Dirty Autumn in Gotthard Pass

“The more comfort the less courage there is” – Alexander Suvorov.

Weather forecast for that November Saturday was not promising, but lazing at home was not an option either, so I  decided to join a group of likeminded crazy people on Suvorov’s hike (or one part of it) in Andermatt, South of Switzerland. Alexander Suvorov, who’s bravery is well known among the Swiss people, fought against the French army in the Alps in very difficult conditions. Annually near the Devils Bridge (Teufelsbrücke) in Gotthard Pass in the Alps celebrations are held to commemorate of Suvorov and all Russian soldiers who died there.

Our route: Göschenen – Schöllenen – Andermatt – Hospental – Brüggloch – Gotthardpass.

Difficulty: T2 – Mountain Hike, 16.8 km, 1159m elevation gain, 6-7 hours.

Further information about Suvorov’s trail: http://wanderland.myswitzerland.com/en/routen_detail.cfm?id=344572

Dirty shades of a fading autumn along the trail Hospental – Brüggloch

Gotthard Pass welcomes you with numerous waterfalls, picturesque rocks and emerald waters

Looking down the Schöllenen gorge, Gotthard Pass

Schöllenen gorge, Gotthard Pass

Bridge over Schöllenen gorge, Gotthard Pass

Charming mountain city Hospental

Entering Brüggloch, walking against very strong wind and getting ready to be covered in snow

Trail Brüggloch – Gotthard Pass

Trail Brüggloch – Gotthard Pass

We couldn’t figure out the purpose of the mysterious building, but unfortunately for us it definitely wasn’t the protective one!

Here we are at around 1900m altitude, considering whether to continue to the top of Gotthard Pass or use the strong wind to help us return to Andermatt. Weather conditions were worsening and large parts of road were covered with plain ice, so we decided to call it a good try and return

Gotthard Pass