Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass

Difficulty points	965
Length	8.2 mi
Average gradient	7%
Steepest segment	9%
Total ascent	3028 ft

Reviews (37)

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RobinF24 ^premium

2 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: German. Show original

It was a great tour for me. Little traffic. Very beautiful scenery. Road: it's just cobblestones... But it's better than you think at first.

TomM73

3 Mo 4.0

Picked up this postcard in 1978 at top. Epic climb over 2 days with 88 pounds of bike and gear between my legs. Will always remember it with awe and great fondness.

JoepvdL

6 Mo 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

The most impressive climb ever done, twice on an organised Switzerland/Italy trip, and once from Andermatt base. The descent into Italy is also beautiful. Think back to it often, especially now, with end of career in sight....

PeterB53

8 Mo 5.0

Amazing climb! Nice views of the Leventina Valley on the first part, and then the cobbled hairpins hit you. The cobbles are quite good, but it is still an extra challenge. The gradients are relatively even, but 7％ is not easy on cobbles.
The climb was filled with cyclist, and I understand why. It was almost surreal to see the cobbled corners surrounded by the high mountains. A climb that you have to do!
The pass itself on the other is nothing special. I visited on a saturday in august, and it was filled to the brim with cars, motorcykles and people everywhere. Instead of stopping here, I recommend continuing to Lago della Sella (if you like a steep challenge) or Passo Scimfuss (breathtaking views of the valley and parts of the Tremola climb) or maybe both.

RobinF24 ^premium

8 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: German. Show original

Dreamlike. You have to do it! Not too steep, but cobblestones

Jelleblack ^premium

9 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

The cobblestones make this climb fierce but unique. Occasionally the verge is paved with concrete blocks, and whether you are a smarty pants or a weakling if you take advantage of them you may fight it out with your friends at the top over a cold coke

GuillemC

9 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

Must climb it if you're in the area! It's completely different from any other col and the paved road makes it unique

Robbe_F ^premium

10 Mo 5.0 01:23:02 (5.9 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Iconic climb, absolutely must do if you are in the area. The hairpin bends just keep on coming. Done as the middle climb in a tour of Nufenen, Gotthard and Furka. At the top it was cold though and on the descent it started to rain.

CyclingThread

10 Mo 5.0

Riding up the Gotthard Pass from Airolo was one of the absolute highlights of my ride along Switzerland's North–South Route. I tackled it fully loaded, with panniers, which definitely made me stand out - most other cyclists were climbing light and fast. The climb is steady but demanding, and the cobbled Tremola section is really spectacular - both visually and physically. Despite the summer heat, the scenery and the historic feel of the old road made every hairpin unforgettable. It felt like riding through cycling history :) Just be ready for tourist traffic near the top - it can get surprisingly busy even up there. But still, absolutely worth it. One of the most iconic climbs I’ve ever done.

AndreaF47 ^premium

10 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Beautiful climb. Done early in the morning, met very few people. The cobbles make it more tiring (I have 30 tyres), but the serpentine of hairpin bends at the top is breathtaking. For the descent, the scenic route is better

BonnyDresen

11 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Did this iconic climb yesterday, having done the Nufenen Pass first thing in the morning. Fine climb to do, but extra difficult to get into a good rhythm on the cobblestones due to the strong wind. This made it a bit harder than usual I suspect. But all in all worth it.

fakirsessel ^premium

1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: German. Show original

Does anyone know why the Tremola is closed from time to time (for no apparent reason)?

elbowboy

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: German. Show original

The Tremola from Airolo is an absolute cult. The last 6-7 km are cobblestones and there are many tight hairpin bends. Less suitable for a descent. Lots of cyclists on the road and hardly any cars. It never gets too steep and is an epic experience. The arrival on the Gotthard is also fascinating.

GilMtb-Road

1 y 5.0 08:00:00 (1 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Departure from riazzino and return on the same day so a total of 166km, a demanding but extraordinary climb, absolutely compulsory for enthusiasts! I highly recommend it because it is very satisfying as well as an invaluable mix of scenery, historical facts and fatigue.

