Devil's Bridge in the Schollenen Gorge

The Schollenen is a short, narrow granite gorge between Goschenen and Andermatt, and for centuries it was the obstacle that decided whether the Gotthard route worked at all. The Reuss falls through it in a rush of white water between smooth walls, and bridges have been thrown across the same gap repeatedly: the arch in use now, the ruined nineteenth-century span below it, and the memory of the medieval crossing that gave the place its legend of a bargain with the devil and a goat sent over first. A red devil painted on the rock face marks the story. The walking path from Goschenen follows the old route up.

What you actually see

• The stacked bridges - the modern arch, the ruined older span beneath it, and the gap they cross.
• The gorge itself - polished granite walls with the Reuss falling through in white water.
• The painted devil - the figure on the rock face recalling the local legend.
• The old mule path - the historic route up from Goschenen, still walkable in sections.

When to go

June to October, when the path is clear of snow and the meltwater is loud. The gorge is in shadow much of the day because of its depth, so late morning gives the best light. Spring melt makes the river spectacular and the path wet. Winter brings avalanche risk and the walking route is closed.

Honest expectations

It is noisy in the wrong way as well as the right one: the motorway and rail line pass through the same gorge, so engine noise mixes with the river. The viewing points are cramped and the spray keeps the rock wet and slick. The walk from Goschenen climbs steadily and is more strenuous than the short distance suggests.

Nearby

Andermatt sits at the top of the gorge, with the Gotthard and Furka pass roads leading out of it.