Simplon Pass

The Simplon is a beautiful high pass that lies on the way from Switzerland to Italy. The pass is located in the middle of a mountainous area and belongs to the mighty Alps. The height of the pass reaches 2005 m.

The mountain settlements that are located near the pass, as well as the saddle of the Simplon itself, belong to Switzerland. A mountain lake called Rotelsee is located very close to the pass. Back in the early 20th century, a tunnel was dug under the pass itself, which is intended for railway transport.

The beauty of the Simplon Pass has been known for several centuries, but for a long time it had local significance. The beauty of the pass managed to gain worldwide fame during the Napoleonic Wars. Here, among the mountainous terrain, by decree of the emperor from 1801 to 1805, a road was built that was intended to connect the Rhone Valley with Italy. Artillery was transported along this road, as well as mail carriages, which were replaced by buses in the 20th century.

The road through the Simplon Pass was sometimes rebuilt, and in 1950 the canton authorities decided to completely improve it so that it could ensure year-round movement along it. In connection with this project, avalanche protection systems were erected here, as well as some tunnels were expanded. Such events were able to provide passage for large tourist buses.

Now, various tourist routes like to stop at the Simplon pass, because the beauty of the mountains, which are covered with white clouds, is simply fascinating. The main function of connecting cities through the mountain range is performed by a railway tunnel, which stretches under the pass for 20 km.