Trip Duration: 4 – 6 hours ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Easy 🚸 Trip Date: 28 June 2025
Switzerland’s alpine passes are world‑famous, but not all of them are as steeped in history and as family‑friendly as the St. Gotthard Pass. This summer, we packed up the car, buckled in the kids, and set off on a breathtaking journey through one of Switzerland’s most iconic routes — and it didn’t disappoint!
Why Visit the St. Gotthard Pass?
The St. Gotthard Pass has connected northern and southern Switzerland since Roman times. At over 2,000 meters (6,900 ft) above sea level, it’s an engineering marvel and an unforgettable drive.
For families, it’s also surprisingly manageable — with lots of places to stop, stretch little legs, and admire the views. Of course as always with caution near roads. The pass is usually open between June and October, depending on snow conditions, so summer is the ideal time for a visit.
Getting There & Parking
🚸 From Valley to Summit
We began our adventure early in the morning, driving up from the Ticino side of the Alps. The climb was gentle at first, passing through green meadows, and charming alpine villages. As we got higher, the road became more winding — and more exciting for the kids!
🚗 The Tremola Road
One of the highlights was the Tremola, the historic cobblestone road that zigzags up the mountain in tight hairpin bends. Although there’s a modern, smoother road available, we couldn’t resist the charm (and photo opportunities) of the Tremola.
On the way up we found ourselves at the middle of a self-timed bicycle race. Cyclists were paddling up relentlessly as we passed by. I, for one, was always struggling with elevation when doing sport. I think my heart is just simply not built for climbing.
Family‑Friendly Tips
Here’s what worked well for us — and what we recommend if you’re bringing little ones along:
✅ Start early — The road can get busier by midday, and parking at the top fills up quickly.
✅ Pack layers — Even in summer, it’s chilly and windy at the summit.
✅ Plan stops — There are picnic spots and cafes near the top where you can take a break. Also, prepare some coins for toilet stops. There aren’t many on the way.
✅ Go at your own pace — The Tremola is narrow and slow‑going, but that’s part of the charm. No need to rush! Stop and take in the view and go slow.
At the Top: Views and History
At the summit, we parked and took time to explore. There are several trails start near the car parks. We walked around the lakes and looked for some wind sheltered picnic spot. You can walk as far as the you wish and there are plenty of spots to settle down for a quick bite. Around the lake there were some picnic benches but they get busy pretty quick.
After a quick lunch we explored the central area. There were several statues along the path, great opportunity to take magnificent photos with the dramatic mountain peaks at the background.
This trip took us around the outdoor areas of San Gottard Pass. But we are already planning to return to explore the Gotthard National Museum, and the Sasso San Gottardo exhibition center with the kids. We plan a whole day trip to allow plenty of wiggle time for the little ones. I read a lot about these attractions and they are definitely unique places to learn about the rich history of this iconic pass.
Why We Loved It
This trip reminded us that you don’t have to hike for hours to experience the magic of the Swiss Alps with children. The St. Gotthard Pass is like a time capsule, with its cobblestones, old milestones, and breathtaking landscapes — and you can enjoy it all from the comfort of your car with plenty of stops to explore.
For families looking for an easy, memorable alpine adventure, this one’s a must!
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Uri–Ticino, Switzerland
📏 Pass elevation: 2,106 m (6,909 ft)
🗓️ Best time to visit: June–October
⏳ Trip duration: Half‑day to full‑day
If you’ve ever driven the St. Gotthard Pass, or if it’s on your travel bucket list, I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below. And if you’re planning a family trip, feel free to ask me any questions — I’m happy to share more tips!
🌸 Happy travels from our family to yours!
Expat Mom Journal 