Walserweg Gottardo, Stage 9/14

Going up steeply through the barrier woodland, then on a high path with a wonderful view across the Bedretto Valley towards the Gotthard Pass. Also in view: a wide variety of transport systems that tell the history of the development of the most important Swiss Alpine pass, including the famous Tremolastrasse. It is considered to be the longest architectural monument in Switzerland.

From the Bedretto, Paese bus stop, the mountain trail leads out of the village and climbs into open terrain. Sections of forest alternate with meadows and pastures. The entire route follows white-red-white waymarked trails and retains its mountainous character throughout. Over 15 kilometres, the route gains around 900 metres in elevation, making for a sustained ascent. As the trail climbs, the valley floor recedes ever farther below.

After just over nine kilometres, the route reaches its highest point near Pizzo di Fieud at around 2,100 metres. It does not take in a summit. Instead, the trail continues towards the Gotthard Pass, with a few short uphill sections and only a small overall loss in elevation. Towards the end, it passes the Cappella di San Gottardo and the Vecchia Sosta. After just over four and a half hours, the hike ends on the Passo San Gottardo; the Gotthard Passhöhe bus stop is located immediately beside the destination.