Gotthard Pass Spring, Airolo, TI 6781

## Overview The Gotthard Pass Spring is a remote alpine water source nestled high in the Swiss mountains near the coordinates 46.753913, 8.909912. Despite the listing title referencing Airolo and the Gotthard Pass area in Ticino, the original submission places this spring closer to the village of Sumvitg in the canton of Graubünden — a region renowned for its pristine glacial landscapes, rugged peaks, and centuries-old tradition of mountain spring water. The area sits at the crossroads of several major Alpine watersheds, where snowmelt and underground aquifers feed countless natural springs. This particular spring is said to produce water with a very low total dissolved solids (TDS) reading — reportedly around 11 ppm according to informal testing by visitors — suggesting exceptionally soft, mineral-light water. While no formal laboratory analysis has been published, the high-altitude, undeveloped setting means the water has historically been considered clean by those who make the trek. That said, no water source can be guaranteed safe without current testing, so visitors should exercise their own judgment. The spring is free to access, open around the clock, and there is no limit on how much water you can collect. However, reaching it is a serious undertaking that rewards only well-prepared hikers. ## Directions The most commonly described route begins in the village of Sumvitg, Switzerland: 1. **Start in Sumvitg** and head west on Highway 19 (the main road through the valley). 2. **After a few kilometers**, look for a right turn leading uphill toward the mountains. Take this turn. 3. **Continue driving** along the mountain road for several more kilometers. You will pass the **Staumauer Barcuns** (Barcuns Dam / hydroelectric plant) — a useful landmark confirming you're on the right track. 4. **Keep going** until the road reaches a dead end. Park your vehicle here. 5. **From the parking area, hike northeast** for several kilometers through alpine terrain until you reach the spring. **Important:** The hiking portion is strenuous and can take several hours. The trail is not well-marked, and previous visitors strongly recommend having a guide, a GPS device loaded with the coordinates (46.753913, 8.909912), or prior experience in the area. Carrying water back down the mountain adds to the physical challenge, so plan accordingly. ## What to Expect This is a true backcountry alpine spring experience — not a roadside tap. Expect a demanding hike through spectacular Swiss mountain scenery, with sweeping views of peaks, valleys, and glacial formations. The spring itself flows naturally from the mountainside, offering refreshingly cold water in a pristine, high-altitude setting. Several other natural springs can be found along the route and in the surrounding area, so keen-eyed hikers may discover additional water sources during the trek. On popular days — particularly during the warmer months of summer — you may encounter other hikers and water enthusiasts making the same journey. Visitors should come prepared with sturdy hiking boots, sufficient food and water for the approach, sun protection, and appropriate layers for rapidly changing alpine weather. A GPS unit or smartphone with offline maps is highly recommended, as navigation can be tricky without clear trail markers. Carrying containers for water collection adds weight, so factor that into your pack planning. The reward for the effort is a genuinely remote, unspoiled mountain spring surrounded by some of the most beautiful alpine scenery Switzerland has to offer.