---
title: "Urserenwald forest educational trail"
url: "https://www.luzern.com/en/tour/urserenwald-forest-educational-trail"
description: "From the village bridge, the path leads via Mariahilf Chapel to the entrance of the protective forest. On the hike through Urserenwald, you encounter several information boards that provide a lot of interesting information about the protective forest and its function. The destination, Gurschenalp with the chairlift station, is reached soon after the tree line. From the path, you then walk to the large cross at Mändli, directly below a cable car mast, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Urserntal. After a rest, you descend the 'Gigen' back to Andermatt. The narrower trail passes plants, meadows, and streams. Along the way, you can enjoy a view of Hospental and the mountain scenery. The forest above Andermatt has had special significance for centuries and was already placed under protection in 1397. The reason for this: The forest offered and still offers protection against avalanches, rockfalls, and floods."
language: "en"
type: "SportsActivityLocation"
image: "https://dam.destination.one/2779536/2ee72b2892e866db0b6a207ee366149fb56b4e7ec174b0fcfdc47e1fb32c87c7/.jpg"
breadcrumb: "Root > Welcome to Lucerne > Special > Destination.Data Details > Tour"
---

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Urserenwald forest educational trail
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- Tip
- 8.32 km long
- Round trip
- Difficulty: difficult
- Condition: very difficult
- Theme trail

- 2:20 h
- 8.32 km
- 600 m
- 607 m
- 1,436 m
- 2,212 m
- 776 m
- 
- Start: Andermatt train station
- Destination: Andermatt train station

For over 700 years, the protected forest has shielded the people of Andermatt from avalanches, rockfalls, and floods. The themed route offers an interesting insight into the protected forest.

From the village bridge, the path leads via Mariahilf Chapel to the entrance of the protective forest. On the hike through Urserenwald, you encounter several information boards that provide a lot of interesting information about the protective forest and its function. The destination, Gurschenalp with the chairlift station, is reached soon after the tree line. From the path, you then walk to the large cross at Mändli, directly below a cable car mast, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Urserntal. After a rest, you descend the 'Gigen' back to Andermatt. The narrower trail passes plants, meadows, and streams. Along the way, you can enjoy a view of Hospental and the mountain scenery.

The forest above Andermatt has had special significance for centuries and was already placed under protection in 1397.  The reason for this: The forest offered and still offers protection against avalanches, rockfalls, and floods.

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Good to know
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Pavements

Street (10%)

Asphalt (5%)

Trail (5%)

Path (80%)

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec

Directions

Andermatt train station – Mariahilf Chapel – Urserenwald – Mändli – Gurschenalp - Gigenstafel - Andermatt train station

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Tour information

- Circular trail
- Culturally interesting
- Nature highlight
- Refreshment stop
- Tour with dog

Equipment

- Clothing suitable for the weather
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles are recommended
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Day backpack

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Directions & Parking facilities

**Getting there**

In summer, Andermatt is easily accessible from all four cardinal directions and is therefore a pleasant starting point.

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**Parking**

In Andermatt, directly behind the train station, there is a large parking lot.

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**Public transportation**

Andermatt is the connection point of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and is therefore very well accessible by train. The schedule is as follows:

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Additional information

The Andermatt-Gurschen aerial cableway is not in operation during the summer. Further information about the mountain railways can be found

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Author

Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus GmbH

Organization

Région de vacances Andermatt

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

- Visit Mariahilf Chapel
- Plan a detour to the Flies barbecue area
- Viewpoint Mändli
- Additional loop to the Gurschen middle station

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Safety guidelines

- Spring and autumn: observe wildlife protection zones
- Pay attention to weather forecasts. In the Alps, the weather can change quickly.
- In early summer, yaks (mother cow husbandry) can be found in the "Gigen" area. During this time, walking the trail is not recommended. We kindly ask you to take the alternative trail via St. Anna Forest to Hospental.

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Nearby
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- Event
    
    
    - Culinary delights
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    - Handicraft
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    - Disco
- Place of interest
    
    
    - Museum
- Tours
    
    8.20 km
    
    
    - Theme trail
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    3.68 km
    
    
    - Theme trail
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    2.56 km
    
    
    - Theme trail

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