(3 hrs). From Andermatt by MGB (Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn) to
Oberalp Pass. Guetsch to Naetschen by new cable car.
The new
Cable cars from Guetsch to Naetschen and Naetschen to Andermatt lets
you skip the descent from Guetsch to Naetschen.
The new Restaurant MATTI on Naetschen with indoor and outdoor Terrace is
selling the cable car tickets. The new MGB Train Station Naetschen is nearby.
The other new Cable cars from Oberalppass to Schneehueenderstock with
Restaurant atop, offers two other options:
- Oberalp towards Schneehueenderstock/Mitte for the Hike to Lutersee
and onwards
- Oberalp to Schneehueenderstock and Hike to Felliluecke and
onwards.
Andermatt-Lutersee-Oberalp. |
km |
hrs |
Zug - Goeschenen - Andermatt (train) |
|
|
Andermatt-Naetschen-Guetsch-Lutersee
Lutersee-Oberalppass
(or Lutersee-Felliluecke-Oberalppass) |
12 |
4.0
1.5
(2.5) |
Oberalppass-Andermatt-Goeschenen-Zug (train) |
|
|
Interactive map:
http://map.search.ch/d/dy1ntgxzw?y=1560m
GPX-File:
GPS_Data/GPX-Anderm-Oberalp.zip
Instead of walking up to Naetschen, you could also use the train
from Andermatt or the Cable car.
Another option would be to begin the hike at Oberalppass (train) and walking by
Felliluecke to Lutersee ("Luter" = "lauter" in German,
="clear" in English) and then on to Naetschen (train).
The
hiking path from Andermatt to Naetschen/Guetsch, by Chilchenberg, starts about 100 m from the train station
near the Cable car Andermatt-Naetschen-Guetsch. There is an underpass from
MGB-station to the Cable car Station. The narrow but excellent path is zigzagging up the hill, partly in the
forest. Ascending, you get an idea about the importance of the forest's
as protection for the settlements.
Looking over to Gurschen/Gemsstock (cable car) the wedge of forest-trees protecting
Andermatt against avalanches is obvious. Everywhere on the mountains
additional artificial protections are present, the path crosses a couple of
them.
Top of page
For lovers of Alpine Flora: walk up to Naetschen by
Chilchenberg.
Dozens
of plants are marked with names, a picture is included, as well as
the Latin name.
A second type of information can be studied as well: theme is "avalanche
protection". An introduction is given in the development of
the different protection-Technology's, selecting, grouping and
planting of Pine trees to shield the lower lying settlements.
The walk up to Naetschen MGB station is about 2 hrs: give another hour
for taking in sights and learn more about plants and dangers.
Link:
http://alpenblumen.gabathuler.org/ |
|
Andermatt protecting forest |
At Naetschen the path leads into a gravel road.
Near "Punkt 2364" (from there a track leads down to Goeschenen) a good
road
is leading to Lutersee. From here to the lake there are almost no ups and
downs.
There is a second route running parallel to the above mentioned, lower on the
plain. At the start near the rocky slope you might spot and hear the
whistling of marmots. After Lutersee one track is leading to Felliluecke, the
other to Oberalppass.
|
Lutersee, Oberalppass |
|
Lutersee |
This track hits the pass road near the lock of Oberalpsee.
The track to the pass then runs directly along the lake.
Top of page
There is also a flatter route (2 hrs).
From the MGB station Naetschen descend down to the main road. The first 200m you have to walk directly on the
pass road (effectively right on the white line), then a walking track next to
the road is provided for the next 300m. Then the track turns off to the
right and away from the road.
A lovely, easy track, through rhododendrons
and alp-meadows along the lower slope of Pazolastock (=Piz Nurschalas).
The nearby Marmots at least can be recognized acoustically.
Active
map:
http://map.search.ch/d/ja2ndk1mj
GPS-route:
GPS_Data/GPX-Naetschen-Pazola-OAlp.zip
3.5 hrs.
Another route to Oberalp is by the lower knoll of Pazolastock (Pt.2577). The
first part is the same as in the above mentioned "lower route".
After Schoeni then, a grass track turns off to the right. In a steady
slope the beautiful track zigzags up, higher up crossing the deep cut
Pazolatal.
Then it's only a short climb and we're looking at Pt.
