Gotthard Pass Cobblestone Road: 24 Hairpin Turns, Nearly 200 Years of Cobblestones, Switzerland's Longest Road Monument

The moment your tires press onto the first cobblestone, you’ll immediately understand that this road is unlike any paved climb you’ve ever ridden. Vibration travels from the fork up through your hands, the bike begins to bounce slightly, and the speedometer reading instantly drops by a third compared to normal—this isn’t road damage, this is deliberately preserved history. 24 hairpin turns, nearly two hundred years of cobblestone pavement, the Gotthard mule track (Via Tremola) refuses to be replaced by modern asphalt with an almost stubborn persistence.

The Gotthard Pass itself actually has two roads to reach the summit: one is a modern, smooth-surfaced new road; the other is the world-famous “Tremola” mule track—Switzerland’s longest road monument and one of the most revered pilgrimage routes among road cyclists worldwide. Most serious riders will unhesitatingly choose the latter.

Route Basic Information Table

Data Discipline Reminder: Since the Gotthard Pass offers both old and new route options, and the statistical scope of the mule track section versus the overall pass climb is often conflated, length and elevation figures will vary across different sources. Please refer to on-site distance markers and official announcements as authoritative; the figures in this article are for rough reference only.

Why This Route Is Different

The Gotthard mule track was built between 1827 and 1830, planned and overseen by local Ticino engineer Francesco Meschini, and was a major engineering project intended to improve north-south traffic across the Alps at the time. Before modern paved tunnels and highways existed, this cobblestone road was a vital artery for north-south travel through Switzerland, carrying the footsteps of countless merchants, armies, and pilgrims. Today, even though new roads and railway tunnels have long diverted the vast majority of traffic, this mule track remains fully preserved as an officially recognized road monument in Switzerland—an extremely rare distinction within European road-climbing culture.

The most spectacular section of the mule track lies in the final few kilometers near the Airolo end, where 24 tightly connected hairpin turns stack upward within a short distance of roughly 4 km. The surface is entirely composed of hand-laid cobblestones, approximately six to seven meters wide, supported on both sides by retaining stone walls up to eight meters high. This construction method was highly advanced mountain road engineering for its time, and even by today’s standards, this unbroken expanse of cobblestone remains awe-inspiring.

For road cycling enthusiasts, the appeal of the Gotthard mule track lies not only in its historical significance, but also in the completely different riding texture it offers—the vibration and friction of the cobblestone surface force you to readjust your pedaling rhythm, weight distribution, and even breathing frequency. This experience of “feeling history with your body” is something paved climbs can never replicate. Many international cycling media outlets and rider communities rank this among “Europe’s most iconic cobblestone climbs,” placing it alongside the classic cobblestone sectors of Flanders, Belgium, as a treasured “atypical” climbing landmark in the road cycling world.

The geographical position of the Gotthard region itself carries profound symbolic weight—it has been a crucial hub for north-south Alpine traffic since ancient times, where Italian and German-speaking cultures converge. The architectural styles, dietary habits, and even languages on either side of the pass differ noticeably. When you ride the mule track to the pass summit, you’ll find you’ve completed a miniature cultural crossing, not merely a physical challenge. Near the summit, a museum and historical memorial facilities remain, detailing the mountain road’s multifaceted roles in military, commercial, and pilgrimage routes over the centuries. For riders who enjoy delving into local history beyond the ride itself, this place offers far greater depth than typical scenic climbs.

Worth noting: the name Tremola itself carries connotations of “trembling” in Italian, believed to relate to the awe early travelers felt when facing the treacherous terrain and harsh weather here. This poetic naming, in a sense, foreshadows the genuine sensation modern riders experience on the cobblestones—hands trembling slightly from continuous vibration—history and reality echoing each other in a strange and wonderful way.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Early Section: Airolo to the Mule Track Entrance (Warm-up on Gentle Slopes)

Departing from Airolo, the first few kilometers pass over relatively gentle paved road, allowing your body and cardiovascular system to gradually ease into the effort. Along this stretch, you can already see the valley contours ahead, with the mule track’s winding traces faintly visible in the distance. That psychological anticipation of “knowing what lies ahead” gives the coming challenge a more vivid sense of imagery.

