What if a hike didn’t just take you across mountains — but across a deal with the Devil?
That’s where this trail led me. Into snow, silence… and one of the most legendary places in Switzerland: the Teufelsbrücke.
This hike wasn’t just about distance or views.
It was about walking through something old — something powerful — where nature and myth still feel alive.
It started high in the snowy mountains above Andermatt, and ended deep in the Schöllenenschlucht gorge.
On the way down, I walked across snowfields, spotted a marmot between the rocks, and finally stood near the bridge where legend and history meet.
Let me take you through it.
🏔️ From the Snowy Peaks to the Devil’s Bridge
The hike started above Andermatt, high in the snowy mountains.
At 2300 meters, everything below looked so small — houses, roads, people. I felt far away from everyday life. Just snow, cold wind, and stillness.
Looking back from that height, I saw the full valley. That moment stayed with me. It made me feel both small and lucky — to be able to walk here, where so many can’t.
🐾 An Unexpected Encounter: The Alpine Marmot
As I moved down the rocky trail, I heard a sudden rustle.
There it was — an alpine marmot, standing still for a moment between two stones.
It looked at me, and I looked back. For a few seconds, we shared that space in silence. Then it disappeared as quietly as it had come.
It was a small moment, but it stayed with me — like the mountain wanted to say:
“You’re not walking alone.”
The Devil’s Bridge & the Schöllenenschlucht Legend
Then I entered the Schöllenenschlucht gorge — a deep valley carved by the River. The cliffs got taller. The sound of the river was loud.
And there it was: Teufelsbrücke — the Devil’s Bridge.
The legend says the people of Uri asked the Devil to help build a bridge across the river. He agreed — but wanted the soul of the first one to cross. The people tricked him by sending a goat. The Devil got angry and threw a huge rock, but a holy woman marked it with a cross. That rock, the Teufelsstein, is still there.
Crossing the bridge gave me chills. It’s just stone — but when you know the story, it feels like part of something much older.
💬 What I’ll Remember Most
After 5 hours and 1300 meters of descent, I arrived in Göschenen.
I was cold, a little tired — but full. Full of thoughts, sounds, and memories from the trail.
This hike reminded me why I love this blog project:
It’s not just about reaching the end.
It’s about the feeling — the mix of myth, mountains, and small quiet moments that stay with you long after you’re home.
📍 Trail Overview
Route: 2300 m ridge above Andermatt → Teufelsbrücke → Göschenen
Distance: 17.2 km
Elevation: +
627 m ↑ / -1326 m ↓
Time: ~5 hours
Best Season: Late spring to early autumn
Difficulty: Medium – steep downhill in some sections
Tip: Bring layers — snow is still possible, and the wind gets strong at higher points!
🧭 Continue the Journey
If this hike through legend and snow spoke to you, don’t stop here.
Each trail in the #sshike series follows a piece of Swiss myth, mystery, or history — all through my boots and lens.
Here’s where I’ve been so far:
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🌲 Hiking the Hidden Stories of Switzerland – where the journey began
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🇨🇭 Rütli Hike: Switzerland’s Historic Heartbeat – a walk through national origins
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🐉 Chasing Dragons: The Pilatus Hike – myth, mist, and mountains
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⚠️ Switzerland’s Most Dangerous Hike – beauty and risk meet
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👣 Hiking with a Giant: The Untold Story of Säntis – chasing a legend into the clouds
🚶♂️ Explore one — or follow the whole path.
🙌 Your Turn
Have you ever walked a trail that felt more like a story than a path?
Or crossed a place that made you stop and feel something ancient?
I’d love to hear your thoughts — drop a comment, share your own myth-filled hike, or tell me if you’ve ever visited the Devil’s Bridge yourself.
📸 You can also follow me on Instagram for more hikes, behind-the-scenes moments, and myth-filled trails:
👉 @swissmythhikes
Thanks for joining me on this journey.
See you on the next hike! 🥾🌫️✨
📝 Read, feel, and if you enjoyed it — share it.
Your support helps keep this journey going.
