Gurtnellen: Mountain Trails, the Gotthard Railway and Village History

Gurtnellen lies in the upper Reuss Valley and comprises the village areas of Gurtnellen-Dorf, Gurtnellen-Wiler, Intschi, Butzen, Männigen, Platti and Buchen. The Gurtnellen–Intschi–Arnisee holiday region is surrounded by imposing mountain peaks in the Urner Oberland. The landscape, trails, Gotthard Railway and village churches reveal different sides of the area.

Mountain scenery and trails

Arni and Lake Arnisee are located at an altitude of 1,368 m above sea level, high above the Reuss Valley. The Fellital protected area lies in an eastern side valley of the Uri Reuss Valley and extends into the Oberalp Pass area. It also includes the right-hand side of the Reuss Valley from Gurtnellen to Wassen.

In summer, the Gurtnellen–Intschi–Arnisee holiday region invites visitors to go hiking and mountain biking. In winter, activities include snowshoeing, winter hiking and ski touring. The two seasons therefore offer different ways to enjoy a stay in the mountain region.

The secured Stäubenweg is a circular route that takes about an hour. It leads to the Dreistäuber Falls, where visitors can experience the cascading water, and continues to Stäuben Chapel. Trail conditions can vary by season; check them before setting out.

From Lake Arnisee, a themed trail leads to the geometric centre of the canton of Uri in the Leutschach Valley in about 30 minutes on foot. It ends at 1,482 m above sea level; walking time may vary depending on conditions. The Gurtnellen adventure trail is a 5.21 km themed route starting and ending in Gurtnellen-Wiler. Trail conditions may change.

Another themed trail, the 2.8 km Tierrätselweg Heissigegg–Holzrieri, runs from Arni towards Gurtnellen-Dorf, between the viewpoint near Heissigegg and the Holzrieri rest area. A hiking route leads from Gurtnellen-Wiler via Stäuben Chapel and Gurtnellen-Dorf to Lake Arnisee. Along the hut trail by the lake, the path is lined with small bog ponds; a little mountain lake sits in a hollow, where swimming is possible. Snow and weather can affect conditions there.

The Gotthard Railway and church architecture

The history of the Gotthard is reflected in both the landscape and the trails. As early as the 14th century, the old Gotthard mule track ran through the Gurtnellen area. The Gottardo hiking trail leads from Göschenen via Wassen, Gurtnellen, Amsteg and Silenen to Erstfeld, and ends in Altdorf. More than 50 information boards and viewing platforms provide insights into Switzerland’s most important railway line. Some sections may be affected by maintenance work or weather.

In Gurtnellen, visitors can watch trains on the Gotthard Railway as they wind along the mountainside, cross viaducts and disappear into spiral tunnels. The historic station building in Gurtnellen-Wiler was built in 1882. The railway line and the old mule trade route sit alongside examples of local architectural history.

The parish church of St. Michael in Gurtnellen-Dorf is considered an important example of late Baroque church architecture in the canton of Uri. Its furnishings are largely original, and the church has been preserved almost unchanged. The tower’s squat shape takes account of the Geissberg avalanche, which frequently thundered down into the valley in the past.

The Church of St. Joseph, built by Adolf Gaudy from 1924 to 1926, stands in Gurtnellen-Wiler. The canopy above the high altar originally stood in the parish church in Benken, in the canton of St. Gallen. The Chapel of St. Anne, dating from 1661, is located on the old Gotthard road; its Baroque altar dates from 1771. The present-day Maria Hilf Chapel was rebuilt in 1859 and restored in 1967. It is located in Richligen, just under half an hour’s walk from Gurtnellen-Dorf.

Smaller destinations along the way also connect the landscape with local history. Fellital Chapel stands at the entrance to the Fellital Valley and invites Alpine herders and mountain hikers to pause. The themed trail “50 Years of Avalanche Protection History” traces the development from the first stone walls to the latest steel structures.

Carnival, Kilbi fair and Alpine cheese

Traditionally, Carnival begins on Wednesday evening, one week before Ash Wednesday, with the “Yytrummelä”. Other customs include “Morgästraich”, “Chinder-Chatzämüsig” and “Ustrummälä”. For travellers interested in local traditions, this festival calendar offers a different view of Gurtnellen from its mountain trails and architectural history.

The Kilbi fair in Gurtnellen-Wiler takes place on the last Sunday in October; check the exact festival dates before travelling. Traditional Kilbi dishes include “Chabis und Schaffleisch”, Ziger doughnuts and pastries for dessert. The dishes available depend on the festival programme.

Gorneralp can be reached on foot from Gurtnellen-Dorf in about an hour; walking time may vary depending on trail conditions. Each summer, Gorneralp processes between 50,000 and 60,000 litres of milk into mild, full-fat Alpine cheese. Alongside the festival dishes, seasonal Alpine farming is another part of local life.

Discover more destinations: Seelisberg, Bauen, Bürglen, Altdorf, Unterschächen, Silenen, Hospental, Attinghausen

For the main travel overview: Uri.