Middle Section: Entering the Cobblestones (The Shock of Surface Change)

The moment your wheels touch the cobblestone surface, the entire riding experience transforms dramatically. The cobblestones themselves aren’t particularly slippery (traction is actually quite reliable in dry conditions), but the continuous vibration places extra strain on your hands and core muscles. Over extended riding, fatigue in the handlebar area often sets in before pure leg soreness. This section averages around 7% gradient, but because the surface friction is slightly higher than asphalt, the actual power required to pedal is somewhat greater than on a paved climb of the same gradient.

Core Section: The 24 Hairpin Turns (The Essence of Tremola)

This is the most iconic and most-photographed section of the entire route—24 hairpin turns stacked layer upon layer within just 4 km. Viewed from above, the entire mountainside appears as if a winding ribbon has been chiseled into it by hand. The gradient here is around 8%, with maximum pitches exceeding 11%, combined with the vibration and friction of the cobblestone surface, making this the most physically demanding core section of the entire ride. Many riders deliberately slow down—partly due to the dual challenge of gradient and surface, and partly because they’re reluctant to finish this world-famous classic section too quickly.

Final Section: Approaching the Pass Summit

Past the core cobblestone section, the gradient gradually eases, the surface returns to asphalt, and the views begin to open up—near the summit there are lakes and scattered buildings, making it an excellent spot for rest and refueling. When you reach the pass, you’ll see the old and new roads converging, and you can look down over the entire cobblestone section you just rode, winding away below. That sense of accomplishment from “looking back at the road you’ve traveled” is the most precious reward this route offers.

Northern Side Comparison: The Andermatt Direction

If you choose to start from the northern side near Andermatt, the route overlaps or runs adjacent to portions of the Furka Pass, and is typically incorporated into Big Three Passes itineraries. The gradient distribution on the northern side is entirely different from the southern cobblestone mule track—most of it remains modern paved road, serving as a “normal control group” before and after experiencing the mule track’s texture.

The Old-New Road Junction: A Viewpoint Worth Stopping At

Near the pass summit, the modern paved highway and the ancient cobblestone mule track converge, creating a fascinating contrast—you can simultaneously see self-driving tourists whizzing past on the straight, fast new road, and road cyclists, breathless but beaming with achievement, having persevered along the historic old road. This scene, in a sense, symbolizes the pass’s dual identity: it is both a continuously functioning modern transport artery and a deliberately preserved living history. Many photography enthusiasts wait specifically at this junction to capture the moment when both old and new routes coexist in a single frame.

Power and Pacing Estimates

The following uses a physical model to estimate the time required for riders of different abilities to climb the Gotthard Pass (Airolo → summit, approx. 12.7 km, approx. 932 m elevation gain). Model formula:

P = (Fg + Fr + Fa) × v / drivetrain efficiency

Fg = m × g × sin(arctan(gradient))      gravitational component
Fr = m × g × cos(arctan(gradient)) × Crr  rolling resistance
Fa = 0.5 × ρ × CdA × v²              aerodynamic drag

Assumed parameters: total mass m = 79 kg (rider 70 kg + bike and gear 9 kg), g = 9.81 m/s², Crr = 0.005 (road tires on asphalt, as baseline), CdA = 0.32 m² (climbing position), drivetrain efficiency = 0.975, air density corrected downward by exponential adjustment for average elevation (approx. 1,640 m).

Important Note: The above model is a baseline calculated using the rolling resistance coefficient for asphalt (Crr = 0.005). The actual rolling resistance and energy loss on the cobblestone mule track section will be significantly higher than on asphalt, compounded by the additional muscular strain from vibration and the cautious mindset that requires slowing down. Actual time through the core cobblestone section will typically be longer than pure physical model estimates, and average heart rate tends to run higher because the body must exert extra effort to counteract vibration and maintain bike stability. These are physical model estimates that do not account for wind direction, surface material differences, body size, or tire pressure settings; actual ride times are for pacing reference only.

A Taiwanese Rider’s Perspective

The Gotthard Pass’s elevation gain (approx. 932 m) and distance (approx. 12.7 km) are both significantly shorter than the Wuling Challenge. Looking at numbers alone, the difficulty seems relatively approachable. But the real challenge of this route isn’t the gradient or distance—it’s the “cobblestone surface,” a variable Taiwanese riders almost never encounter. Climbing routes in Taiwan are almost exclusively paved with asphalt; even gravel forest roads or farm access roads rarely feature the texture and vibration amplitude of a historic cobblestone road like the Tremola.

