Municipality of Göschenen
Description
Thanks to courageous pioneers, the Schöllenen Gorge and the Gotthard Pass became passable until the Gotthard Tunnel was opened in 1882, considerably shortening the journey. This north-south connection is of great importance not only for Switzerland, but also for Europe. The tour of the Gotthard tunnel village of Göschenen tells the story of this pioneering achievement and leads through the historic village, which was first mentioned in a document in 1290.
As an important passageway to the Gotthard Pass, Göschenen attracted many traders and travellers. The customs bridge, a relic from the muleteer era, where customs duties were levied until the 19th century, and the post horn are reminders of the stagecoach era.
On the edge of the village stands the Devil's Stone, a reminder of the legend that the devil tried to destroy the Devil's Bridge. However, he did not succeed because an attentive elderly lady chiselled a cross into the rock, which prevented the devil from destroying the structure. The stone ended up in the valley.
Göschenen not only offers tunnel and railway history up close, but also the idyllic Göscheneralp, which is well worth a visit. Hiking trails link the impressive mountain landscape, while the reservoir and dam wall combine nature and engineering. In winter, the snow-covered landscape is enchanting and ideal for ski tours.
Thanks to courageous pioneers, the Schöllenen Gorge and the Gotthard Pass became passable until the Gotthard Tunnel was opened in 1882, considerably shortening the journey. This north-south connection is of great importance not only for Switzerland, but also for Europe. The tour of the Gotthard tunnel village of Göschenen tells the story of this pioneering achievement and leads through the historic village, which was first mentioned in a document in 1290.
As an important passageway to the Gotthard Pass, Göschenen attracted many traders and travellers. The customs bridge, a relic from the muleteer era, where customs duties were levied until the 19th century, and the post horn are reminders of the stagecoach era.
On the edge of the village stands the Devil's Stone, a reminder of the legend that the devil tried to destroy the Devil's Bridge. However, he did not succeed because an attentive elderly lady chiselled a cross into the rock, which prevented the devil from destroying the structure. The stone ended up in the valley.
Göschenen not only offers tunnel and railway history up close, but also the idyllic Göscheneralp, which is well worth a visit. Hiking trails link the impressive mountain landscape, while the reservoir and dam wall combine nature and engineering. In winter, the snow-covered landscape is enchanting and ideal for ski tours.
Contact information
- Playground in the village
The playground in Göschenen offers children climbing facilities and a large grassy area to play on. A table and a drinking fountain are available for breaks. In winter, you can go ice skating here.
Playground in the village
The playground in Göschenen offers children climbing facilities and a large grassy area to play on. A table and a drinking fountain are available for breaks. In winter, you can go ice skating here.
- Göschenen Station
Göschenen station is an important transfer point between the Gotthard railway and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, as well as a starting point towards Andermatt and the Gotthard region.
Göschenen Station
Göschenen station is an important transfer point between the Gotthard railway and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, as well as a starting point towards Andermatt and the Gotthard region.
- Church of the Assumption of Mary
The Church of the Assumption of Mary in Göschenen was consecrated in 1900. Construction began in 1897 under the direction of architect August Hardegger. Ernest von Stockalper, known for his work on the Gotthard tunnel, was also involved.
Church of the Assumption of Mary
The Church of the Assumption of Mary in Göschenen was consecrated in 1900. Construction began in 1897 under the direction of architect August Hardegger. Ernest von Stockalper, known for his work on the Gotthard tunnel, was also involved.
- Customs bridge
In the old village centre of Göschenen, the customs bridge, including the archway from 1556, spans the Göschener Reuss. The customs station of the canton of Uri was located here until the 17th century.
Customs bridge
In the old village centre of Göschenen, the customs bridge, including the archway from 1556, spans the Göschener Reuss. The customs station of the canton of Uri was located here until the 17th century.
- Guided tour Göscheneralp dam
The Göscheneralpsee is a reservoir used by the Göschenen power station. The dam, built in 1960, can be visited on a guided tour.
Guided tour Göscheneralp dam
The Göscheneralpsee is a reservoir used by the Göschenen power station. The dam, built in 1960, can be visited on a guided tour.
- Lake Göscheneralp
Lake Göscheneralp, nestled in an impressive mountain landscape, offers an unforgettable nature experience.
Lake Göscheneralp
Lake Göscheneralp, nestled in an impressive mountain landscape, offers an unforgettable nature experience.
- Visierstollen Göschenen
Göschenen shows the history of transport from the mule track to the Gotthard tunnel. The sight tunnel, part of the Gotthard Tunnel Village tour, offers free tours and an audio show about the blasting.
Visierstollen Göschenen
Göschenen shows the history of transport from the mule track to the Gotthard tunnel. The sight tunnel, part of the Gotthard Tunnel Village tour, offers free tours and an audio show about the blasting.
- Ice rink Göschenen
Young people from Göschenen put their heart and soul into running their natural ice rink in the village. Ice skates and sticks can be hired on site.
Ice rink Göschenen
Young people from Göschenen put their heart and soul into running their natural ice rink in the village. Ice skates and sticks can be hired on site.
- Devil's stone
The Devil's Stone, weighing over 200 tonnes, stands near Göschenen. According to legend, the Devil wanted to destroy the Devil's Bridge, but the people of Uri prevented this with a trick. The stone is still a reminder of this story today.
Devil's stone
The Devil's Stone, weighing over 200 tonnes, stands near Göschenen. According to legend, the Devil wanted to destroy the Devil's Bridge, but the people of Uri prevented this with a trick. The stone is still a reminder of this story today.