2463 down to the
Pazola Aelpetli with the grazing sheep. Just across Lutersee is visible
too. Here is lovely spot for having a rest. The final climb to the knoll
at Pt.2577 takes only a few Minutes. Now we have a free view to Oberalp
Pass and also into Urserental. The descent to Oberalp is a bit rougher
then the track we've been using so far. Top of page
Active
map:
http://map.search.ch/d/wqwmjezmw
GPS route:
GPS_Data/GPX-OAlp-UAlp-Andermatt.zip
(2.5 hrs). The first part of this route is the same as for the
"Naetschen-Oberalp lower route".
At "Schoeni", instead of crossing Oberalpreuss for the track to
Naetschen, we proceed on the gravel road to the left. After 1600 m and a sharp
bend of the flat road, a well marked mountain track to the right is
heading down towards the Unteralp valley, towards the settlement Rohr. It's
suddenly quiet on this side, the noise of the pass road has disappeared,
replaced by the distant murmur of the Reuss and the thunder of
Gurschenbach just across. The wind, blowing from Rhone valley over Furka
to the Oberalp is not reaching this side valley. In 1991
reforestation in this area has began, as a Centennial project.
(Switzerland was founded 1291) Top of page
Active
map:
http://map.search.ch/d/diynjzhy2
GPS-route:
GPS_Data/GPX-OAlp-Dieni.zip
3 hrs. Oberalp Pass - Pass Tiarms - ValVal valley - Val
da Stiarls - Cuolm Val - Milez - Planatsch - Dieni
All in all, a short and easy tour with beautiful vistas.
The
first part is on the gravel drive way up towards Calmot, the peak just across
the road. After a short while, having reached Alp Tiarms, our track turns
off to the left. We're entering the valley ValVal. Just before crossing
the creek, a track would offer the option for heading down to Tschamut.
Proceeding on the comfortable track, with only minor changes in altitude,
we enter another small valley, Val da Stiarls. Then follows
a short climb to Cuolm Val with a wide view into Surselva with Sedrun and
the big gravel deposits from the NEAT tunnel some 1000 m below in the
mountain. Across is Curnera Lake with the dam. From now on it's a
continuous descent, partly on gravel road, then on tracks across pastures.
The final part to the Railway station is on a Bitumen road. Top of page
To the Source of the Rhein
Oberalppass-Lai da Tuma-Badus SAC-Pazola |
hrs |
Zug - Goeschenen - Andermatt - Oberalp (Bahn, SBB/MGB) |
|
Oberalppass - Tomasee |
1.5 |
Tomasee - Badus Hut SAC |
0.5 |
Badus Hut SAC - Pazola Stock - Oberalppass |
2.5 |
Oberalppass - Andermatt - Goeschenen - Zug (Bahn, SBB/MGB) |
|
Some ears will recognize a different "HI" (the
usual Swiss German "Grüezi"): it's now "Bien di".
We're in the Rumantsch language area.
After passing the Restaurant the track runs along the pass road.
After some 200m we're on a separate narrow track, still parallel to the main road,
a bit offside. But then it bends to the right, along the slope of Piz
Nurschalas (Pazolastock).
The other track, here the one chosen for the way back, is ascending to
the Pazolastock just ahead: that path begins just at the
Southern end of the parking at the Restaurant Calmut. Moderately ascending, but a lovely track
allowing lovely vistas into the valley of Vorderrhein. After a while a turnoff to Maighels
(SAC hut) follows, an alternative way to the lake. Right before
reaching the little lake, on a knoll a pretty view can be enjoyed. A track
runs along the lake side, the upper end with wool grass growing in the
swampy soil. The track continues up to Badus Hut. A visit is suggested,
also if it's not intended to return to Oberalppass by way of Pazolastock. The
Return track by Pazolastock rewards with excellent vistas: to the Maighels
glacier, into Vorderrhein, over to the snow pads of the Uri Alps, into
Urseren valley. Some rock hopping may be needed on some places.
Interactive
map:
http://map.search.ch/d/jyxnze4zt
GPS-route:
GPS_Data/GPX-Oberalp-Maighels-Tomasee.zip
On new trail from Maighels hut to Lai da Tuma
(4 hrs) This is not the "usual" way to the popular little
lake.
The walk up to the Maighels hut may take some 1.5 hr and for the
first part is the same as mentioned above.
At the turnoff for Badus hut or
Tomasee we keep going straight on. Later towards Maighels we're sometimes
on a gravel driveway. We're ignoring the next turnoff to Tomasee as well
and are heading for the Maighels hut. Finally the Swiss Flag is visible.
The last stretch to the hut atop is now a narrow grass track and a bit
steeper.
