Göschenen: Gotthard History and Alpine Scenery

Göschenen can be explored through a range of very different themes: a trail with 14 stations focuses on the Gotthard tunnel village, while a water trail follows the Göschenerreuss. Historic buildings in the village and alpine hikes in the Göscheneralptal add to the range of options. If you are looking for a hotel in Göschenen, you can decide whether to focus your trip on cultural history, water and nature, or the alpine surroundings.

Water Trail and Gotthard Tunnel Village

The water trail is a themed route with 15 stations about water, landscape, species and geology. It runs along the Göschenerreuss from Göschenen through Lauenen, Bonen and Gwüest to the dam. At five rest areas, children can learn about nature through play.

The Gotthard Tunnel Village Göschenen trail leads to 14 stations. Free booklets and brochures accompany the self-guided walk; you can get them at Göschenen railway station and at the village square. Information is available in German, Italian and English. The themes offer two different perspectives: the water trail follows the water and landscape, while the Gotthard Tunnel Village trail focuses on the village’s cultural history.

Buildings and Gotthard History

The Göschenen Customs Bridge is in the old village centre and crosses the Göschener Reuss beneath an archway dating from 1556. Until the 17th century, Uri’s customs post was located here. The paving also reflects the old route tradition: the roadway is still paved with Reuss river stones, as was typical of the Gotthard mule track.

The Church of the Assumption of Mary is the parish church today. St. Gallen architect August Hardegger provided the plans for the three-aisled Romanesque-style church. It was consecrated on 16 September 1900 by Johannes Fidelis Battaglia, Bishop of Chur.

The viewing tunnel is part of the Gotthard Tunnel Village trail and is located right next to the railway station. A short audio show vividly recreates a blast inside the tunnel. The viewing tunnel can be visited free of charge; check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

The Göschenen power station houses a permanent exhibition by Louis Lussmann featuring figures from the world of Uri legends, supplemented by a changing exhibition of works.

Landmarks and Alpine Surroundings

The Devil’s Stone, weighing over 200 tonnes, still stands near Göschenen. It was moved 127 metres in 1973 to make way for the motorway. The Göscheneralp fir tree is 41.5 metres tall and has a volume of about 29 m³. Each figure highlights something different: the Devil’s Stone is notable for being moved for the motorway, while the tree is notable for its height and approximate volume.

The Göscheneralptal has trails for alpine hikes. The municipality of Göschenen is home to five mountain huts and one bivouac belonging to the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC). The village of Göschenen lies in the upper Reuss Valley; the municipality also includes the hamlets of Abfrutt, Wiggen and Gwüest in the Göschenertal. The very steep Riental is also part of the municipality; to the east, it is bordered by the mountain range formed by Schijenstock, Bächenstock and Rienzenstock.

Discover more destinations: Unterschächen, Silenen, Attinghausen, Flüelen, Isenthal, Erstfeld, Hospental, Altdorf

Back to the regional travel overview: Uri.