Article Oberalp Pass
Mountain pass with lighthouse and source of the Rhine
The Oberalppass (2,044 m above sea level) is home to the highest lighthouse in the world, symbolically guarding the source of the Rhine. It is a historically significant Alpine pass that offers views of the picturesque landscape with the Oberalpsee and the surrounding peaks. Today, the pass is popular in summer for hiking and skiing. The highlight is the Rheinquelle lighthouse, which resembles the source of the Rhine.
The heart of the Swiss Alps
The pass connects the cantons of Uri and Graubünden via a winding high mountain road, built in 1862–1863. The road attracts cyclists and drivers to its panoramic serpentines in summer.
Oberalpsee
In the pass, at an altitude of 2027 m above sea level, lies the mountain lake Oberalpsee. The clear water is suitable for trout, but swimming and water sports are prohibited. The Oberalppassstrasse mountain road and the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn rack railway run along the lake.
The highest lighthouse in the world
At the highest point of the pass stands an original tourist attraction – the Rheinquelle lighthouse (Leuchtturm Rheinquelle). The ten-meter tower was built in 2010 as a promotional event for the region and is a replica of a historic Dutch lighthouse. An honorary administrator is appointed each year and the operation is carried out by the Rheinquelle Lighthouse Foundation. It stands at an altitude of 2,046 m above sea level, making it the highest lighthouse in the world.
Why is the lighthouse in the mountains?
This unexpected, bright red structure in the middle of the Swiss Alps forms an imaginary bridge between the wild mountain spring and the river's mouth into the North Sea. It is an exact scale replica of the historic lighthouse that stood for 70 years in the Dutch port of Hook of Holland near Rotterdam, right where the Rhine flows into the North Sea. The original, decommissioned lighthouse is now on display at the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam. The replica on the Oberalppass thus creates a symbolic geographical connection between the beginning and end of the river, 1,233 kilometers apart.
Source of four major rivers
The area is the source of four major rivers – the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone.
Less than two hours' walk from the top of the pass, at an altitude of 2,345 m above sea level, is the glacial lake Tomasee (Lai da Tuma), which is officially recognized as the main source of the Rhine River.