To Tomasee a new track (not yet
(2011) on the tpographic
map) is now available. Standing at the marker down at the parking
lot, the trail is clearly marked with the usual white/red/white paint on
rocks. Some Steinmanndli (carefully stapled stone pillars) have been added
for general directions. The trail is never very steep and excellently
done. From the hut it's less then one hour to the lake. For the way from
the lake back to Oberalp pass we're taking the track following the flank
of Pazolastock (1.5 hr), the "usual" route: see above. Top of page
The Rhaeto-Romanic is one of the four official
languages in Switzerland. Unfortunately it is being pushed back by
the much wider used German, with the Swiss dialects. - Despite the fact, that the Rumantsch had a wide area of
distribution: Friaul, South Tyrol.
Below some notes from the Lugnez valley's (Val
Lumnezia) website: (in German)
https://www.lumnezia.ch/de
Already 15 years BC, when the Roman Empire took
possession of wide areas of the alpine regions (Helvetia). The Latin language was
common in the area, as in the whole "Roman Empire".
The Intruders where not really welcome, but on the other side they
brought a far superior culture into the land.
From the blend of the common language of the Roman soldiers and the indigenous
language of the local "Raetier" emerged the "Rhaeto-Romanic".
It's a collective term for five sub language idioms. Reason for the
split are geographic locations, historic, religious, and also
economical.
Three regions are defined to be "Rhaeto-Romanic":
- Friaul: some 50'000 people in the region of Udine in
Northern Italy.
- Dolomitladine: some 30'000 people in valleys of the South Tyrol.
- "Buendner Romanic" by some 50'000 Swiss as mother
tongue.
The Buendner area encompasses not less then 5
Idioms and dozens of Dialects. Although 65 % of the people of
Graubuenden (Grisons) use (Swiss) German as language, 11 % speak Italian,
7 % some other language, only 17 % still speak Rumantsch. Kanton
Graubuenden has 3 official languages: German,
In 1983 the "Ligia Romontscha" had
launched the "Rumantsch Grischun" as a unique language for
writing.
The aim of the "Rhaeto-Romanic Esperanto" was the preservation
of the language. Although much is done to support the idea, it's not
a simple task
But once a language has disappeared it can not
be returned. |
Top of page
Oberalppass-Lake Curnera*-Maighels Rhein-Maighels
SAC
* near and above dam |
hrs |
Zug - Goeschenen - Andermatt - Oberalp (Bahn, SBB/MGB) |
|
Oberalppass - Alp Cavradi - Rein da Maighels -
Maighels Hut SAC - Lai Urlaun - Plidutscha - Oberalppass |
5.5 |
Oberalppass - Andermatt - Goeschenen - Zug (Bahn, SBB/MGB) |
|
|
This tour will actually be a round tour circumventing Piz Cavradi on
altitudes between 2000 m and 2300 m. We won't get to the lake. For the first
part the track is
the same as for the Tomasee,
but after some 900 Meter instead of moving to the right we proceed
straight on. The track descends for another 800 Meter until it goes over into a road connecting with the pass
road. After crossing the Rhein river (the Rein da Tuma) the
road (now Bitumen) follows the ridge of Piz Cavradi, ascending constantly and giving a splendid
view over upper Surselva. The road is closed for private cars.
Shortly before reaching the turnoff into the
mountain track, a small Memorial reminds of the 9 workers who died between
1962 and 1967 while
building the dam of Lake Curnera. The track up Piz Cavradi is rocky and allows
many marvelous vistas, to the North with the Rhein valley, to the East
with Lake Curnera far down below and the Maighels Glacier in the Distance. After
reaching the Height of some 2300 Meter the track begins to descend towards
the lake, but later it follows the other young Rhein, the Rein da Maighels. A little later, after a moderate climb we're entering Alp
meadows of the lower
Maighels valley, an area of many
tiny lakes. Turning right and
a short climb later we're at the Maighels Hut SAC. From there, choosing the footpath leaving
at the rear of the house we're soon reaching the track to Tomasee/Oberalppass.
Top of page
Tiefenbach to Andermatt:
The tracks in the lower part in the Andermatt-Hospenthal area have been
renewed and the signs accordingly adjusted.
Tiefenbach-Andermatt ca. 5 hrs.
