Excursions

The excursion organized by the Swiss Geomorphological Society (SGmS) on September 7, 2024, brought together 24 participants from various linguistic regions of Switzerland, who explored the San Gottardo Pass on a four-hour walk in autumnal weather. Geomorphologist Cristian Scapozza presented the evolution of the glacial landscape over the past 20,000 years, discussing geomorphological processes and human presence from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic. Historian Hans Stadler presented the strategic importance of the Pass in north-south trade from the Bronze Age to the Roman era and modern times. In the latter, the Gottardo became a military stronghold and key point for energy supply, with hydroelectric and wind power infrastructures. The day concluded with a visit to the Sasso San Gottardo Museum, where the project "Exploring the landscape" was presented in the military tunnels at the heart of the mountain, featuring three videos on geomorphological processes in Switzerland. After the visit, participants enjoyed an aperitif with typical Uri products, ending a day rich in learning and exchange, in line with the SGmS’s mission to promote collaboration between researchers and public engagement.