Holiday Road Trip: Bypassing Gridlock at the Gotthard Tunnel
Navigational Alternatives for the Gotthard Tunnel Journey - Navigational Options Away from Gotthard Tunnel Now Available
Looking for a stress-free journey southward from Baden-Württemberg during holiday season? So is every other driver, likely ending up facing the Gotthard Tunnel – the Swiss bottleneck that hosts around six million vehicles annually, creating a twist in everyone's travel plans.
If you find yourself wishing away the hours in traffic jam before the tunnel, consider these alternative routes aimed at helping you dodge the congestion:
San Bernardino
A popular pick among seasoned drivers is the A13 route via the San Bernardino Tunnel. This detour between Chur and Bellinzona is often chosen by German travelers using the A7 and A96 to reach Ticino or Milan. If your journey from Baden-Württemberg leads you through Basel or Zurich, the San Bernardino route is an attractive option when the wait time at the Gotthard Tunnel exceeds an hour.
Gotthard Pass
For those craving a bit of history and the freedom of the open road, the classic Gotthard Pass is an option, especially during summer. Motorcyclists and trailblazers, however, should be prepared for steep and winding roads, making it unsuitable for vehicles with caravans. Be mindful of possible delays during peak season, and note that the pass is typically closed from November to May due to winter conditions.
Mountain Passes Galore
When you're not a fan of tunnels, opt for scenic mountain pass routes instead. The Simplon Pass is recommended, particularly when other detours are clogged. The Glitschpass, Nufenenpass, or Great St. Bernard routes are also alternatives worth considering. Hot tip: The Glitschpass, reopened from winter closure, offers some breathtaking views.
Lötschberg or Simplon Routes
Travelers from the Swiss Mittelland region seeking an alternative to the Gotthard corridor can consider the Lötschberg or Simplon routes for their Italy or southeastern France journey.
Timing Tricks
Lastly, savvy travelers recommend departing early on Friday mornings (until around 11 a.m.) and delaying trips until Sunday nights to beat the congestion. For return journeys, consider starting early on Monday or during the overnight hours from Monday to Tuesday to dodge the peak traffic.
These alternative routes can help you avoid the frequent and frustrating traffic jams at the Gotthard Tunnel during holiday season. Bon voyage!
- Gotthard Tunnel
- Traffic
- Baden-Württemberg
- ADAC
- Holiday Season
- Vehicle
- Switzerland
- San Bernardino
- Stuttgart
- Mountain Passes
- Southeastern France
- Germany
Insights:- The Federal Roads Office suggests using the San Bernardino route when waiting times at the Gotthard Tunnel exceed one hour.- The Susten Pass, at 2,224 meters, offers another scenic and less congested alternative.- Travelers from the Swiss Mittelland region can consider the Lötschberg or Simplon routes as alternatives to the Gotthard corridor to reach Italy or southeastern France.
