The Gotthard Pass at 2'106 metres connects the heartland of Switzerland with Ticino and is regarded as Switzerland's most historically significant alpine crossing. Since the Middle Ages the Gotthard has been Europe's most important north-south axis – merchants, soldiers and pilgrims crossed the pass. The hospice at the summit and the Museo Nazionale del San Gottardo document this millennia-long history.

The Tremoriotobel below the pass road, the Devil's Bridge and the Schöllenen Gorge – on the present motorway side – are historic monuments of the Gotthard route. In summer the pass is a popular destination for motorcyclists and cyclists as well as hikers on the Gotthard Pass Trail. The old mule track is still walkable today.

The Gotthard Pass is reachable by car from Andermatt (central Switzerland) or Airolo (Ticino). The pass road is typically open from late May to October. In winter the Gotthard Road Tunnel (A2 motorway) carries the traffic. By rail, travel through the Gotthard Base Tunnel.