Interactive
map:
http://map.search.ch/d/wzly2u5nd
GPS-route:
GPS_Data/GPX-Tiefenbach-Andermatt.zip
Andermatt-Urschner Hoehenweg-Tiefenbach |
km |
hrs |
Zug - Goeschenen - Andermatt (Bahn, SBB/MGB) |
|
|
Andermatt-Planggen-Blauseeli-Lochbergegg-
Taetsch-Tiefenbach/Furkastrasse |
15 |
6.5 |
Tiefenbach - Andermatt (Postauto)
or steam train Tiefenbach to Realp (check timetable),
then train (MGB) train Realp to Andermatt |
|
|
Andermatt - Göschenen - Zug (Bahn, MGB/SBB) |
|
|
Postauto: check! usually only in
operation during Summer months! The tour may be adjusted to your wishes, e.g. a
"Exit" to Hospenthal (a pretty village with old homes and a
couple of hotels) or Realp (with a alpine 9 hole golf course).
By starting in reversed direction (Postauto for Tiefenbach is leaving
Andermatt at 8:30 AM) you don't have to bother for the Bus (leaving 5:45 PM at Tiefenbach for
Andermatt). Across the railway station
there are boards and maps for your information. The route for our tour
first parallel to the railway track. Soon the cable car station for
Gemsstock can be seen on the left. After about 200 m a underpass guides us
into open field. The gravel road will eventually lead us across river
Reuss, then after a short walk along the river. The short detour (15
Minutes) to the Biotope (against the direction given on the sign, going
straight on) is rewarding for the connoisseur. Soon we're at the mountain
track. The little cable car for the milk transports tells about a larger
number of cows, grazing up there. The pleasant path zigzags up to the
first plain on the trail.
|
View back to Andermatt |
Our trail continues
along the plain. Soon a new ascent follows, to a higher alpine plain with
two little lakes. A perfect place for a short rest.
|
Little mountain lakes.
In the distance Realp and Furka Pass road. |
The track now runs
more or less on the same altitude. On the right the rocky mountain slopes,
to the left Urserental with Gotthard road, Furka train line and Reuss
river. After about half an hour we're at pretty Blauseeli. We are now on
about 2100 m above sea level. The tour continues on to Lochbergegg. Here
we have to decide: Down to Realp it's about 40 Minutes, for Tiefenbach we
need about an hour and 40 Minutes. For Tiefenbach there is first a short
descent and later again a ascent to go. At first the track for Albert Heim
hut SAC and Tiefenbach is the same. It's a bit steep up to the junction
for SAC hut and Tiefenbach (to the left). Only a short piece, then we've
reached the highest point (about 2270 m). We are now on a gravel road
which first runs on about the same height. Soon in the distance we can see
the Furka road and the pass; a bit later, down below on the left hotel and
Restaurant Tiefenbach. To get to the hotel and the Postauto Stop we need
another 20 Minutes. A last knee test before the earned drink. Top of page
Tiefenbach: Something special is a ride back by steam train
(DFB).
During summer the old Steam Train ("DFB") is operating
between Realp and Gletsch. Stops are at Furka DFB (below Tiefenbach) and
Muttbach (some way off Rhone glacier grotto).
Before starting the deep descent to the DFB train station make sure there will be a service!
DFB-Station Realp: it's a 5 Minutes walk from "Matterhorn-Gotthard
Bahn" station (former "Furka-Oberalp Bahn",
"MGB") over the bridge. DFB-Station Gletsch: Postauto
connections with Oberwald and Realp.
For a cheerful trip the steam train Realp - Furka - Gletsch
is recommended (summer term only).
After opening of the train tunnel between Realp and Oberwald, the
old mountain track was reopened by a group of friends of the old
romantic line.
During winter term, tons of railway Material is
being stored, prepared for use, sorted out, greased, oiled,
repaired...
Picture: entrance to a store-room, a former part of a fort, in
Realp
(Feb 2005).
|
Top of page
Goeschenen-Schoellenen-Andermatt-Hospental-Gotthard
Hospiz-Tremola-Motto Bartola-Airolo
PDF-File,
this tour (GHGA_E2.PDF, 334 kB)
Total time: ca. 8 hrs
Goeschenen-Hospenthal-Gotthard-Airolo |
h |
Zug - Goeschenen (train, SBB) |
|
Goeschenen - Teufelsbruecke - Andermatt
or train, MGB |
1.5 |
Andermatt - Hospenthal
or train, MGB |
1 |
Hospenthal - Maetteli - Brueggloch - Gotthard Hospiz
or Postauto in Summer (reservation may be necessary) |
3 |
Gotthard Hospiz - Tremola - Motto Bartola - Airolo
or Postauto in Summer (reservation may be necessary) |
2.5 |
Airolo - Zug (train, SBB) |
|
Trains:
SBB: "Schweizerische Bundesbahnen"
MGB: "Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn"
The track begins
right at the Railway station Goeschenen SBB / MGB.
