Gurtnellen brings together the landscape of the upper Reuss Valley, mountain trails and traces of Gotthard history. The municipality comprises Gurtnellen-Dorf, Gurtnellen-Wiler, Intschi, Butzen, Männigen, Platti and Buchen. If you are planning an overnight stay, you can first decide which local and landscape connections you would like to focus on. The Gurtnellen–Intschi–Arnisee holiday region lies amid the peaks of the Urner Oberland: listed summer activities include hiking and mountain biking; in winter, snowshoeing, winter hiking and ski touring.
Mountain trails between Arnisee, Stäuben and Fellital
Arni and Lake Arnisee lie at an altitude of 1,368 m above sea level, high above the Reuss Valley. A themed trail starts at Lake Arnisee and leads to the geometric centre of the canton of Uri. It takes around 30 minutes to walk to the Leutschachtal valley, where the trail ends at 1,482 m above sea level; actual walking times may vary depending on conditions. Niedersee lies at the end of the Leutschachtal valley and is known for its turquoise-blue colour. Access depends on the mountain conditions and season.
Another excursion follows the Stäuben Trail to the Dreistäuber Falls and Stäubenkapelle chapel. The secured circular trail takes about an hour; at the falls, you can experience the cascading water. Trail conditions may change seasonally. Those looking for a longer themed trail can take the Gurtnellen Adventure Trail, which starts and ends in Gurtnellen-Wiler: the route is 5.21 km long, and trail conditions may vary. The themed trail “50 Years of Avalanche Protection History” traces developments from the first stone walls to the latest steel structures.
At Arni, the 2.8 km Heissigegg–Holzrieri animal riddle trail runs towards Gurtnellen-Dorf, between the viewpoint at Heissigegg and the Holzrieri picnic area. Twelve wooden animals are hidden along the way, and riddle boxes introduce them through simple puzzles. The installations may vary due to maintenance. The walk to Gorneralp can also be planned by time: it is about an hour’s walk from Gurtnellen-Dorf, though walking time may depend on conditions.
The Fellital protected area lies in an eastern side valley of the Uri Reuss Valley, reaches into the Oberalp Pass area and includes the right-hand side of the Reuss Valley from Gurtnellen to Wassen. A small chapel stands at the entrance to the Fellital and offers a place for alpine herders and mountain hikers to pause. The trail to Treschhütte starts at the “Gurtnellen-Fellital” bus stop and follows the Fellibach stream to Felliberg. Access is seasonal.
Churches and Gotthard history
The parish church of St. Michael in Gurtnellen-Dorf is an important example of late Baroque church architecture in the canton of Uri. It has been preserved almost unchanged, with much of its original furnishings intact. Its squat tower is associated with the Geissberg avalanche, which once frequently thundered down into the valley. In Gurtnellen-Wiler stands St. Joseph’s Church, built by Adolf Gaudy between 1924 and 1926. The baldachin on the high altar originally came from the parish church in Benken, canton of St. Gallen.
Smaller chapels also tell of different periods of construction: St. Anna’s Chapel on the old Gotthard road dates from 1661; its Baroque altar was created in 1771. The present Maria-Hilf Chapel was rebuilt in 1859 and restored in 1967. It is in Richligen, just under a half-hour’s walk from Gurtnellen-Dorf. Gurtnellen-Wiler’s historic railway station building on the Gotthard Railway was built in 1882.
As early as the 14th century, the old Gotthard mule trail ran through the Gurtnellen area. Today’s railway line also shapes the view of the region: in Gurtnellen, you can watch trains travel along the mountainside, cross viaducts and disappear into spiral tunnels. The Gottardo Hiking Trail runs from Göschenen via Wassen, Gurtnellen, Amsteg and Silenen to Erstfeld, ending in Altdorf. More than 50 information panels and viewing platforms along the route provide insights into the Gotthard Railway.
Seasons and local specialities
Carnival includes “Yytrummelä”, which traditionally begins on Wednesday evening one week before Ash Wednesday. Other customs include “Morgästraich”, “Chinder-Chatzämüsig” and “Ustrummälä”. Gurtnellen-Wiler’s Kilbi takes place on the last Sunday in October. The traditional menu includes “Chabis und Schaffleisch” (cabbage and mutton), Ziger doughnuts and pastries for dessert; whether these dishes are available depends on the festival programme. Check the specific event date before travelling.
Each summer, Gorneralp processes between 50,000 and 60,000 litres of milk into mild, full-fat alpine cheese. Alpine cheese is available at the Bergheim inn or from the alpine cooperative; check seasonal availability in advance. In Gurtnellen, mountain activities, architectural and transport history, and seasonal customs offer a variety of reasons to visit.
Discover more destinations: Silenen, Spiringen, Göschenen, Sisikon, Hospental, Unterschächen, Seelisberg, Andermatt.
For the broader travel overview: Uri.
