From the Dazio Grande customs house, take the centuries-old bridle path and follow the Gotthard railway on its journey through spectacular loop tunnels and over bridges. Venture down into the Biaschina gorge to see how the railway route was laid out 125 years ago according to an ingenious design. The southern section of the Gottardo hiking trail is 31 kilometres in total, which takes approximately 9 hours 45 minutes to complete. It is better to start in Airolo (1141 m above sea level) and hike down the valley toward Giornico (391 m above sea level). With regular PostBus connections, the Gottardo hiking trail – which is ideal for families – can be tackled in stages. If you wish to take your time to enjoy the landscape and sights, you should plan to take two days. It is recommended to wear trekking shoes or mountain boots.
Map
Route
Between Airolo and Giornico, the Gottardo hiking trail is signposted as the ViaRegio “Ferrovia del Gottardo”. Throughout the two sections between Dazio Grande and Fadio and Giornico-Parondino and Giornico, large boards provide details on the Leventina district’s history, culture and surroundings. These sections are well connected via public transport. Our travel recommendation:
| Trail | Distance | Time |
| Postauto Airolo - Dazio Grande | -- | 15 Min. |
| Wanderung Dazio Grande - Ponte di Mezzo - Faido | 5,3 km | 2.10 h |
| Postauto Faido - Giornico-Parondino | -- | 15 Min. |
| Wanderung Giornico-Parondino - Giornico, Dorf | 5,4 km | 1.45 h |
| Postauto Giornico - Biasca oder Airolo | -- | -- |
Altitude profile
Walking map
The southern section of the Gottardo hiking trail is marked on the Bassa Leventina topographical map (1:25,000).
Signposting
The Gottardo hiking trail is signposted as the ViaRegio “Ferrovia del Gottardo”.