If you’ve ever ridden Taiwan’s farm access roads or partially unpaved mountain paths, you’ll have some preliminary sense of rough-surface bouncing, but the Tremola’s cobblestone surface delivers vibration over a longer duration and more concentrated range. It’s advisable to prepare mentally in advance and not expect to maintain the same speed and pedaling rhythm as on asphalt.

Practical Considerations for Riding There:

• Tires and Tire Pressure: Cobblestone surfaces have different requirements for tire width and pressure compared to typical paved climbs. Moderately wider tires (relative to pure racing slicks) with slightly lower pressure generally provide better comfort and traction. Actual setup should be adjusted according to your individual bike specifications and preferences; do not recklessly use ultra-narrow racing tires without any prior testing.
• Season: Like the Furka and Nufenen, the Gotthard Pass is a seasonally open road. It is closed by heavy snow in winter, and actual opening and closing dates fluctuate annually—always check the latest official announcements before departure.
• Wet Surface Risk: Cobblestone traction is acceptable in dry conditions, but once it rains or the surface is damp, friction drops noticeably. Extra caution is required in wet weather; consider rerouting or postponing if necessary.
• Transport and Bike Rental: Airolo and Andermatt are common base towns in the area, both with nearby train stations that accommodate bicycles. For actual transfer and bike-carrying regulations, please refer to the latest announcements from Swiss Federal Railways and local operators.
• The Finale of the Big Three Passes Loop: Many riders schedule the Gotthard mule track as the final stage of the Furka-Nufenen-Gotthard loop, using this most historic surface to cap off the entire challenge. However, this also means you should reserve ample energy, avoiding control errors on the cobblestone section due to fatigue when focus and arm strength are most needed.

Extended Comparison with Taiwanese Experience

The “vibrating surface” experiences familiar to many Taiwanese riders usually come from expansion joints on riverside bike paths or sections of aging rural farm roads—these vibrations are typically brief and intermittent. The Tremola mule track’s vibration, by contrast, is continuous and prolonged—the core cobblestone section spans about 4 km, meaning you may need to endure uninterrupted surface vibration for ten to twenty-plus minutes. This cumulative fatigue is fundamentally different from the intermittent bumps Taiwanese riders are used to. It’s advisable to be mentally prepared and not expect to maintain a steady cruising speed as you would on asphalt.

Additionally, Taiwanese riders who have experienced gravel truck lanes or forest trail challenges should be familiar with the “control over speed” riding mindset—the same principle applies to the Gotthard mule track’s core section: rather than obsessing over maintaining a specific pace, focus on stable handling and safely negotiating each hairpin. On this route, time numbers matter far less than completing the ride safely.

Safety Reminders

1. Wet Cobblestone Risk: When it rains or the surface is damp, traction on cobblestones drops noticeably. Reduce speed and avoid hard braking or sharp turns.
2. Descent Vibration and Control: If you choose to descend the mule track from the summit, continuous vibration will rapidly fatigue your hands and forearms. Reduced grip strength can affect braking response; schedule brief stops to let hand muscles relax.
3. Tourist Traffic and Pedestrians: The Tremola mule track is also a popular self-drive scenic route, with occasional hikers stopping to take photos along the way. Passing space is relatively narrow, so pay extra attention to road conditions and oncoming vehicles.
4. High Altitude and Temperature Changes: The pass summit exceeds 2,100 meters in elevation, and temperature swings can still be dramatic. Be sure to carry warm and windproof clothing.
5. Tire Condition and Mechanical Checks: Cobblestone surfaces place greater stress on tires and frame joints. Before departure, thoroughly check tire pressure, quick releases, and bolt tightness to avoid accidents from vibration-induced loosening.
6. Medical Emergency Warning Signs: If you experience severe chest pain, confusion, persistent vomiting, limb weakness, or slurred speech during the ride, stop immediately and call the European emergency number 112 for assistance. All training and pacing advice in this article is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical and athletic evaluation. Individual differences are significant; progress gradually according to your own condition, and racing on open roads is not encouraged.
7. Hand and Wrist Fatigue: Prolonged exposure to cobblestone vibration may cause hand numbness or wrist soreness in some riders. If you feel significant discomfort, stop and rest, stretch your wrists, and avoid holding a fixed grip position for extended periods.