The track is
excellently marked all the way.
After crossing the
square, a short stair is leading up to the main road, proceeding
over to the newer bypass road and to the Gotthard pass road. After the
Reuss bridge there, for a short part, the track follows the busy traffic
line. Before the next hairpin bend though, the hiking track turns off to
the right. It is leading towards the Reuss river and after some 100m the
bow bridge Haederlisbruecke is reached.
The hiking trail is
partly a nature track, at other places it runs along a pedestrian walk
right along the pass road, either directly in a Gallery or on their roof
(sometimes closed because of falling rocks). Traffic noise
is usually overlaid by the roar of the river.
After about an hour
the rock wall with the Suworow memorial is visible: one other bend
in the road and we are in front of the devils bridge (Teufelsbruecke).
A
short distance now along the pass road, and Urnerloch (Uri-hole) in
form of a traffic tunnel will permit an easy access to Urseren valley with
Andermatt. For the hiker there is a special treat: to the right, in a
separate room there is a spiral staircase, ready for the ascent atop the
tunnel roof and the continuation of the track, away from vehicle traffic.
- The change of scenery is astounding: the plain of Urseren is opening, with Andermatt close by.
Proceeding
on to Altkirch, with the old Kolumban church on the left, the hiking
trail now follows the main road, passing the barracks, the Tourist center
and the Andermatt railway station. The church is of the 13th Cent.
and at that time it had replaced an older,
smaller church from the 1st Cent., built by the Disentis monastery.
Shortly after the Andermatt railway station, by an
underpass, we’re on the lovely track along the Reuss river.
Reaching Hospenthal,
just over the railway track (unguarded RR crossing), another witness from times gone by can
be admired: the Tenndlenbruecke, a small stone bow bridge over
Furkareuss.
In Hospenthal, the
two rivers Furkareuss and Gotthardreuss merge into Reuss.
Guided
by trail markers we’re pretty soon above the village, on the way towards
Maetteli, all the time along the Gotthardreuss. - Carefully
observed by Marmots, who will time after time give warnings by a sharp
whistling.
The
pass road with the motorized traffic hardly disrupts the peaceful
impression along the track. Pretty often we recognize the old mule track
with old stone layer.
At
Brueggloch we’re entering Canton Ticino. The track
is getting a
bit steeper
now, but soon the dam of
the Lucendro lake is getting visible:Gotthard
Hospiz will be reached
On
Gotthard Hospiz, the trail continues, passing Totenkapelle
(chapel of the dead) towards the cobblestone Tremola pass road. Usually the track shortcuts most of the sharp bends of the pass road. The art with
which the Tremola road has been adapted
into the cut of the valley is admirable. Obviously also the few motorized
users feel a kind of respect and enjoy the scenery.
At Motto di
dentro the pass road has to be crossed and unexpectedly the track then
climbs rather sharply, though only for a short stretch. The vista then,
passing meadows and woodland on the way to Motto Bartola is quite
marvelous. Below Motto the track to the right
of
the main road can easily be overlooked.
The Marker although is absolutely correct. The grass track for the first
50m follows on the right the main road, then underpasses it, later the
“autostrasse” as well. The rest of the trail will be on local roads, Airolo
and the railway station just ahead.
The trail from
Goeschenen over Gotthard pass to Airolo is marked excellently. Only the
part passing Tremola is steep, but for the most part it’s on nature
surface.
Top of page
On
Gotthard Hospiz a visit to the museum (Museo
Nationale del San Gottardo) is a good idea. Gotthard
in the last 100 years was an important and well equipped fortress.
The one from WW1 is a museum for some time (Museo Forte
Ospizio San Gottardo). The newer one from WW2, will be open
by 2008 (SASSO SAN GOTTARDO).
Already part of the modernized fortress can be used for Hotel
/ Seminar, Events.
A third fort, above Airolo is open for inspection too, the Museo
Forte Airolo. |
Translation:
The triple-bow Haederlisbruecke above Goeschenen has always been admired as
a striking example of former bridge construction art. Historian
connect it with the opening up of the mule track through the
Schoellenen in the 12th Century.
