Municipality of Göschenen

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.