For a long time, the Simplon was mainly used by smugglers and mercenaries, because the narrow gorges of the Gondo seemed insurmountable, even for the master builders of the Roman period. It was not until the middle of the 17th century that brigade merchant Kaspar Stockalper began to use the Simplon Pass to transport salt from the Mediterranean Sea on pack animals. Under the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, the road to the pass "to pass the cannons" was extended.
Today, Simplon is considered the best built pass in Switzerland. Although the Simplon Road is a national road, the pass can be crossed by bike. Especially on the north side, you can drive for a long time on the old Napoleon road and therefore away from heavy traffic.
