Cycling the Gotthard Pass: A Complete Guide to the Tremola

If there is one climb every road cyclist should ride at least once, it is the Gotthard Pass via the Tremola. This is not just a mountain pass — it is a living monument, a cobbled ribbon of road that has carried travellers across the Alps for centuries. Riding it is as much a journey through history as it is a test of the legs.

A short history of the Gotthard

The Gotthard has linked northern and southern Europe for over 700 years. The cobbled Tremola road, completed in the 19th century, was the main route over the pass until modern tunnels and the newer paved road took the traffic away. Today the old Tremola survives as the longest road monument in Switzerland — and one of cycling's great pilgrimages.

The Tremola cobblestones

The Tremola's defining feature is its surface: tightly laid granite setts, hand-built and beautifully preserved. The cobbles are uneven, so choose slightly wider tyres (28mm or more), lower your pressure a little, and stay seated to keep traction on the climbs. The reward is riding the same stones that generations of travellers crossed before you, with almost no car traffic since the modern road carries it all.

The gradient profile

From Airolo on the south side, the Tremola climbs roughly 950 metres over about 13 kilometres, averaging around 7–8% with the famous stacked hairpins in the steepest middle section. It is a sustained but fair climb — manageable for any reasonably fit cyclist who paces it sensibly. The switchbacks come thick and fast, so settle into a rhythm and enjoy the relentless views back down the valley.

Where to start: Airolo

The classic ascent begins in Airolo, the Ticinese village at the foot of the south side. It is easy to reach by train and makes the natural base for this ride. Start early to have the cobbles to yourself, and keep an eye on the weather — the summit sits at 2,106 metres and can be cold even in summer.

What to eat in Airolo

Airolo is firmly in Italian-speaking Ticino, so refuel the local way: a proper espresso and a pastry before you climb, and a plate of pasta or polenta when you return. The café terraces in the village square are the perfect place to compare hairpin counts with other cyclists.

Combining with Oberalp and Susten

The Gotthard rarely rides alone. From the summit you can drop toward Andermatt and link the Oberalp Pass for a big day in the high mountains, or head north toward the Susten Pass, one of the most beautiful and best-surfaced climbs in the country. This is exactly how I structure our Gotthard cycling weekend from Airolo and the Meiringen weekend over the Grimsel and Susten.

Practical tips

• Ride the cobbled Tremola, not the paved road — it is quieter, safer and far more memorable.
• Pack a wind layer for the descent; the summit is exposed.
• The pass is typically open from June to October.
• Read our guide on how to travel to Switzerland with your bike before you go.

Ready to ride the Gotthard?

Climbing the Tremola is unforgettable, and even better as part of a planned weekend. Explore the cycling tours or get in touch to ride it with me.