Gotthard pass (Passo San Gottardo in Italian) is situated 66 kilometers south-east of the approximate center of Switzerland and 93 kilometers south-east of Bern, a direct link between Zurich and Lugano. Once thought to be home to the highest peaks in the Alps, the pass wasn’t attractive to the Romans who lived in its shadow, mostly because of the turbulent Reuss river and the steep Schöllenen Gorge, impassible conditions that were only solved in 13th century with the construction of a bridge in typical medieval style and name: Devil’s Bridge. Elevation at the pass is 2106 meters.
Transport Innovations: The first road over the pass was opened in 1830. In 1882 the trains made it through via the Wassen and the Gotthard Rail Tunnels. The Gotthard Rail Tunnel construction took 177 lives. The motorway tunnel was only open in 1980; it is the third longest road tunnel in the world. It is the boring way to make it over the pass.
