Oberalp Pass

The highest point of the pass road is located at 2,044 m above sea level. The pass route measures a length of 32 kilometres from Disentis to Andermatt. The route of the old “Oberalpweg” near Bugnei, next to Sedrun, was called "Via Romana" (Roman path) until a few decades ago. In the middle ages, the pass provided Grisons with access to the pig and goat markets in the cantons of Uri and Ticino. With the construction of the present road in 1862/63, traffic across the Oberalp experienced a great revival. The stagecoach romance arose. The carriages did not disappear until 1952 when the automobile was introduced in Grisons. The road is only accessible during summer. In winter, travellers use car transport trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. The pass altitude is a popular starting point for skiers, ski touring skiers and snowshoers.

Coming from the Grisons side, the Oberalp lake is located to the left of the Oberalp pass in the valley. It is a natural reservoir with an area of about one square kilometre and is located at an altitude of 2,027 m above sea level.

The railway line was put into operation in 1923. During the first 16 years, trains ran only during the summer months and with steam before the line was fitted with electricity. The oldest express train in the world, the Glacier Express – also runs via the Oberalp pass, connecting Zermatt with St. Moritz and Davos.

Discover the culinary delicacies of the alpinavera region. Market stalls are waiting in this impressive mountain scenery. Here, farmers, food producers and artisans from Glarus, Uri, Grisons and Ticino present their regional and unique specialities. www.alpinavera.ch