BasR ^premium

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Unique climb! Done as the second climb in the round with Furka and Nufenen. The endless clinkers make the climb unique in its appearance but also in its severity. Length and percentages don't say it all. It just takes a lot more strength than on tarmac. Keep this in mind when going up.
At the top, it is very busy because several roads converge on the same pass. The first kilometres downhill are also over cobblestones. Hold your handlebars firmly and enjoy.

etsius

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Spanish. Show original

This climb has to be done.
The gradient is very steady at around 7％. The second half of the climb is completely cobbled, but very well done, which makes it a good climb.
The views from the stone bridge up the Stelvio-like curves are breathtaking.
A relatively hard but not impossible pass, with a construction that you have to see and, moreover, practically no traffic.
However, I came down the same way and I don't recommend it. Going downhill and fast with a road bike on cobblestones is incredibly annoying.

massirigo

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Yes, this climb is not to be missed for many reasons, the route, the cobblestones, the hairpin bends, the mountains and the wonderful flora and views it offers. I did this climb five years ago on a bad day that made me suffer a lot, but I still have fond memories of the passion and the beautiful group of the Grande Impresa di Legnano . Not to be missed.

eRVe ^premium

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

The Tremola climb from Airolo was something I definitely wanted to be able to tick off. The road up is in small cobblestones. Not everywhere at first. The turns were mostly in asphalt. Only the last kilometres are completely in small cobblestones. In the long run, you do feel you're cycling on cobblestones. Although they are not in bad shape, on the other hand I was glad I could cycle on a piece of paved concrete every now and then. A piece of concrete that allowed the melting water to drain away.

VDB ^premium

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Nothing like climbing a mountain when there is still snow on its flanks and it is still closed to cars's and motorbikes's. Especially when it's as iconic as the San Gottardo. Spicy as the last climb in the Oberalp-Lukmanier-Gotthard circuit, though.

survelo

2 y 4.0

The San Gottardo pass in Switzerland is the easiest way to get from Zurich to Milan. These days there are lots of different ways to cross it, by road and rail, overground and underground, but this is the oldest. The Tremola San Gottardo snakes up from Airolo to reach 2091m at the summit.

We camped a bit below the summit on the north side and cycled as far down the other side towards Airolo as time allowed. The cobbles were hard work but the engineering, dating back to 1832, was impressive. It's just such an iconic road, it has to be done if you are in the area, and since most of the road traffic is on the other routes, cyclists more or less have the road to themselves. When you get to the pass summit, carry on up to the dam for some spectacular views over the reservoir.

Here's a video I made of the ride https://youtu.be/eJePXdY2i-s?si=rD1DudOKvk1IYE3Z

RobbieH ^premium

2 y 4.0

Rode up here late at night at the very end of Swiss Bike Adventure 2023. I had 1300 km and 24k meters in my legs, so difficult to give an objective opinion. Hard going on the cobbles!

MarcoBardo89

2 y 5.0 01:40:00 (4.9 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Beautiful climb, starts with an 8-9％ on asphalt and after 4-5 hairpin bends the cobbled sections begin. After a small level, where there is an army barracks, the climb steepens for 2km, with parts over 11％ on cobblestones.
Having climbed this piece, the hairpin bends and the most beautiful part begin. They are all hairpin bends one above the other with an average of 6％ and beautiful views. Truly magnificent, not hard and enjoyable!

Fred_Flatisboring

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

Not to be missed! It's a legendary climb, so it's best to take your time and enjoy it to the full, as you won't be setting the fastest times on these cobbles 😅

Cyclopaat ^premium

3 y 5.0 01:03:00 (7.8 mph)

Definitely one of the great climbs in Switzerland and the Airolo climb is much better than the Andermatt end (unless you start in Göschenen). The second half with the hairpins - 24 in less than 4 kms - and the view upwards is breathtaking. At close to 8％ and bouncing on cobblestones, that part is not easy, but so rewarding you won't feel the pain. Once up and continuing through the tunnel towards Andermatt, you get the best view on all of the hairpins.

ewanewans

3 y 4.0 01:19:09 (6.2 mph)

Worth it for the cobbles, but the scenery is a little underwhelming compared to the rest of the Swiss alps. The climb is not hard and without the cobbles it's not really a challenge. Reasonable amount of traffic, and especially if you descend to Andermatt, prepare to be passed by many cars.

DikkeTInus ^premium

3 y 5.0 00:51:39 (9.5 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

This is a very special climb, the cobbles in the second part. It is a reasonable climb, but I often took the water gutter (concrete) on the side. Descending on the cobbles is of course terrible, but you can turn onto the motorway at the top. That is a really great descent!

Leflippe

3 y 5.0 01:10:00 (7 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Fantastic climb indeed by the hairpin cobblestones, not too long and easy to do - note that after about 15-20 mins climbing from Airolo you get a fork, where both San Gottardo is indicated, do NOT go left after the cars. But go straight ahead via Tremola. Cobblestone descents are less comfortable...:D

Ildib

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

What a fantastic climb at the end. The first part is downright boring, especially with those annoying shorter strips of cobblestones. But the moment you enter the gorge, it is a pleasure. It is not easy (you notice the big difference in gravity when you can ride in the asphalt gutter twice) but it is a lot of fun.

Kevin ^premium

4 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Last climb of our Gotthard Challenge. I didn't like the cobblestone climbing at all. The short hairpin turns make it a little less unpleasant, but that is of course each his own thing. Nevertheless it is a must for every climbing fan.

