Â鶹APP

Oberalp Pass. Photo by GF-wmch.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Oberalp Pass

The Oberalp Pass is a vital link between Andermatt and Sedrun, as well as the cantons of Uri and Graubünden. That is why the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway runs all year, and the pass road is open to road traffic in the summer. The pass summit serves as a central starting point for a variety of tours.

The Rhine springs from a nearby source, which can be reached after a two-hour hike from Oberalp Pass. Senda Sursilvana is a multi-day trekking route that crosses the Oberalp pass and follows the young Rhine.

The pass is 32 kilometers (19.88 miles) long. This pass receives less traffic than the other passes in the region. The road is beautiful, with sweeping bends and tight hairpin turns. The scenery surrounding the pass is also spectacular, adding to the drive’s one-of-a-kind experience. The speed limit is 80 km/h.

1. There is a lighthouse on the Oberalp Pass

Lighthouse on the Oberalp Pass. Photo by Kecko.

There is a lighthouse on the Oberalp Pass at 2,046 meters above sea level, and it is not a mirage. And it isn’t for mountaineers. It is the twin of Rotterdam’s Hoek van Holland lighthouse, which has long supported North Sea shipping where the Rhine meets the North Sea. The now-decommissioned lighthouse can be found in Rotterdam’s Port Museum near the Rhine. The tower marks the beginning of the Rhine, which flows from here to the Netherlands.

The snow-capped Alps reach for the sky. The peaceful Lake Oberalp (Oberalpsee) is fed by 12 mountain streams dotted with wildflowers. A cable car ascends the mountainside, promising views that will only get better with an additional 2,000 feet of elevation.

2. The Oberalp Pass connects two towns

Oberalp Pass. Photo by Whgler.

The Oberalp Pass in Switzerland connects the towns of Andermatt (an hour’s drive south of Lucerne) and Disentis and is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. The drive through this mountain pass is equally impressive. Route 19 isn’t particularly long: if you didn’t stop, you could complete the journey in under an hour. But, with such breathtaking scenery, why would you?

3. Route 19 leads from Andermatt through the Oberalp Pass

Steep inclines force the road into a series of tight hairpin curves, slowing drivers as they head toward Disentis, which is only 20 miles away. The road has a number of scenic overlooks, making it easy to stop for photos and glimpses of the winding road below.

4. The Oberalp Pass is the best spot to take photos all year round

The Oberalp Pass, at 6,700 feet, is not Switzerland’s highest point. However, the area is one of the most beautiful in the country. Winter sports enthusiasts flock to the Oberalp region during the winter, when Route 19 is buried beneath meters of snow and access is only by train.

Hikers, cyclists, climbers, and photographers flock to the Oberalp when the snow melts in April or May. When the snow on the Oberalps finally melts in April or May, hikers, cyclists, climbers, and photographers take their place, eager to enjoy summer in the Alps.

5. The public road that crosses the pass is closed during winter

Road closed sign. Photo by Pete Alexopoulos.

From the end of October to the end of April, this road is usually impassable. Each year, the open and close dates are determined by snowmelt and snowfall. The road to the summit is extremely steep, with some ramps reaching 10% of the maximum gradient.

The Furka- Oberalp railway line, now part of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, operates all year and provides a limited shuttle service for cars (reservation required). When the road closes is determined by snowfall and ranges from the end of October to the beginning of December. The road reopens in the spring, usually by the end of April, but occasionally not until mid-May.

6. During the winter, a ski area extends to the other side of the pass

In the winter, a ski area extends to the Graubünden side of the pass, connecting the pass deep into Tujetsch territory to Dieni, near Rueras.

7. Visitors can also explore the Oberalp Pass by train

Train near Oberalp Pass. Photo by GabrielleMerk.

Near the Oberalppass road is a railway station. It is located at the foot of the Oberalp ski area. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn owns and operates the station. It has three platforms, one of which is an Andermatt bay platform, and is frequently closed during the winter.

Oberalppass is an important passing place because the railway on both sides of the station is a single line. The station is the highest point on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn network.

8. Oberalp pass has a quite hiking trail

Switzerland’s magic can be found away from the crowds, along the banks of snow-fed streams and sparkling mountain lakes. A 90-minute hike to Lake Toma is one of the most popular hikes from the Oberalp Pass (Tomasee). The well-marked trail winds through meadows bursting with wildflowers such as pink alpine roses, daisies, and fluffy white cotton grass. Even in the height of summer, rocky crags reach skyward, and sheltered mountainside protects patches of snow.

9. The Oberalp Pass runs through the Oberalp ski area

The Oberalp Pass runs through the Oberalp ski area, part of the Gotthard Oberalp Arena. There are currently plans to connect the ski area to Nätschen, a neighboring mountain that is also part of the Gotthard Oberalp Arena.

10. Finish the Oberalp Pass in Disentis

Disentis seen from Mompé-Medel at a cold day. Photo by Albinfo.

Many of the natural attractions found throughout the Oberalp Pass are available in Disentis, including wildflower hikes, alpine vistas, mountain lakes, and glacier-fed streams. However, the town has a distinct history as part of the Romansh culture, which traces its roots and language back to the Roman Empire. To Romansh speakers, Disentis is known as Muster.

Another piece of Disentis’ history is preserved by the Benedictine monastery. The monastery, which was founded in the year 720, continues to bridge the region’s historic and contemporary life by providing a public cafe, simple but stylish overnight lodging, and a Benedictine museum.