Discovering the Swiss Grand Tour: A Journey Through Time and Nature

Words Alessandro Giudice

Photography Alessandro Barteletti

Video Andrea Ruggeri

Swiss Grand Tour is a project to discover itineraries driving classic Alfa Romeo cars, in partnership with Astara, the distributor and importer of the Brand in Switzerland.

The Route from Rapperswil to Klausenpass

The itinerary running from Rapperswil to the Klausenpass is full of surprises. Each bend reveals enchanting views and a variety of atmospheres unique to Switzerland. We chose to tackle this route in two very different Alfa Romeos: a 1961 Giulietta Sprint and a Junior BEV Speciale. The Giulietta Sprint is a splendid vintage coupé, rich in Italian history and elegance. In contrast, the Junior BEV Speciale represents the future of the brand. This interesting contrast makes the journey a tale of different eras and styles, along with driving pleasure.

At the wheel of the Giulietta is Elias Lederach, a young and enthusiastic owner born in 1988. He is the third generation of “maître chocolatiers” with a full-blown passion for Alfa Romeos.

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(Map by Sansai Zappini)

The journey begins in Rapperswil, nestled on the eastern bank of Lake Zurich. Known as the “Town of Roses,” it boasts 15,000 varieties that colour its gardens in the warm season. The historical centre is a medieval gem with beautiful views. Its pebbled streets, elegant houses, and the castle dominate the town, offering priceless views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

After enjoying a coffee by the lake and a stroll to the wooden bridge linking the town to the opposite bank, it was time to climb towards the mountains. We left the lakeside landscape behind for the increasingly authentic Alpine scenery. From Rapperswil, the road heads south along the banks of the lake before heading towards Uznach. This flat stretch is framed by well-tended meadows and villages huddled around churches with narrow bell towers.

After Uznach, a small village that was a major trading centre in the Middle Ages, the itinerary climbs gently towards Glarus, the capital of the canton. Here, the landscape changes dramatically. The peaks close in on the valley, and green meadows give way to rocky walls and waterfalls that swell rapidly after the rains.

Glarus is steeped in history, from the Protestant Reformation to the devastating fire in 1861 that destroyed much of the town. Rebuilt in functional blocks, it offers a simple charm with its impressive neoclassical reformed church and tidy façades. The local industries bear witness to the strength of the local people. This strength is expressed every year on the first Sunday of May during the Landsgemeinde, a unique public assembly held in the large Zaunplatz. Here, laws and budgets are decided, and governments and tribunals are voted on by a show of hands.

Leaving Glarus, we headed towards the Klausenpass in Betschwanden. From the road, you can admire the region's last waterfall, Diesebach. Here, the road begins to narrow, and the valley gives way to rocky walls and conifer woods. This is where the journey turns into pure emotion, ahead of the climb to one of Switzerland's most attractive Alpine passes.

At 1,948 metres above sea level, the Klausenpass is more than just an Alpine pass. It is a legendary route for car and mountain lovers, with bends designed for driving enthusiasts. Climbing towards Urnerboden, the landscape suddenly opens up into a green plateau, the largest in the Swiss Alps, dotted with wooden chalets and grazing cows. Stopping here, you can breathe in the true essence of the Alps: clean air, silence interrupted only by cow bells, and broad horizons inviting contemplation.

The last few miles up to the Klausenpass offer a crescendo of emotions. The road narrows, cut through the rock, alternating natural tunnels with spectacular bends overlooking dizzying overhangs. This is the kingdom of the bends, which made the history of hill climb races. The Klausenrennen, one of Europe's most famous uphill races, animated this road in the Twenties and Thirties. Legendary drivers raced behind the wheel of cars that can be found in museums today. Driving along these roads, even as simple excursionists, immerses you in this wonderful sporting tradition. It brings to mind an era when the car symbolised freedom and victory.

The beauty of this itinerary is amplified by the contrast between the two cars chosen for the journey. The 1961 Giulietta Sprint is a return to the past. Its interiors, which Elias wanted in chocolate-coloured leather, feature a slim steering wheel and manual gearbox. Every kilometre is a dialogue with the mechanics, offering a driving pleasure made of attention, sensitivity, and complete involvement.

On the other hand, the Alfa Romeo Junior BEV represents modernity. It is a silent, lively car that copes with the bends effortlessly, showing how even an electric car can provide a thrilling experience. Putting them side by side is like looking at two different eras in the same history: that of a brand distinguished by Italian design and passion, both yesterday and today.

Reaching the peak of the Klausenpass is a satisfying experience for all the senses. From this height, the eye sweeps across the Alps, with views that seem almost painted. In summer, the meadows shine with colourful Alpine flowers, while the cool air invites you to stop for a break. Perhaps in one of the restaurants serving typical mountain cuisine.

This moment becomes an indelible memory. The discreet hum of the Junior BEV and the roar of the Giulietta blend into the sounds of nature, creating a unique harmony. The itinerary from Rapperswil to the Klausenpass is more than just a trip; it is an experience of nature, culture, and passion. Starting from the romantic tranquillity of a lakeside town, crossing a valley marked by history, to reach a mountain pass that thrills with unforgettable landscapes.

Whether you choose to tackle it in a classic car, enjoying the charm of the past, or in a modern electric car exploring the future of mobility, this journey invites you to slow down, look around, and be won over by a country that, bend after bend, always manages to amaze.

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The Collector: Elias Lederach

My name is Elias Lederach, and I have loved classic cars since I was a child. Our grandfather drove us around Switzerland and Europe in his old Mercedes 190 SL. Wonderful memories. I drove a 1961 Giulietta Sprint up to the Klausenpass. A splendid car. I love this model in particular because of her balanced style. For me, she represents car manufacturing perfection. I bought her three or four years ago, and since then I have only changed the interiors: they’re not original, but I wanted to cover her with beautiful brown skin, that’s how I like her.

I love the Alfa Romeo brand and its cars. I have loved all the models they have made, and I hope that in this new electric era they can infuse all the personality the brand deserves. My passion for Alfa Romeos is based on their design. I adore the driving dynamics and the feeling of control at the wheel, both in classic and recent models. This is why my everyday car is a Giulia Quadrifoglio. I love its sporting line, and even though it is a sedan, it offers true sporting performance. I just love her.