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