Airolo

Airolo is a municipality in the district of Leventina in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. It lies in the Gotthard region at the southern end of the Gotthard Pass and sits in an alpine valley that is part of the Gotthard transport corridor. The municipality includes the village of Airolo and several smaller localities, with terrain characterized by mountains, forests and pastures.

The population is Italian-speaking, reflecting Ticino’s linguistic and cultural profile. The local economy has historic roots in agriculture and pastoralism, and has diversified to include tourism, local commerce, and services related to transportation and the broader valley economy.

Historically, Airolo has functioned as a waypoint for travelers and merchants crossing the Alps, and its location has long shaped its development. The area remains associated with alpine life and transport heritage, and serves as a base for outdoor recreation such as hiking in the summer and access to winter activities in the surrounding mountains.

Transport and accessibility are central to Airolo’s role in the region. The town is served by a railway station on the Gotthard line, linking northern and southern Switzerland, and it maintains road connections that facilitate access to the Gotthard Pass and to other Ticino communities. These connections contribute to tourism, local mobility, and the economy of the valley.