The billy goat that fooled the devil

The Andermatt Holiday Region can sometimes be a devilish place – at least if you believe the old stories. There is talk of boulders flying through the air and sinister deals between humans and the devil. Anyone hiking through the Schöllenen Gorge today will quickly sense that this gorge has more to tell than meets the eye.

The Schöllenen Gorge: where nature and history meet.

Where the devil became a master builder

At the entrance to the Schöllenen Gorge, the Reuss river roars through the narrow rocks. High above lies the Devil's Bridge – a place that probably knows more stories than many a regulars' table. According to legend, the people of Uri tried in vain to build a bridge over the wild gorge. In their desperation, they asked the devil for help. He promised to complete the structure on one condition: the first soul to cross the bridge would belong to him. The people of Uri knew how to help themselves. Instead of a human, they sent a billy goat across the new bridge. The devil felt betrayed and, in his rage, hurled a huge rock towards the structure. The boulder missed its target, crashed into the valley and finally came to rest below Göschenen. A silent witness to the legend, clearly visible but often overlooked.

A rock with a past

There it sits, the Devil's Stone. On a small meadow next to the A2 motorway, just below Göschenen. Every day, hundreds of travellers rush past it on their way north or south, unaware of the history behind this enormous rock. During the construction of the Gotthard Road Tunnel, the colossus even had to be moved – with a solemn ceremony and a lot of media attention. A short stop on your journey through the Alps is definitely worthwhile.

Hard to miss and yet often overlooked: the legendary Devil's Stone.

If you have more time, consider hiking from Andermatt to Göschenen. The trail follows the historic mule track through the wild Schöllenen Gorge – past rocks, water and history. A varied tour with views and alpine flair.

Powerful and mystical: on the legendary Devil's Bridge.

Marvel at the power of water.

An idyllic rest area on the way to Göschenen invites you to linger.

Historic crossing on the hiking trail through the Schöllenen Gorge.

Hike, listen, marvel

The free audio tour through the Schöllenen Gorge offers a special experience. Along the circular trail, you can use your smartphone to access fascinating information about the construction of the bridge, the devil's pact and the strategic importance of the gorge. The gorge unfolds its own magic, especially on days with changeable weather: dramatic, wildly romantic and legendary.

The audio tour through the Schöllenen Gorge brings history to life.

Station 3 is located directly on the Devil's Bridge.

With a bit of luck, you may even see the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway passing by and disappearing spectacularly into the mountain.

Another highlight: the Diavolo via ferrata starts directly in the Schöllenen Gorge and offers spectacular views from lofty heights. If you want to experience the gorge from a new perspective, this is the place for you.