This trail follows the old route of traders who travelled across the Alps with mules laden with goods. The Gotthard Pass was one of the most important north-south trade routes.
However, before it became completely passable and safe for travellers, a solid passage had to be built over the Schöllenen gorge between Andermatt and Göschenen. And that was no easy task in those days.
Devil’s Bridge (Teufelsbrücke)
The first bridge over the Reuss River was built at the beginning of the 13th century and was given a rather original name – the Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge). It was repaired, rebuilt and improved over the years, but the name has remained the same to this day. According to legend, it is named after its creator, the devil himself.
The legend of the devil and the people of Uri
It is said that the inhabitants of the canton of Uri, desperate to build a safe crossing over the gorge, finally made a pact with the devil himself. The deal was simple – a bridge in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross it.
However, when the bridge appeared, the inhabitants were no longer so willing to sacrifice the soul of one of their own. Therefore, they chased a goat across the bridge.
As you can guess, the devil was not happy that people had deceived him. In a rage, he picked up a random boulder and aimed it at the bridge. However, there was a carved cross on the stone, which confused the devil and he ended up missing his target. The boulder rolled all the way to Göschenen, where it still lies today.
Above the bridge, on a rock wall, you can see a picture of the devil painted in 1950 by local artist Heinrich Danioth.
Devilish attractions in the ravine
I must admit that this “devilish” place attracts many people, also those with original ideas for leisure time.
There are ropes hanging over the ravine at different heights, on which some people try to cross, as if they were in a circus arena, while others try to do a twine while posing for a perfect photo.
Moreover, behind a 12-metre high cross carved in the rock, you can climb up an almost vertical wall and see the gorge from above. However, you should take your climbing gear with you.
All in all, there is a lot going on there, especially on a beautiful sunny day. Therefore, I would advise you to set aside some time to get to know the place well.
Conditions on the route
As for the route itself, apart from the fact that it is about 18 kilometres long, it is rather easy and requires no special fitness. You simply walk downhill along a mountain stream.
It can be a little noisy in places, as there is an expressway right next to it. However, when you take into account the history of this trail and the symbolism of this place, the sight of cars does not disturb so much.
