Airolo - Gottardo Passo

This route, from Airolo to the Gottardo Pass, is part of the Via Suworow (No. 55) as well as the Trans Swiss Trail (No. 2) and the Via Gottardo (No. 7).

The starting point for this stage is the Hotel Forni in Airolo, very close to the SBB railway station.

Signposting: signposts with the numbers 55, 2 and 7 on a green background (Via Suworow, Trans Swiss Trail, Via Gottardo)

(S) From the Hotel Forni, head towards the station, turn left and cross the village using the various stairways to the north and return to the signpost No. 55 - 2 - 7 at a crossroads.

(1) Head north, then west, to the right, follow a path through the woods and you will come to a hairpin bend on a small road.

(2) Follow the sign for No. 55 - 2 - 7 on the right, go around a hairpin bend on the St Gotthard Pass road and you will find another sign with three stickers.

(3) Continue left on Via Gottardo until you reach a pipe descending from Lago della Sella.

(4) Pass under the pipeline and join the Saint-Gothard road. Stay on the right-hand pavement and you will reach another sign No. 55 - 2 - 7.

(5) At this point, the road splits into two: the main road to the St Gotthard Pass and the old (cobbled) road. Follow the old road for about 20 metres, passing under the new road, until you reach a pasture. Walk through the grass and pass under the main road to the pass again. Now heading north, return to the Riale Soreascia and cross it just before a sign with three green stickers.

(6) Heading west, on the left, you will come out onto the old paved road.

(7) Follow this road to a bridge. Stay on the left bank of the River Foss and rejoin the old paved road at the next bridge. Continue to the first hairpin bend. Stay alert on the paved road, even though it is quiet and has a speed limit of 40 km/h.

(8) Alternating between paths that cut across several bends and short sections on the paved road, you will reach the last bend before the Lago dei Morti plateau.

(9) Take the shortcut trail, pass near Lago dei Morti and find a final sign with three green stickers.

(10) Continue to the right towards the Ospizio San Gottardo, which is already clearly visible (E).

Hike completed by the author on 18 September 2025

Getting to Airolo by public transport:

• Airolo is accessible by train from many Swiss cities: from Basel or Lucerne IR26, from Zurich IR46.

Transport: Timetables.
Weather: before setting off, check Swiss Weather or Météo blue.
Hiking equipment, including good footwear.

Before setting off, check the SwitzerlandMobility websitefor any trail closures or diversions.

Accommodation in Airolo: Hotel Forni.
Accommodation at the Gottardo Pass: Ospizio San Gottardo Reception at the Albergo San Gottardo.