Inspired by a trip over the Great St. Bernard Pass, Richard de Tscharner, founder of the Carène Foundation, decided to undertake a monumental years-long photographic project to explore the historical significance and the beauty of the Alpine Passes of his native land, Switzerland. He soon understood that the subject was a fascinating and somewhat neglected area of study, and therefore that this book of photography should necessarily be complemented by historical images as well as writings on the early history and economic, military, and cultural significance of the passes, as well as their importance for transportation. The result is a fascinating journey through time that takes the reader to those points of Alpine passage where the present is indelibly inscribed in its past.

Photographs by Richard de Tscharner offer a subtle, original, and poetic vision of locations we may have thought familiar, sharing the photographer’s intimate and keenly profound relationship with his homeland. Frédéric Möri’s engaging narrative presents a history of Swiss Alpine Passes in a rare perspective of factual, subjective, and philosophical breadth. Brigadier Daniel Lätsch recalls the extent to which the major points of Alpine passage have represented significant strategic challenges for Switzerland. As CEO of Implenia when the firm was the main contractor for the construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, Anton Affentranger evokes the contemporary stakes at heart of the Alpine region, which have shifted to the colossal depths underground. The historical texts are accompanied by archival images from the collections of many Swiss public institutions and private collections. Foreword by former Swiss Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard.

Considering the role of the Carène Foundation as caretaker and conservator of the photographic work of its founder, and its mission in support of education and the preservation of tradition, it was a natural decision for the board to throw its full weight behind this project and for the Foundation to take on the role of editor of this captivating work, published in three language versions – German, French, and English – and designed and printed in Switzerland.

In November 2024, the book was awarded the Deutscher Fotobuchpreis gold medal at a ceremony in Regensburg.