From Gersau, the route tracks the water before turning south into the rugged Reuss Valley. The tarmac rises steadily, passing through alpine villages like Wassen and punching through the sheer cliffs of the Schöllenen Gorge into the Andermatt basin.
Past Hospental, the ultimate alpine challenge begins: the legendary Gotthard Pass. A relentless climb tops out at a spectacular 2,104 metres. The reward is unforgettable: descending the south side via the iconic Tremola, a historic masterpiece of cobblestone switchbacks zigzagging down the raw mountain wall. The high-altitude stage finishes directly in the valley town of Airolo.