Bella Tola - susten, Switzerland to Verbania - lake Maggiore

[Jill_374422347]

Hi,

Can anyone help?

We are staying at Bella Tola and thinking of moving on to Lake Maggiore as we have seen a great campsite for the kids. The michelin auto route says about 2 hrs 15 which is good but after looking on google maps it appears some of the route is through the mountains. We are concerned we are taking on to much with the van!!!

Can we manage it? Or is it a nighmare? Alernative routes?

Any help would be greatly apprciated.

 

[BarryB_5039906]

Hi there Jill

I assume that Bella Tola is a camp site in the town of Susten in the Rhone valley of Switzerland.....If this is the case then your route will take you over the Simplon Pass. We have done this several time, with the 'van in tow, but only northwards, from Italy into Switzerland. It is a continual climb from both sides but I think it is shorter from Brig in Switzerland. There are some magnificent views and places to stop to take photographs, but I would do this only when it is easy to set off again. Ths pass climbs to over 6500 feet and you will begin to lose power but done in the quiet of an early start you should be OK provided you are not overloaded. It is about 5 years since we were last over and then there were lots of road works on the Italian side as they were trying to improve the road in terms of width and surface. I would be very happy to do this pass again and in both directions. I would also think that you will do the journey in the time suggested. Hope this is of use to you. Try a google search for pictures, especially of the new Ganter Bridge.

Happy travels BarryB