Trans Swiss Trail
Overview
-
-
Distance 19 km
-
Duration 5 h 50 min
-
Ascent 1000 m
Intro
Mule track, main road, Gotthard Railway, motorway, NEAT building site... by the latest in Erstfelden, the Urnertal seems like a transit corridor. Silenen, Amsteg: of symbolic note on the old mule track. Good views of Wassen’s hilltop church and the helical tunnel.
Description
It’s clear right from the start in Erstfeld that this leg leading towards Wassen is one for railway enthusiasts: the railway village is the starting point of the legendary Gotthard mountain pass as well as the Gotthard Base Tunnel. The 57-kilometre-long tunnel to Ticino takes just 17 minutes by train. Nevertheless, those travelling along the Trans Swiss Trail by foot aren’t seeking the quickest route, but rather the experience – and this comes guaranteed on this leg.
The hiking route is flat to begin with, proceeding along the Reuss, and takes you past the Erstfeld depot. The Reuss Valley is wide here, and the transport corridor, carrying both rail and road traffic, is a constant presence. After around 2.5 kilometres, the route begins to climb, leading along narrower paths on the left-hand side of the valley. You hike past pretty hamlets, across lush meadows and along ornately laid dry stone walls. Again and again, your eye is drawn to the distinctive figure of the Bristen, which sits high over the valley like a pyramid of stone.
After a short while you reach Silenen – a village that to this day bears the traces of the bygone Bergherren (mountain gentry) age. The typical Gotthard-style log houses are a testament to this time, among them the “Steinhaus” (stone house) near the church. It’s one of the oldest homes in the valley that’s still inhabited. In Obersilenen, you’ll also find the 13th century Meierturm (village tower), which was once the residence and office of the barons of Silenen.
Further south, your view extends over Amsteg, which played a crucial role along the Gotthard route early on. Today, the village’s landscape is characterised by the hydropower plant. It’s the largest power plant in the canton of Uri and played an important role in the electrification of the Gotthard railway – an impressive example of the combination of the power of nature and technology in the Reuss Valley.
Beyond Amsteg, the route ascends considerably and leads through forests and past waterfalls and sunny hillsides in alternation. The settlements extend up the steep slopes like terraces, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Reuss and the railway with its viaducts and supporting walls. A little-known but fascinating fact is that granite quarries were first established in the Gurtnellen region in the 19th century. The material was crucial for the construction of the Gotthard railway. Along the way, you can find traces of this once major industry.
As you get higher up, the valley starts to widen. The famous baroque-style “Chileli” church of Wassen comes into focus. It’s a landmark of the Gotthard route for those travelling by rail – you see it no fewer than three times from the train. By foot, too, you can enjoy new perspectives at every turn.
The hike ends in Wassen with a final view of the Reuss and the spiral tunnel, which have made this course world famous. If you like, you can explore the region’s granite history in greater depth at the Antonini Quarry open-air museum – or simply take a moment to reflect on this varied leg, set against a backdrop of river, rock and the Gotthard Railway.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Erstfeld
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Wassen
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
1000 m
|
| Descent |
540 m
|
| Distance |
19 km
|
| Duration |
5 h 50 min
|
| Duration back |
5 h 25 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
April - September
|
| Theme |
Along Water
|
Quick Facts
Route number