RobertS ^premium

4 y 5.0

What a gem! Virtually no traffic, the cobbles have been laid down perfectly and you have a clear sense of cycling on a piece of history. It's almost a shame to reach the top, because it's an immense tourist trap.

PelotonDesArdennes

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

A must for every climbing fan! Done in July2019 as part of Nufenen/Gotthard/Furka/Grimsel.
Can't recommend it enough - scenery, road surface, experience, all worth 5 stars!

Jozef-Kempen ^premium

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Despite the fact that the cobblestones are in good shape, it's still quite a challenge to ride over them uphill. It's a nice race to watch and the history is interesting.

Fausto

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Unique climb, absolutely recommended! Definitely not an easy climb, but the cobblestones make it very iconic and it's a wonderful experience. With lots of bends, and beautiful views on the roads below and above, it winds to the top. I enjoyed the ride a lot, and I stopped many times to enjoy the view.

There is a new highway as an alternative to this road, which makes this road very quiet. The new highway is partly covered, so a possible alternative if the Tremola is not free of snow yet.
At the top is plenty of crowds, because the highway ends there too.
I would not descend this road, and certainly not when it has rained. The other way to Hospental I have had to descend in the rain, and that was without danger.

patrickbaert ^premium

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

On 26/08/2019 I cycled Nufenen/Gotthard/Furka as the middle climb of the also by you recommended cycling tour.

From Airolo the only road allowed for cyclists is the Tremola (white arrow) named after the valley in which the road winds its way up. In the first phase you will encounter the first hairpin bends above/below the busy main road (no bikes allowed!). Several times you get short cobblestones under your wheels as an appetizer. The last 6 km. a festival of 24 beautifully designed hairpins starts in a narrow valley. Uphill you can enjoy the soft Paris-Roubaix style, without thinking of the percentages, while high above you in the galleries of the cliff the cars race.
Therefore, the whole road is blissfully traffic-free except for cycling colleagues and a few tourists by car or motorcycle who don't want to miss this either. Last hundreds of meters is straight cobblestone road to the imposing eagle statue on the busy pass height next to the old hospice and some mountain lakes. There is ample opportunity to eat and drink.

I have many mountain miles but this is a unique construction in road construction from the past.
No other superlative than FANTASTIC.

Pino ^premium

6 y

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

From the Gotthard you could go to the Passo Scimfuss. Are on my bucket list.

BianchiPeter

6 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

This one you really must have done! For me, this was the final climb of the Alpine Brevet, so I already had about 4000 altimeters in the legs when I started, but I still enjoyed it. In the beginning you cross the main road a few times and then you hear the cars and motorcycles driving on it, but then you come in a narrow valley and it becomes quiet. The cobblestones, the succession of hairpin bends are really unique. Even though they are small, flat cobblestones that lie well, it does not bolt as well as asphalt. As far as the gradient is concerned, there are no outliers, so all in all not a very difficult climb.

RobertS ^premium

6 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

What a pearl! Hardly any traffic, the cobblestones are very nice and you really have the feeling that you ride over a piece of history. It is almost a pity to reach the top, because it is packed with tourists.

Climbing times

5 mph	01:38:31
7 mph	01:09:45
9 mph	00:54:21
12 mph	00:40:50

Road surface condition

54% 34% 11%

Based on 35 votes

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Traffic

86% 14% 0%

Based on 36 votes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass can be cycled from 3 sides. Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass from Airolo is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass from Andermatt & Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass from Amstëg.

You don't need special gearing for Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass. The slope isn't long or steep enough to require much shifting down. You can conquer this climb on power alone. However, a compact gearing system with a smallest front chainring of 34 and largest rear sprocket of 28 or 30 is always nice if you enjoy cycling uphill. This helps maintain a smooth cadence.

Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass belongs to the Hors Catégorie, the top category. These are legendary and very tough climbs. A solid cycling condition, experience, and a good climbing gear ratio are essential to maintain a smooth cadence and complete the climb comfortably.

Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass is 8.2 mi long.

The average gradient of Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass is 7%.

Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 9%.

The summit of Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass is at 6913 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 01:38:31 to climb Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass. At 7 mph the time is 01:09:45, and at 9 mph 00:54:21. For the fastest cyclists, 00:40:50 is an achievable time.

Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass is located in the region Tessin in Switzerland.

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Photos (103)

Reviews (37)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (103)

Reviews (37)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass?

How difficult is the Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass?

How long is the climb up Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass?

What is the gradient of Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass?

What is the steepest part of Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass?

How high is Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass?

How long does it take to cycle up Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass?

Where is Passo San Gottardo / Tremolapass located?