A Different Path: Skirting the Gotthard Tunnel for a Smoother Drive
Navigational Options for bypassing Gotthard Tunnel - Alternative paths to navigate the Gotthard tunnel have been outlined.
Let's face it, if you're cruising from Baden-Württemberg towards sunny Italy or exotic southeastern France during the bustling holiday season, one thing you definitely don't need is a long, tiresome wait in traffic. And that's where the Gotthard Tunnel, a hotspot for about six million vehicles annually, can drive you up the wall.
Stuck in a massive traffic jam before the tunnel? Buckle up, because it might not just be a matter of a few minutes, but hours. When the 16.9-kilometer-long tunnel gets overloaded, it's time for a block-by-block mobilization, dotting the 'i's and crossing the 't's while we sit tight. But fear not! There are other routes to Italy and southeastern France, or for the return journey to Germany. Here are some alternative routes for auto enthusiasts:
San Bernardino Tunnel
A favorite among travelers is the San Bernardino Tunnel via the A13. The stretch between Chur and Bellinzona is regarded as an excellent detour, and German drivers often take the 6.5-kilometer-long tube between Hinterrhein and San Bernardino on the A7 and A96 to reach Ticino or Milan when the wait before the Gotthard Tunnel stretches to an hour or more.
Avoiding the Treacherous Heights
For those traveling from Baden-Württemberg who are going via Basel or Zurich, the San Bernardino route is a tempting alternative when the wait before the Gotthard Tunnel becomes too much to bear. However, those who head towards Italy during the warm summer months might want to consider another option - the historic Gotthard Pass. Preferred by motorcyclists and cars without trailers, this route is a picturesque but challenging journey, with winding roads that aren't suitable for vehicles with caravans or trailers.
Other Mountainous Adventures
For those who prefer a straighter path, the Simplon Pass can provide an alternative route to northern Italy, while weather permitting. In the event that other detours are heavy with traffic, the Grimsel Pass, the Nufenen Pass, or the route via the Grand St. Bernard can also offer appealing options.
The Austrian Turn
If you're open to venturing off the beaten path, consider bypassing the Swiss Alps entirely by traveling north-east into Austria, then heading south towards Italy. The opening of the Austrian Koralmbahn railway line in late 2025 is a significant milestone, as it marks an improvement in transportation infrastructure along the Baltic-Adriatic corridor through Austria [1]. This enhanced road network may provide an attractive alternative for travelers seeking to bypass Swiss bottlenecks.
By using highways toward the Italian border at either Tarvisio or Brenner Pass, you'll avoid the congestion that's typical of the Gotthard Tunnel during the holiday season.
Before you hit the road, make sure to check for any ongoing road works or maintenance that may impact your route, and always drive safely and considerately.
Traveling to Southeastern France
For those heading towards southeastern France, routes through southern Germany passing through Basel and then any autonomous route through France - perhaps along the A35 or A7 - can be quite favorable, entirely avoiding Swiss tunnels. Alternatively, one could cross over into eastern France near Mulhouse before heading south towards cities like Lyon and Marseille via French highways.
- Gotthard Tunnel
- Traffic
- Baden-Württemberg
- ADAC
- Holiday Season
- Vehicle
- Switzerland
- San Bernardino
- Stuttgart
- Car
- Italy
- Southeastern France
- Germany[1] Link to source[2] Link to source
- In an attempt to avoid the congestion of the Gotthard Tunnel during the busy holiday season, individuals might consider switching to the San Bernardino Tunnel via the A13, which offers a more enjoyable detour for German drivers.
- For travelers heading towards southeastern France, exploring routes through southern Germany, such as the A35 or A7, can be beneficial, providing a tunnel-free journey and the opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the way.
