Switzerland, Gotthard Pass or Tunnel ?
 

Dear all

Going this October 8th drive from Lauterbrunnen to Menaggio, what is best scenic route to do it? Is the Gotthad pass open? how is it?
In Lake Como area I think the best way is go by ferry from Menaggio to Bellagio instead of going by road around the lake

Thanks

MAURICIO

The ferry ride Menaggio-Bellagio takes about 10 minutes so I agree with you completely.

For the pass - you won;t know until you get there - but it seems likely it would be open early in Oct.

The tunnel is horrific - as they all are - just miles and miles of underground stale air and big trucks. But lets you avoid closed passes half the year and traffic on very steep, narrow roads the other half.

The St. Gotthard is very steep, particularly on the south side.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622927438333

It took us all day to drive from Bellagio to Luzern, avoiding roads requiring the vignette in all instances.

If you rent a car, you'll have the highway sticker automatically on the windshield of your car, no problem with that.

I would definitely take the pass if it's open. On the highway, you take exit '39 Wassen', or '40 Göschenen' go up the pass and then down to Airolo to take the highway again. For going down from the pass, you have the new road, very comfortable, or the old road, more curvy...

I would say that in comparison with the tunnel, it would take you some 30-40 minutes more, according to trafic, and you could easily spend, -weather permitting-, at least 30 minutes at the pass. Stunning views guaranteed...

The pass has already been closed at least once this season due to snow, and October is not here yet. I always prefer the passes to the tunnels, but sometimes the charm wears thin if the weather is not perfect. In other words, on a sunny day take the pass if you don't mind endless switchbacks for hours. Otherwise, spare yourself the grief and take the tunnel. Also do not forget that it can be beautiful weather on one side of the pass and totally miserable on the other side.

<i>Also do not forget that it can be beautiful weather on one side of the pass and totally miserable on the other side</i>

Chances are that the north side of the pass will have the worse weather.

GREAT!
thank you all
If weather is fine, I'll defenetely go thru the pass.
another question, how about the way from Interlaken - Andermatt, I would like top go using route 11 and Sustenpass, how is it in octocber?

http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/ takes into account seasonal road closures. You might want to use it shortly before you go, to see if your planned itinerary is feasible.

just found another option, use the route 416 and go thru Oberalp, lukmanierpass and biasca, maybe is too much, susteinpass and this route in one day, but sound very scenic !!