Klausen Pass | Elevation Collection

The Story Behind

This artwork, part of the official collection at the Swiss National Library in Bern, captures the enchanting scenery of the Klausen Pass, a breathtaking alpine link between Altdorf in the canton of Uri and Linthal in the canton of Glarus. Located just an hour’s drive from Zurich, the pass ascends to an elevation of 1952 meters (6391 feet) above sea level and stretches over 46 kilometers (29 miles) with 136 curves, offering panoramic views that captivate and inspire. The artwork features a cyclist tackling the challenging ascent toward the distant mountains, embodying the spirit of adventure that the pass invokes.

Historically, the Klausen Pass was not a trade route but a cattle track dating back to Roman or Medieval times. Initially maintained jointly by the cantons of Uri and Glarus until 1625, management of the pass was later transferred to a private entity. In 1717, a chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra was built, later relocated in 1938 to make way for road expansion. This chapel, now known as the Bruder-Klaus-Kapelle, serves as a historical marker of the pass's past.

Significant developments occurred between 1870 and 1899, with road expansions that attracted the attention of the Swiss army in 1893. The Klausen Pass saw its first horse-drawn post coach in 1900, which marked the beginning of tourist visits to the region. Although a brief ban on motorized vehicles was enacted from 1916 to 1917, by 1922, an alpine bus service was established. This period also saw the launch of the Klausen Race, a 21.5-kilometer pre-war hill climb and Switzerland's first car race, which took place a year before the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans. This legendary race drew thousands of spectators and established a prestigious motorsport tradition. Since 1993, a vintage racing event is held every four to five years, celebrating the Klausen Pass's rich racing heritage with a gathering of classic cars and motorcycles.

Finishing and Gifting

Should you desire a framing in a different color, please specify your preference upon checkout. Additionally, you may include a card with a personalized message along with a priceless invoice. Each art piece can be elegantly packaged as a gift and delivered on a date of your choosing. For more details or to arrange these services, please contact Customer Service.