ViaSuworow, Stage 1/11

After a steep climb through the Tremola, views open up to the Totenkapelle (Chapel of the Dead) and the Susten on the Gotthardpass. The pass head is «conquered» via the old trading route, just as Suvorov and his troops did after the French retreated.

From the Airolo stop, the mountain trail leads through the village and past the Chiesa Santi Nazario e Celso. The last houses are soon left behind, and the long ascent quickly gains height through the forest. Almost the entire route follows the white-red-white waymarks; with around 950 metres of ascent, there is hardly any time to warm up.

Higher up, the forest begins to thin. Open slopes and alpine pastures now dominate the landscape as the trail climbs steadily towards the pass. Shortly before the destination, Lago dei Morti lies a little way off the route. Near Monte Prosa, the hike reaches its highest point at just under 2,100 m. A little later, the Cappella di San Gottardo stands beside the trail; beyond it, the Gotthardpass is reached after around seven kilometres and a good three hours. The Gotthard Passhöhe stop is located directly by the destination.