Most people know Göschenen from passing through it. Unjustly so, as taking a break here is well worthwhile for culture and nature lovers.

The Teufelsstein (Devil’s Stone) stands at the entrance to Göschenen village, a monument to the construction of the legend-steeped Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) over the cavernous Schöllenschlucht gorge, the last obstacle on the so important north-south trade route across the Alps. Gorge and bridge are the true landmarks of Göschenen. The village’s most turbulent time was the period from 1872 to 1882 when the Gotthard tunnel was built – by far the longest railway tunnel in the world at that time. Overnight, the tiny mountain village was transformed into a settlement with thousands of foreign workers. The next milestone followed almost 100 years later: the world’s longest road tunnel, 16.3 km in length, was opened after ten years of construction.

Stretching to the west of Göschenen, away from the flow of traffic, is the Göscheneralptal valley with reservoir, a charming recreational area dominated by the 3630 m-high Dammastock. Craggy granite walls contrast with gentle moors and ponds. Five SAC mountain huts provide starting points or stage destinations for one or several-day hikes and climbing tours in an impressive mountain world. In winter ski tourers will find a wide choice of rewarding summits.