Sasso San Gottardo
Information
Tour through the former Gotthard Fortress
This tour offers a guided journey through the various exhibitions and areas of the former Gotthard fortress Sasso San Gottardo.
Outdoor
Themed Trail "With Goethe on the Way to the Gotthard" – from Göschenen through the Schöllenen Gorge to Andermatt
Welcome to the themed trail "With Goethe at the Gotthard." This trail leads from Göschenen via Andermatt and Hospental up to the Gotthard Pass – where, deep within the mountain in the Sasso San Gottardo Museum, you'll find the only exhibition in the country dedicated to Goethe's Swiss journeys.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (born August 28, 1749, died March 22, 1832) is one of the most famous German poets in human history. His activities and interests were extremely diverse. He undertook three journeys to Switzerland – in 1775, 1779, and 1797 – which he documented extensively in writings and sketches. On each journey, he climbed up to the Gotthard Pass and then returned the same way (thus never actually crossing the pass) – and his route took him across the Devil's Bridge (Teufelsbrücke) in the Schöllenen Gorge a total of five times, each time in different company, under different weather conditions, and amid different circumstances in his life and the political landscape of the era.
Outdoor
Theme Trail "With Goethe at the Gotthard" - from Andermatt to the Gotthard Pass Summit
The theme trail "With Goethe at the Gotthard" invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of one of Germany's greatest literary figures. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe crossed the Gotthard Pass on several occasions during his travels to Italy, and this route retraces his journey from the village of Andermatt up to the iconic Gotthard Pass summit.
The trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history, taking hikers through dramatic Alpine landscapes while connecting them to the literary and historical significance of Goethe's travels. Along the way, informational stations provide insights into Goethe's experiences and observations during his crossings, drawing from his own writings and correspondence.
The Gotthard Pass, situated at an elevation of 2,106 meters above sea level in the Swiss Alps, has served as a crucial transit route through the Alps for centuries. During Goethe's time in the late 18th century, crossing the pass was a challenging and awe-inspiring undertaking, and the experience left a lasting impression on the great poet and thinker.
The route from Andermatt to the pass summit follows historic pathways, offering hikers the opportunity to experience the same breathtaking scenery that inspired Goethe's reflections on nature, geology, and the sublime power of the Alpine world.
Welcome to our themed trail "With Goethe at the Gotthard"!
The app guides you primarily along the historic route from Andermatt via Hospental up to the Gotthard Pass.
Along the way, text excerpts and audio files provide insights into how Goethe perceived the Ursern Valley and the Gotthard Pass during his three journeys across this central Alpine crossing. This allows you to experience the Andermatt holiday region and the Gotthard in a completely new way.
Upon reaching your destination at the Gotthard Pass, you can visit the Museum Sasso San Gottardo, home to Switzerland's first permanent exhibition dedicated to Goethe in Switzerland. It is located deep within the mountain, inside the legendary Gotthard Fortress. Information about the museum and its opening hours can be found here:
https://www.sasso-sangottardo.ch
The legendary Gotthard Fortress, once top secret, houses the Sasso San Gottardo Museum with two sections:
- "Exhibitions": The Myth of the Gotthard, the Crystal Cave, the Chamber of Wonders, the Energy Hall, the Gotthard Light Show, as well as the first and only permanent exhibition in Switzerland dedicated to Goethe and his three journeys to the Gotthard.
- In addition to the exhibitions, you can visit the "historic fortress," which can be reached via the Sasso Metro on the long route. Hidden deep within the mountain are the faithfully preserved troop quarters, cannon emplacements, and ammunition magazines. A side tunnel also leads to the outdoor platform with a breathtaking panoramic view!
Opening hours
Season opens: May 30, 2026
Season closes: October 11, 2026
Short Route
Entrance possible between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm (last entry)
Long Route
Entrance possible between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm (last entry)
For other experiences, please visit the website
Tickets
Short Route
Price per person: CHF 20.00 (free admission for children up to and including 15 years of age / with the Swiss Museum Pass)
Long Route
Price per person: CHF 25.00 (free admission for children up to and including 15 years of age / with the Swiss Museum Pass)
Itineraries
Tour through the former Gotthard Fortress
This tour offers a guided journey through the various exhibitions and areas of the former Gotthard fortress Sasso San Gottardo.
Outdoor
Themed Trail "With Goethe on the Way to the Gotthard" – from Göschenen through the Schöllenen Gorge to Andermatt
Welcome to the themed trail "With Goethe at the Gotthard." This trail leads from Göschenen via Andermatt and Hospental up to the Gotthard Pass – where, deep within the mountain in the Sasso San Gottardo Museum, you'll find the only exhibition in the country dedicated to Goethe's Swiss journeys.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (born August 28, 1749, died March 22, 1832) is one of the most famous German poets in human history. His activities and interests were extremely diverse. He undertook three journeys to Switzerland – in 1775, 1779, and 1797 – which he documented extensively in writings and sketches. On each journey, he climbed up to the Gotthard Pass and then returned the same way (thus never actually crossing the pass) – and his route took him across the Devil's Bridge (Teufelsbrücke) in the Schöllenen Gorge a total of five times, each time in different company, under different weather conditions, and amid different circumstances in his life and the political landscape of the era.
Outdoor
Theme Trail "With Goethe at the Gotthard" - from Andermatt to the Gotthard Pass Summit
The theme trail "With Goethe at the Gotthard" invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of one of Germany's greatest literary figures. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe crossed the Gotthard Pass on several occasions during his travels to Italy, and this route retraces his journey from the village of Andermatt up to the iconic Gotthard Pass summit.
The trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history, taking hikers through dramatic Alpine landscapes while connecting them to the literary and historical significance of Goethe's travels. Along the way, informational stations provide insights into Goethe's experiences and observations during his crossings, drawing from his own writings and correspondence.
The Gotthard Pass, situated at an elevation of 2,106 meters above sea level in the Swiss Alps, has served as a crucial transit route through the Alps for centuries. During Goethe's time in the late 18th century, crossing the pass was a challenging and awe-inspiring undertaking, and the experience left a lasting impression on the great poet and thinker.
The route from Andermatt to the pass summit follows historic pathways, offering hikers the opportunity to experience the same breathtaking scenery that inspired Goethe's reflections on nature, geology, and the sublime power of the Alpine world.
Welcome to our themed trail "With Goethe at the Gotthard"!
The app guides you primarily along the historic route from Andermatt via Hospental up to the Gotthard Pass.
Along the way, text excerpts and audio files provide insights into how Goethe perceived the Ursern Valley and the Gotthard Pass during his three journeys across this central Alpine crossing. This allows you to experience the Andermatt holiday region and the Gotthard in a completely new way.
Upon reaching your destination at the Gotthard Pass, you can visit the Museum Sasso San Gottardo, home to Switzerland's first permanent exhibition dedicated to Goethe in Switzerland. It is located deep within the mountain, inside the legendary Gotthard Fortress. Information about the museum and its opening hours can be found here:
https://www.sasso-sangottardo.ch
