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The Simplon Pass (French: Col du Simplon; German: Simplonpass; Italian:...
The Simplon Pass (French: Col du Simplon; German: Simplonpass; Italian: Passo del Sempione) (2,005 m or 6,578 ft) is a high mountain pass between the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland. It connects Brig in the canton of Valais with Domodossola in Piedmont (Italy). The pass itself and the villages on each side of it, such as Gondo, are in Switzerland. The Simplon Tunnel was built beneath the vicinity of the pass in the early 20th century to carry rail traffic between the two countries.
The lowest point of the col, and the lowest point on the watershed between the basins of the Rhone and the Po in Switzerland lies in marshland about 500 m (1,640 ft) west of the Simplon Pass settlement at an altitude of 1,994 m or 6,542 ft.[2]
Rotelsee is a lake located near the pass at an elevation of 2,028 m (6,654 ft).
One of the old gateways connecting South of Europe to the North. Very nice landscapes and a lot of history. Stop in Brig and Domodossola to learn about the Stockalper road... read more
Contributor
103 reviews
27 attraction reviews
18 helpful votes
One of the old gateways connecting South of Europe to the North. Very nice landscapes and a lot of history. Stop in Brig and Domodossola to learn about the Stockalper road. Simplon Dorf, Gondo and Wasenalp are also interesting spots.
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Thank Francesco M
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Contributor
73 reviews
48 attraction reviews
15 helpful votes
OK - so we were supposed to drive the Furka Pass from Zermatt to Meningen, Switzerland. However, the Furka Pass was not yet open by mere days - it opens on June 1, apparently.
Well - I take out my handy dandy atlas and re-navigate us - only lost about 15 minutes before finding out we had to make a...
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Thank KassB
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Contributor
431 reviews
54 attraction reviews
188 helpful votes
We planned our trip to coincide with the timetable for the train which runs every 90 minutes through the day. On and off loading of the train is very quick so there is no hanging around. The cost was CHF22 one way. Payment is made at the Brig end of the tunnel for either direction. In Italy just join the...
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Thank AngusAsh
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Contributor
109 reviews
30 attraction reviews
22 helpful votes
When we go from Italy to Switzerland we are obliged to use the Simplon pass.
The road is narrow , one lane , so if you get stuck behind a truck , it will take long.
The views at the pass are nice but I would not go for it if I did not need to use the pass.
There...
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1
Thank Ronygr
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Contributor
127 reviews
77 attraction reviews
105 helpful votes
The Simplon Pass has been an important North - South trading route since the early 13th century. The 17th century saw turbulent times as the 30 years war played out (1618-48) between the Hapsburgs of Austria and France (the Swiss were neutral), a war which would re-shape the geographic boundaries of European nations and give Switzerland her independence. The war...
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Thank Indygo005
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Contributor
70 reviews
14 attraction reviews
25 helpful votes
We hiked to the top of this pass which has a major road over it. There are a couple of restaurants and restrooms at the top. Not really much of a view as it is a broad, flat pass. There is a stone eagle statue that is impressive at about 30 feet high and used for a lot of marketing...
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Thank Michael B
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Contributor
49 reviews
29 attraction reviews
3 helpful votes
The scenery from the train is breathtaking. Take lots of film. The train cars are very user friendly. Swiss trains usually run on time-if they are two minutes late the Swiss are upset. So be sure to show up ten minutes before the train is to depart, as sometimes it is early.
Thank John W
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Contributor
382 reviews
327 attraction reviews
61 helpful votes
Travelling through this area is absolutely amazing with breathtaking views all over. This Pass has been used since the Stone Age, and up to the 17th century it was a favourite of all types of smugglers. The authorities considered it impassable, so smugglers used it freely to do their "trade"! Napoleon is credited with the first vehicular use of the...
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Thank Dimitris L
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Contributor
420 reviews
182 attraction reviews
179 helpful votes
We took this route travelling from Lake Maggiore in Italy to Zermatt in Switzerland. Fantastic views from the road, with some big drops at times. Wonderful engineering, the road, bridges and tunnels get you quickly through the mountains. There is a restaurant near the top of the pass if you need a stop.
Thank LeeStJohn
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Contributor
170 reviews
45 attraction reviews
59 helpful votes
Journeyed along the Simplon Pass to get to Italy and Lake Maggiore. This took about an hour and three quarters but what fantastic views! It also allowed us the opportunity to see what extraordinary lengths the construction crews to make the roads blend in as much as possible to the environment, and to protect what they have built by the...
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Thank Lesley D
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