The Silenen high-altitude trail links flower-filled mountain meadows, peaceful stretches through the forest and views of the Reuss Valley and Maderanertal. The stated walking time is 2.5 hours. Steinhaus is also one of the canton’s notable cultural and historic sites: it is considered the oldest still-inhabited building in the Canton of Uri. Silenen thus offers a clear contrast between experiencing the landscape and exploring its architectural history.
Trails and Landscape
Above Silenen, at Wasserplatten, you’ll find a typical Uri mountain farmstead. The ten-hectare property is in the municipality of Silenen, at an elevation of just over 1,100 metres above sea level. It represents a high-altitude agricultural cultural landscape.
For nature and landscape topics, the Wasserplatten Nature Conservation Centre serves as a base for courses, excursions, conferences, seminars, camps and work projects. Specific programmes may vary. Guest groups and school classes can book the facilities by the day for educational activities related to nature and the landscape; confirm availability before travelling.
The Silenen high-altitude trail runs from Chilcherberge to Golzern. The stated walking time is 2.5 hours and may vary depending on conditions. The Gotthard hiking trail runs along sections from Meitschligen via Ried and Amsteg to Silenen. For the Silenen high-altitude trail, you can use the walking time for planning; for the Gotthard hiking trail, use the sequence of places for orientation. The Silenen–Chilcherberge cable car has a stated journey time of seven minutes and a capacity of four people; check the operating times before setting out.
In the wider area around Silenen, Lake Golzern lies at an elevation of 1,409 metres in a glacial hollow, surrounded by forest and offering views of the mountains. Swimming is possible during the summer months. A path leads from the mountain station of the Bristen–Golzern cable car to the lake in about 20 minutes. It is accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs as far as the lakeshore.
Architectural History in Silenen
Steinhaus is an example of a medieval castle complex converted into a farmhouse; its significance in architectural history is exceptional. The tower of the noble Freiherren von Silenen dates from the 12th century and was once a five-storey residential tower. At the Zwing Uri castle ruins, the massive base of the tower is the only surviving remnant of the medieval castle complex.
The Old Susthaus dates from 1549; the adjacent Sust was first mentioned in 1354. Goods were transferred and stored there, and muleteers and their animals were also provided with food and drink. St. Albin Parish Church was built from 1754 to 1756; its high altar is the work of Jodok Ritz. The 14 Holy Helpers Chapel was built in 1081, then rebuilt and decorated with paintings after a fire in 1666.
The Silenen Church and Chapel Trail is a hiking path through an impressive landscape. It passes cable cars, inns and fire pits. Another historic stop is the former Bristen ore smelting furnace near the valley station of the Bristen–Golzern cable car.
Cycling Route and Technical Insights
The return leg of the Talboden bike route follows the embankment path along the eastern side of the Reuss, heading north through Silenen and Ellbogen.
Selder Skatepark is in Silenen, about a ten-minute walk from the Silenen Dägerlohn bus stop. The facility includes a versatile street area and symmetrically designed bowls.
At Amsteg, water plunges 280 metres at the hydroelectric power station onto three Pelton turbines. Tours of the power station can be booked; a reservation is required. This offers a technical insight alongside the area’s landscape and architectural history, without the need to assume there is another hiking route.
Discover more destinations: Amsteg, Bauen, Wassen, Seelisberg, Unterschächen, Hospental, Realp, Attinghausen.
For the main travel overview: Uri.
