Trans Swiss Trail
Overview
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Distance 10 km
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Duration 3 h 15 min
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Ascent 680 m
Intro
A stage for railway fans: part of the trail runs right alongside the railway tracks, past Göschenen and Andermatt, which played important roles in Gotthard traffic history. In between the Schöllenenschlucht (gorge), shrouded in myth.
Description
If you travel by train along the old Gotthard line, you can’t miss the famous Baroque Wassen church, which you can admire from three different perspectives. That is why it has become a symbol of the Gotthard railway. What is less well known is that, from the 19th century, granite was mined in Wassen and the surrounding area. The material was important for the construction of the railway in the 1870s. You can find out more about this formerly significant industry at the Steinbruch Antonini open-air museum located directly on the trail.
The focus of this hiking trail, which runs along the right side of the valley to Göschenen, is the historic Gotthard railway line. Information boards along the way provide fascinating facts. Part of the route follows the old railway line. It features numerous vantage points over the Gotthard line’s famous spiral tunnels and viaducts – perfect for any railway enthusiast. It runs through forest, lush meadows and tunnels, past quaint hamlets and rushing waterfalls. There are excellent views down into the valley, where the Reuss river flows. The Gotthard motorway usually flows less freely.
Göschenen is located around five kilometres along the route. This small mountain village in the canton of Uri sits at the northern entrance to the Gotthard Tunnel. From here, if not before, nature fans will also be in for a treat, as the trail winds through the impressive Schöllenen Gorge. This was carved into the granite rock by the Reuss river over thousands of years, creating steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. The Reuss is now very close, its roar unmistakeable, and the views of the surging waters take your breath away. Captivated by this natural wonder, you’ll barely notice the following 350-metre gain in elevation.
While trains and cars travel safely through tunnels, hikers on this stretch are at the mercy of the forces of nature – just as muleteers probably once were. Signs warn of the danger of falling rocks. So it’s better to use the official picnic area with fire pit, located just a short distance from the legendary Teufelsbrücke or “Devil’s Bridge”, for your lunch break.
The very first Teufelsbrücke bridge was built of wood in the 13th century – with the help of the devil himself, according to legend. This made the wild Schöllenen Gorge traversable and the Gotthard route the shortest link between north and south. The wooden bridge was replaced by a stone one in 1595. However, this was damaged in a battle between the French and Russians, which led to another bridge being built between 1820 and 1830. This is now used by people travelling on foot, while motorised traffic crosses the new Teufelsbrücke bridge above it, which was opened in 1958.
After crossing the bridge, the valley gradually opens up and you reach the high valley of Andermatt. The village is a key rail and road transport hub, as it lies between important Alpine passes such as Gotthard, Oberalp and Furka.
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 |
Wassen
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Andermatt
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| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
680 m
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| Descent |
160 m
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| Distance |
10 km
|
| Duration |
3 h 15 min
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| Duration back |
2 h 45 min
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
May - September
|
| Theme |
Over a pass, Along Water, Through a gorge
|
Quick Facts
Route number