In a record of 1470 for the first time two indications for
the crossing have been named, “ St.Niklausen bridge
which has been the name for the long bridge in the Schoellenen”.
Obviously already the first bridge,
the “Long bridge”, was put under the protection and
shield of St.Niklaus von
Myra. The third name “Haederlis bridge” can be found in a bill
in the old “Talbuch” (record) of 1496. There are no hints
about the origin of the name. There is no proof, that the name would have been adapted from the word “Hader” (quarrel, gr: - Hades).
Perhaps in the sense of quarrel,
dissens, concerning the share of work- and construction costs?
Imaginable is that the name derives from the family name
“Haederli”, accordingly the builder of the bridge and his name
would have outlasted the Centuries.
In the night of the 24th to
the
25th Aug 1987
a heavy thunderstorm was raging in the Gotthard region. The flood of
the Reuss river destroyed the bridge and tore it away.
1991 the Kanton Uri, with help from the Swiss Federation and the Swiss
“Baumeisterverband” (master builder union) rebuilt the bridge
according to original
plans. For that task apprentices from all over
Switzerland
were cooperating. Stonemasons, carpenters, bricklayers, cobblestone layers, would arrive in the Schoellenen and rebuild the bridge. -
And they did a great job!
1649 the Haederlis bridge, as a replacement for a former
wooden foot bridge, was for the first time built with stone. The
material used came from the nearby quarry. This quarry was again put
into use for the reconstruction in 1991. The extremely hard
Goeschenen-Granite was blast, split, hewn. The bows, presenting the
ratio 1:2:4 were carefully reconstructed. They now are arching over
the Reuss river as they did time ago.
Basler & Hofmann, Zuerich
(translation
by gruxa.ch) |
Top of page
The
Urnerloch area used to be a major obstacle, with the rocky, steep
and narrow cut of the Reuss river.
There
were alternatives, e.g. the passage over the Baezberg. Today there
is a road from Schoellenen somewhat below, up to Baezberg in the
vicinity of the military installations and then descending to the
area with the training grounds.
That
track was not suitable for a trade route.
In
the 13th Cent. the passage in the Urnerloch was improved
by the construction of a
foot
bridge, hung on the rock wall, which made the crossing easier.
Although ice, snow, froth from the wild river must have made the
going slippery and awful.
The
idea was most likely from people coming in from the Wallis:
Suonen-specialists.
Up
to these days we can marvel at the old Suonen in Wallis, some
hanging on rock walls in astonishing heights, carrying water from
remote places to the dry fields far away.
A
remarkable improvement was reached in the 18th Cent. by a
tunnel, constructed by Pierro Morettini from
Ticino
.
At that time it was probably the biggest tunnel with a length of 70m
and a width of 2m. Later, early 19th Century it was
extended to a height of 4m and a width of 5m.
Artist
of the Mosaic on the Rock wall along the main road (just
across the parking at devils bridge) is Werner Mueller.
|
Top of page
Gotthard - Val Canaria - Airolo |
hrs |
Zug - Göschenen - Andermatt (SBB, MGB)
Andermatt - Gotthard Pass (Postauto)
or:
Zug-Airolo (SBB)
Airolo-Gotthard Pass (Postauto) |
|
Gotthard Pass-Casino della Bolle-Alpe di Sorescia-
Buco di Pontino-Orello-Bolla-Pautàn-Airolo |
5 |
or: Gotthard Pass-Casino della Bolle-Alpe di Sorescia-
Buco di Pontino-Pontino-Cassina-Airolo |
3.5 |
Airolo - Zug (Bahn, SBB) |
|
Postauto:
check! only in operation during
Summer months!
As for some other routes a "Zuschlag" (surcharge) is applied,
because the route is a pure tourist route, not used for regional
trafic.
With a free ticket (like "GA") the charge Airolo-Gotthard
Ospizio is Fr. 9.-- (2012).
The track begins about 100 m east of the buildings, near the stalls.
The sign reads Lago della Sella, Passo Scimfuss, Pontino. The Bitumen
road is clearly visible: it passes behind the little lake, slightly
ascending. After 200 m or so, a small track (Sentiero Canaria)
goes off on the right. It runs parallel to the Bitumen road and will be
joining that road again shortly. At the Hydro Electric Power Plant the
road splits. The left runs to Lago della Sella. We turn right, for Pontino
(Val Canaria).
