Schöllenen Gorge
Description
The Schöllenen Gorge played a central role in opening up the Gotthard route, which was the only connection from northern Europe to southern Europe that only had to cross one pass. This strategic location also made the Ursern Valley the starting point for journeys to the west (Furka Pass) and east (Oberalp Pass). Around 1200, the gorge was opened up by the construction of the Twärren Bridge and the ‘Stiebenden Steg’, probably built by the Walser people. The first stone bridge, the Teufelsbrücke, followed in 1585, but was destroyed by a storm after only 60 years. The repair costs were financed by increased customs duties and it became clear that the infrastructure had to be improved. In 1707, the Ticino fortress builder Pietro Morettini broke through the Kirchenberg rock to make the route safer and created the first tunnel in the Alps, the Urnerloch. This tunnel was 2.1 metres wide, 2.4 metres high and 60 metres long. Despite the high construction costs, Morettini was made debt-free thanks to the increased customs duties and growing trade and received a bonus. In the 19th century, the heavily used track was upgraded for coaches and sleighs, which made travelling over the Gotthard much easier. The era of the stagecoach ended in 1882 with the opening of the longest tunnel in the world at the time, which ran 15 kilometres from Göschenen to Airolo and reduced the journey time over the Gotthard from almost a week to nine hours. This development demanded constant adjustments from the people in the region.
If you want to explore the Schöllenen Gorge today, you can take the Schöllenen circular trail during the summer months, which takes around 30 minutes to complete. The trail leads along steep rock faces and the rushing Reuss and offers fascinating insights into the gorge. The Teufelsbrücke restaurant, located directly on the bridge of the same name, invites you to take a break and savour the Gotthard myth over food and drink.
Important: The circular route is not accessible in winter (November to approx. May).