Additional Cobblestone Riding Technique

A common mistake among riders tackling cobblestones for the first time is instinctively trying to maintain the same pedaling rhythm and seated position as on asphalt. In reality, cobblestone surfaces suit a slightly relaxed upper body, letting your arms and shoulders absorb some of the vibration, while moderately shifting weight distribution off the saddle and moving your center of gravity slightly rearward—this helps maintain rear-wheel traction and overall handling stability. Breathing rhythm should also be adjusted to a more conservative pattern in advance, because the psychological pressure and physiological demands of the cobblestone section are higher than on an asphalt climb of equal gradient. Pushing too hard for speed can easily cause you to lose rhythm through the dense hairpin sections.

Additional FAQ

Do I have to ride the cobblestone mule track? Can’t I just take the new paved road? Both routes reach the Gotthard Pass summit. Choosing the new road does save you the vibration and physical toll of the cobblestones, and you can maintain higher speeds. But for the vast majority of road cyclists who come specifically to challenge this route, the mule track itself is the core reason for visiting the Gotthard—riding only the new paved road means missing the most iconic and irreplaceable part of this route. Unless time or physical condition truly doesn’t allow it, it’s recommended to schedule at least one complete ride through the mule track.

Do I need to switch to wider tires? That depends on your individual setup and comfort needs. Ultra-narrow pure racing tires will transmit more severe vibration on cobblestones and may increase puncture risk. If your everyday tire width already leans toward endurance-oriented settings (somewhat wider, with moderately lower pressure), that usually provides sufficient cushioning and traction. If your bike is set up for extreme lightweight and racing performance, consider temporarily lowering tire pressure before departure, but not by too much, as it may affect handling stability. Actual values should be carefully adjusted according to your individual bike specifications.

Where should it be scheduled in the Big Three Passes loop? Since the mule track’s core section demands high concentration and arm strength, most riders recommend scheduling the Gotthard at a stage when your energy and attention are still relatively abundant, rather than at the tail end of the loop when you’re already exhausted. If your itinerary allows, consider dedicating a separate day specifically to the Gotthard mule track rather than forcing it into a tight multi-pass schedule.

Conclusion and Action Checklist

The Gotthard mule track is called “Switzerland’s longest road monument” not only because of its well-preserved historic cobblestone surface, but because it lets every rider who pedals it genuinely feel, with their own body, the traffic engineering wisdom of nearly two hundred years ago. This time-traveling riding experience is something paved climbs can never replicate.

Before preparing to take on this route, it’s recommended to prepare according to the following checklist:

• [ ] Confirm the road’s opening dates for the current year, and note the winter closure schedule
• [ ] Check the weather forecast before departure, avoiding the cobblestone section in rain
• [ ] Assess whether your tire width and pressure settings are suitable for cobblestone surfaces
• [ ] Use the power table in this article to estimate a reasonable finish time, and build in extra time for slower speeds on the cobblestone section
• [ ] Thoroughly check tire pressure, quick releases, and bolt tightness before departure
• [ ] If planning the Big Three Passes loop, schedule the Gotthard at a stage when energy and focus are still sufficient

When your wheels roll over the final cobblestone and you reach the pass summit, looking back at the road behind you, the spectacular sight of those 24 stacked hairpin turns will make you understand why this road deserves to be called a monument—it commemorates the wisdom of engineering, and every rider willing to sweat a little extra for it.

Rather than a purely numerical challenge of chasing climb times or average power, the Gotthard mule track is more like a riding journey that requires slowing down and feeling deeply. When you ease off the pace and let your body find a new rhythm with the cobblestone vibration, you’ll discover that what this road truly wants to teach you isn’t “how fast you can ride,” but “how much time you’re willing to spend feeling a piece of living history.” That’s why, even in an era where paving technology has long matured, this nearly two-hundred-year-old cobblestone road is still worth traveling thousands of miles to come and pedal over, stone by stone.

Related Reading

• Nufenen Pass: Switzerland’s Highest Point Within Its Borders, a Relentless Endurance Test Steep from the First Kilometer to the Last
• Italy’s Passo dello Stelvio: An Alpine Legend of 48 Hairpin Turns
• 48 Hairpin Turns Climbing to the Sky: Why Italy’s Stelvio Is the Pilgrimage Climb for Cyclists Worldwide
• Furka Pass: The Wild Road Where Bond Drifted, Two Distinctly Different Climbing Faces