The villages of Göschenen, Wassen and the Tunnels which Connect Europe

24 September 2024

The mountain village of Göschenen and Wassen on the Gotthard Route made history when it constructed the world’s longest railway tunnel. From the 13th century onwards, the mule track on the St. Gotthard developed into one of the most essential European Alpine roads through the railway and later the motorway.

This history began around 1220-1230. The cantons in Central Switzerland built a road over the Gotthard. The Gotthard Pass became a connection between Italy and northern Europe.

The village of Göschenen was a resting place for travellers and their horses. After 1872, the village of a few hundred inhabitants grew to a little town of more than 3,000. The first hotels were built during this period.

The railway tunnel was built between 1872 and 1882. Many foreign (mainly Italian) workers emigrated to Switzerland to work, and many stayed forever.

A regular coach service to Andermatt began after 1882. The famous Postauto later continued this service.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel (2016)