Andermatt is not only famous because of a scene in the James Bond movie Goldfinger (1963) - it is most famous as a ski resort. Since 2009 a big tourism project is underway - with construction of a golf course, hotels and a big sports- and leisure-center. For us motorcyclists, Andermatt is the perfect base to explore the mountain passes. Susten-, Grimsel-, Nufenen-, Furka-, Oberalp- and St. Gotthard-Pass are just around the corner!

Chamonix is France's mountaineering capital and is located at the foot of the famous 10,000 ft. Aiguille du Midi at a point where the glacial valley of the Arve widens out. The dome of Mont Blanc (The Great White Mountain) is visible from town.

After Davos, Briançon (4,334 ft.) is the second highest town in Europe. Don't miss to visit Briançon's Citadel. From the terrace you've got the best view over the area. Since ancient times, two great routes into Italy have met here, and so the town always played an important commercial and military role.

One of the most beautiful areas in Italy, and probably in Europe, are dominated by this lake. Lago Maggiore’s jagged banks are surrounded by the Lepontine Alps. The western bank is in Piedmont (the province of Novara and Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola) and the eastern in Lombardy (province of Varese), whereas the most northerly section extends 8 miles into the canton of Ticino, where it is the area's lowest point above sea-level as well as that of Switzerland.

The name Dolomites is derived from the name of the French geologist, Déodat de Dolomieu. He discovered that the limestone in this area is different in its chemical composition compared to that of the northern limestone area. Special sedimentary rocks form incredibly rough and beautiful formations like Marmolada, Sella and the Tre Cime de Lavaredo. They are the most photographed mountains of the Dolomites. Historically, it is an interesting place. Belonging to the Austrian Monarchy during World War I, the frontline led right through the mountains. Fighting from 1916 to 1919, the soldiers had to stay in the mountains through summer as well as winter. A really tough life! Austria was one of the losers of the war. At the peace treaty of St. Germain in 1919, they agreed to hand Southern Tyrol over to Italy. That leads us to the explanation of the bilingual road signs and village names. You can very easily pick out the former border between Italy and Austria by looking at your map or by reading the signs. Don't be confused if you see village signs in three languages. The third one is Ladinish, spoken by a few people in a small area. Be prepared for an unbelievable ride in an incredible area!

Planned in 1818, the pass road was built within 5 years (1820-1825) by about 2,000 workers. Because of the horse-drawn vehicles of the time, the gradient was limited to a maximum of 11%. At an altitude of 2,758m (9,048 ft), Passo del Stelvio is the highest pass in Italy and the second highest paved pass of the Alps. With its 48 switchbacks it is a tourist attraction famous all over Europe; a first class attraction for European bikers. You will love it, too!