwards; the Airolo stop is only a few steps away. A little over two hours should be allowed for this predominantly downhill hike.