For a short distance the track will be a bit steep, cutting the wide loops
of the Bitumen road. Later, on that good road, it's an easy walk, slightly
descending. From time to time we have to stop and enjoy the sight.
|
Gotthard Road.
To the left Bedretto valley |
At
Alpe die Sorescia there would be a track down to Gotthard road and down to
Airolo. We stay on our road for Pontino. After about 15 Minutes, having
passed the grassy hill with the impressive Avalanche protections, we are
in the Val Canaria. The steady descending road can be seen. Soon we
arrive at a Rustico (an old typical stable/hut renovated and now used
usually as weekend house). The sign is pointing on the right to Pontino
and down into the valley to Airolo.
|
Orello |
The track straight on to Orello is quite
comfortable, smoothly descending. The scenery is lovely but the
harsh rock walls over on the other side of the valley tell of the force of
nature. After Orello the road gets steeper. Walking along the river gets
into the legs, because the gravel on the roads makes it a bit slippery.
|
Val Canaria |
A
short distance before Airolo we hit the Bitumen road with the Markers for
Strada Alta. After the two bridges (one for Madrano, the other for the
soccer field) and before the saw mill the ascending road to the right will
bring us to the railway station: the last short climb.
Gotthard-Pontino-Airolo
The Sign post at the Rustico in Buco di Pontina points to the
right.
After
Pontino the trail is for the most part a pleasant narrow forest path.
Sometimes the sight is open for a view into the valley and across to Nante
on the other side of the Leventina valley. Interactive
map:
map.search.ch/d/de1mdi1yj?x=2552m&y=-1544m
GPS-route:
GPS_Data/GPX-Gotthard-Pontino-Airolo.zip
Top of page
Gotthard Hospiz-Gotthard Lakes (L.d'Orsirora)
4.5 hrs. Not only an option or extension to the Lucendro-Tour, this is
also a lovely roundtour with many small lakes along the way. This is the
source of the Reuss river.
Interactive
map:
http://map.search.ch/d/we4nzu0zd
PPS-route:
GPS_Data/GPX-Gotthard-Seen.zip
Gotthard Hospiz - Pso di Lucendro |
km |
hrs |
Zug-Airolo (train)
Airolo-Hospiz (Postauto) |
|
|
Hospiz-dam-Mottolone-Alpi di Lucendro-
Passo di Lucendro-Laghi scuri-Strada dei Banchi sud-
Banchi track-Capella dei morti-Hospiz |
12 |
4.5 |
Hospiz-Airolo (Postauto)
Airolo-Zug (train) |
|
|
Postauto: check! usually only in
operation during Summer months! As most of the hiking tracks, the track towards the nearby dam of the
Lucendro lake begins east of the busier area of the Pass. We pass the
entrance road of the Fort museum. The track runs to the right of the old
cobble stone Pass road. After a few hundred meter there is a underpass, of
the Pass road. After the little bridge near the dam the road is
now Bitumen until a bit later on at Mottolone.
Here the track to the right leads to the Orsirora lakes, a nice roundtrip
of about 4.5 hrs.
The road to Lucendro Pass is straight on, a good road above the lake,
almost flat to the Alp Lucendro with the military barracks.
From the Alp a rocky but excellent track ascends to the summit at about
2500 meter. Perhaps there are some snow fields to cross, but generally the
climb is easy. To the left we see Fibbia, to the right Pizzo Lucendro.
|
Lago di Lucendro,
In the back right off the clouds
Pizzo Lucendro |
After the crossing we're on grassy slopes on Fibbia mountain, the Bedretto valley in front, running East to West.
Soon we're on the little pass above the pretty Laghi Scuri. It's a fine
lookout: to the east we recognize the dam of the lake Sella, below south a big bend of
the Pass road can be seen and just above our next target, the house at
"Strada dei Banchi sud" with some Fort a bit above. To the East stretches
Bedretto Valley, with Nufenen Pass as entrance to the Wallis region.
|
At the Fibbia |
Passing the little lakes we're on a pretty steep path down to the Banchi
track.
Across, to the East, the old Pass road "Tremola" is in view. For
some time we are on the lovely old Banchi path. Later a new track is running
along or a bit below the Galleries of the (new) pass road.
|
To the left Tremola,
to the right part of Gallerie
with part of Banchi track visible |
Except for
the traffic noise the track is quit good, never steep. Some water channels
from the gallery roofs have to be crossed. The creeks can be under passed at the side of the
concrete wall.
The last part is over alp meadows. On the way we pass the old Capelli
dei morti.
