We will be leaving early in the morning from the Cinque Terre and travelling to Gimmelwald in our van. What is the best route for speed and efficiency? The best scenic route? Estimated time of travel? Thank you.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Linda, I suppose your question is more related to which Swiss mountain pass or tunnel to use. Barring traffic the fastest way takes some 6 1/2 hours from La Spezia to Gimmelwald. I assume you are aware of the freeway toll in Italy and the fact that you'll need a toll batch (Autobahn Vignette) for Switzerland.From La Spezia take either A16 to Parma (across the Tuscany) and then on to Milan or take A12 to Genova and then A7 to Milan. A7 is a freeway with more tunnels than not it seems. Avoid both the morning and the afternoon rushhour around Milan, it's deadly. From Milan take A9 towards Como/Chiasso. The Lugano area might be worth for a stop. Continue towards Airolo/Zug/Zürich. Take St. Gotthard's tunnel (or pass, whatever you prefer, it's one of the longest tunnels in the world). On the Northern side of St. Gotthard's you're in German speaking Switzerland.Continue driving northbound on the Swiss N2 freeway until exit 32 and follow signs towards Interlaken.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Once you have passed Interlaken follow signs to Lauterbrunnen and then onwards to Gimmelwald. Again, it's a 6 1/2 hrs drive excl. stops. I wouldn't recommend using the Kandersteg tunnel instead of St. Gotthard's as it costs extra due to the fact that your car is riding a train there.