A German-registered Porsche 992 GT3, resplendent in Guards Red with sleek black wheels and vibrant red brake calipers, gracefully navigates the scenic roads of the Sustenpass. This legendary mountain pass in the Swiss Alps has captivated travelers for centuries with its breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
Let's dive into the history of this wonderful mountain pass. The existence of a mule path over the Sustenpass is first documented at the beginning of the 17th century. However, it never served as a major trade route. Instead, it gained some military significance during the religious conflicts of that era. Evidence of this is the Meienschanze, built in 1618, which was eventually expanded into a nearly impenetrable defense. During the wars of 1798 and 1799, the Sustenpass was frequently used by the French to outflank Austrian and later Russian forces in the Reuss Valley.
The Swiss Confederates recognized the strategic importance of the Sustenpass. After Napoleon seized the Simplon Pass, the Bernese lost their trade route to Piedmont and Lombardy. Together with the people of Uri, they were prompted to quickly upgrade the old mule path at the Sustenpass into a drivable road. Work began in 1811, and by 1818, the road was passable up to Feden/Meien. However, it would take almost another 100 years to complete the final section to Wassen.
In 1938, the federal and cantonal authorities of Bern and Uri decided to construct a modern road over the pass. This decision was driven partly by the need to improve transportation infrastructure and partly by national defense considerations on the eve of World War II. The new pass road was completed and opened to traffic on September 7, 1946. A plaque at the summit commemorates this achievement with the inscription: "1938 - 1946, Dedicated to Peace in a Time of Uncertainty." Today, the Sustenpass is one of Switzerland's most popular mountain passes.
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