Capelli dei morti:
In the old times dead people found on Gotthard were (often quit disrespectful)
put into that little chapel.
Also dead soldiers during the time of Suworows march from South to
North were buried in that chapel.
Today inside there is copy (13th cent., monastery St. Josef
Volokolamsk) of an Icon that was also pictured in the Banners of
Suworows Army.
The tombstone in front of the Chapel reads Sept. 1798. |
Interactive
map:
http://map.search.ch/d/2qxyznkmj GPS-route:
GPS_Data/GPX-Gotth-Nufenen-Ulrichen.zip (4.5
hrs to Cruina, 6 hrs to Nufenenpass). From Airolo train
station the Postauto to Gotthardpass brings its passengers in about 15
Minutes to the stop "Galleria di Banchi". Here is a starting
point for hikes to Gotthard, Pso. di Lucendro and also the tour to Cruina
at the Nufenenpass. From here and along the way many big and small
fortifications are visible. They are now declassified, some are museums,
some just are falling apart. The meaning of
"Galleria di Banchi" may be translated to
"fortifications-gallery". The first part is on a
gravel driveway and offers beautiful views into the Ticino mountains,
Airolo and the villages of Bedretto valley deep below. The altitude is in
the range of 2000 m. This track is also part of the "4 Quellen Weg"
(see www.four-headwaters-trail.ch/)
that connects the four rivers Rhein, Reuss, Rhone, Ticino by hiking
trails. Except
for one short area, in the river Ronco region, the route is more or less
flat. The SAC hut "Piansecco" is an excellent place to stop by.
From here it's a walk of 1.5 hrs to the Postauto stop Cruina at the
Nufenen pass road. Be aware, the place is only served twice in the
afternoon (Summer 2012: 16:18h and 18.15h). For
an excellent description with a lot of pictures have a look at:
http://www.freizeitfreunde.ch/blogs/304 About
halfway up from Cruina to Nufenen pass summit a rock reminds us, that
about here is the source of the Ticino river. Its water flows to Lago
Maggiore near Locarno and finally to the Po river in Italy
and into the Adriatic sea. From Nufenen pass the track generally follows
the Aegina river down to Ulrichen, and to MGB train station (See Goms
for hike to Griesspass). Nufenen
is a watershed too: The Aegina flows into Rhone to France, Ticino into Po
in Italy. The water from the Griessee (gravity dam) is partly used for the
turbines in Altstafel and flows into Aegina; the other part is sent over
to Robiei lake and into turbine's of power plants in the Maggia valley.
Top of page
Realp - Furka |
km |
hrs |
Zug-Goeschenen (train, SBB)
Goeschenen-Andermatt-Realp (train, MGB) |
|
|
Realp MGB-Station DFB-Tiefenbach DFB
Tiefenbach DFB-Tiefenbach Hotel
Tiefenbach DFB-Steinstafel-Furka DFB-Furka Pass |
4
6 |
1.5
1
2 |
Back to Realp by one of the hiking tracks
or by DFB-train, or Postauto.
Option: Furka pass-Hungerberg-Oberwald.
then Oberwald-Realp (MGB, tunnel) |
14
|
1.5
4
|
Postauto: check! usually only in operation during
Summer months!
After passing the little Station of the steam train "Dampfbahn Furka Bergstrecke" (DFB)
and the Golf
Reception area there are two trails for Furka:
|
to the left, passing the
site of the DFB maintenance area, crossing the DFB-Railway track and later
river Furka-Reuss, the path runs partly in sight
of the DFB railway
track. After the first ascent to Laubgaedem a sign points to a track
for Furkapass by way of Deieren (+ 1hr).
|
| The path straight on is a bit steeper. It will cross the
pass road a half a dozen times and rewards with excellent views down the
Urseren valley. After some 40 Minutes the track, after traversing the
pass road at a huge bend, goes over into a gravel road.
We proceed on that flat road for a while, until we reach a short descent
down to the river crossing at the concrete dam and Reservoir (the water is
feeding Goescheneralp lake). |
For
Tiefenbach Hotel use the track to the right, before crossing the river.
The last part then will be quite steep. (Presently, Fall 2002, the upper bridge,
near Tiefenbach DFB station is under repair).
For the continuation to Furka we choose the track on the left of the railway line,
after crossing the dam and the river.
The walk between track and Furkareuss continues on a rather moderate slope. Having reached Furka DFB station, the climb to Hotel Furkablick
will be very steep. Wooden poles provide General directions. |