Schöllenen Gorge
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
The Schöllenen Gorge is probably the most legendary section of the historic Gotthard route. On the Devil's Bridge over the roaring Reuss, you can get an idea of how hard and dangerous the path across the Alps once was.
The Schöllenen Gorge at a glance
The Schöllenen Gorge is located between Göschenen and Andermatt. The narrow gorge with its vertical rock walls was considered almost impassable for centuries. According to legend, the devil himself is said to have helped build the bridge. A monument commemorates the Russian soldiers who fought here in 1799 against Napoleon's army.
What to experience
Circular route through the gorge (30 minutes)
Start at the Teufelsbrücke restaurant and cross the historic stone bridge from 1830. If you follow the road in the steep rock face, you will find a narrow, accessible tunnel that leads you through the mountain and below the railway bridge back into the open. From there you can get back to the starting point via the well-developed path.
- Good to know: The circular trail is accessible from May to October.
- Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be wet in places.
Visit Suvorov Monument (15 minutes)
Directly behind the Devil's Bridge restaurant is the Suvorov monument carved into the rock. The monument from 1898 commemorates the battles of 1799, when Russian troops under General Suvorov fought against Napoleonic units. A cross and an inscription commemorate the fallen soldiers.
- Good to know: The monument is a 2-minute walk from the car park and is freely accessible.
- Tip: From the opposite side of the valley, the monument is easy to photograph.
Contemplating the image of the devil
On the rock face above the car bridge is the striking image of the devil by the Uri painter Heinrich Danioth. The expressionist painting from 1950 is reminiscent of the devil's saga and was controversial in the conservative region of the 1950s. Today, the imposing mural is a landmark of the Schöllenen Gorge.
- Good to know: The Teufelsbild is located close to the car park.
- Tip: The evening sun bathes the red image in a particularly strong light.
General information
| Season |
May - October
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|---|---|
| Accessibility |
Not accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus GmbH
Gotthardstrasse 2
6490
Andermatt
Switzerland
Phone
+41 41 888 71 00
Fax +41 (0)41 888 71 01
info@andermatt.swiss
andermatt.swiss
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