Simplon pass - worth doing?

[AndrewD]

We'll be driving back from Italy (Portofino area) next week, was looking at the map and noticed we could come via the Simplon Pass.

Any experiences?

[Targarama]

Did it a few years ago, very nice drive and lovely views. Not the most twisty/challenging of passes though, but still worth it.

[UltimaCH]

I take the Simplon pass everytime I go to Ticino (every 2-3 weeks) when I don't take the "car train" between Iselle and Brig (CHF19.- one way, 20 minutes ride with the car on the train and around 50kms saving in distance). Pass is nice (agree its not a twisty type road) if you don't choose a week day (40 tonners) or tourist week-end (caravans and mobile homes). Some important road works at the top of the pass in the first tunnel going down towards Brig. Red lights controlling the flow of traffic which can make it a rather long wait in between green periods. Watch out for radars as they can be active specially during this period!!

[marcusjames]

AndrewD said:

We'll be driving back from Italy (Portofino area) next week, was looking at the map and noticed we could come via the Simplon Pass.

Any experiences?

A simpleton on the Simplon. Take a photo by the sign

[AndrewD]

marcusjames said:

AndrewD said:

We'll be driving back from Italy (Portofino area) next week, was looking at the map and noticed we could come via the Simplon Pass.

Any experiences?

A simpleton on the Simplon. Take a photo by the sign

Now, now, you know this sort of behaviour only leads to tears. Yours.

[dazren]

Drove this after we met in Andermatt 2 years ago. From memory it would have been late saturday afternoon, traffic was light, no lorries and the road surface was good. More sweeping fast bends than ultra tight twisties/lacets. Good fun though even in the heavy rain. If you're in the area what have you got to lose?

[AndrewD]

We decided to come back via Gottard pass instead

[Whitean3]

I drove over the Simplon on the way back from the Portofino area a couple of years ago- the train through the tunnel was only every half hour or so. It wasn't the most inspiring of passes for me- nothing too steep or twisty. Plus I had my wife in the passenger seat screaming at me to slow down. Maybe I'd have enjoyed it a bit more otherwise.