Walserweg Gottardo

It was the Walser people who founded colonies in the Urseren Valley, including Andermatt (An der Matte). From here, some of them then hiked over the Oberalp Pass to Grisons. This stage follows this trail. The steep climb over the Kirchberg begins directly behind the train station. In the dense barrier woodland, the path winds up to the alpine pastures on the Gütsch via numerous bends. The view opens up time and again across Andermatt and the wide Urseren Valley. Once you reach the top of the shoulder, the bizarre peaks and glaciers of the Uri Alps become visible in the northwest.

You now cross the route of the gondola lift on the Nätschen, an important connection in the Andermatt-Sedrun ski area. From here to the middle station of the Schneehüenerstock Express, the hike follows a gravel road that also serves as a bike route. After the mountain station, the path runs below the Gross and Chli Schijen, two gneiss peaks with famous climbing routes. Oberalp Lake has been in sight for some time. The landscape becomes rockier, and surprisingly, the glittering, deep blue Lutersee lake appears below the trail. The landscape adjustments that were necessary for the ski slopes are also obvious. If you are already tired by the time you reach the middle station of the Schneehüenerstock cable car, you can end the tour here and take the gondola to the Oberalp Pass.

If you want to reach the destination for this stage on foot, you should take a narrow mountain path. Going up slightly across stony and flat terrain, you come to the Felli Gap, and from here you can descend to Gurtnellen in Uri. However, the Walserweg Gottardo trail leads more or less downwards along the Fellibach stream. This meanders in wide loops in the flatter sections, and cascades over the steep rocky ledges in small waterfalls. This stage ends at the Oberalp Pass via many steps and following the slope. Its landmark is visible from afar: a red lighthouse which is a replica of a beacon at the mouth of the Rhine. The Walser people used the pass to go from the Urseren Valley to Grisons. There is usually plenty going on at the pass crossing, with the train station and two guest houses.