Winter Hiking Trail 512: Ursern Valley

2:25 h
9.33 km
111 m
9 m
1,431 m
1,539 m
108 m
Start: Andermatt Train Station
Destination: Realp Train Station

The winter hiking trail between Andermatt and Realp runs along the Reuss through the valley plain. It passes by Hospental with its striking 'Turm der Herren' (Tower of the Lords).

The winter hiking trail through the Ursern Valley starts in Andermatt and first follows the young Reuss River to Marcht. From there, it continues along the river, passing Hospental with its widely visible 13th-century tower.

You can enjoy a beautiful view far beyond the Ursern Valley after Hospental at the Richleren stalls, which are suitable for a short rest. Equally worthwhile is a stop in Zumdorf, officially declared the smallest village in Switzerland. Founded by the Walser people, the place is a gem with a baroque chapel, two barns, a residential and two holiday houses, as well as a quaint restaurant. This is operated by the only family currently living year-round in Zumdorf. Until 1851, the tiny village had 50 inhabitants. But then it was buried under a massive avalanche—an accident from which it never fully recovered.

After Zumdorf, the trail continues along the Reuss riverbank towards the destination in Realp.

Pavements

Street

Trail

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

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

Directions

Andermatt Train Station - Giessen - Meer - Rüssenbiel - Tendlen - Bielti - Richleren - Zumdorf - Widen - Steinbergen - Realp Train Station

Tour information

Stop at an Inn

Equipment

Good footwear, warm clothing. Possibly a daypack if you want to picnic along the way.

Directions & Parking facilities

On the motorway, you reach Göschenen. There, take the exit towards Andermatt. You reach Andermatt through the Schöllenen Gorge.

You are more likely to find parking in winter in both Hospental and Gurtnellen than in Andermatt. Parking is free in Hospental, charged in Realp. In Andermatt, a large parking garage is available at the entrance.

You can easily reach Andermatt and Realp with the Gotthard-Matterhorn Railway.

Author

Markus Fehlmann

Organization

Verein Urner Wanderwege

Website

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

You are welcome to do the route in reverse as well. To shorten it, you can take the train from Hospental to Andermatt.

Safety guidelines

Bring warm clothing. You will spend almost three hours outdoors in the middle of winter.

Map

Uri hiking and biking map, Gotthard sheet