Via Ferrata Diavolo, Andermatt, Uri

Features

For beginners or children, even if, as the Little Prince said in a whisper, many adults are still kids at heart...
The whole route overlooks the famous Devil's Bridge.

A truly spectacular itinerary through the granite of the Schöllenen, interspersed with grassy sections.

ViaFerrata Tips and Tricks

Warning: the route is equipped with 265 stakes/pitons and not metal steps. This can be dangerous in wet conditions.

Account for half a day to complete this via ferrata, and then zoom in your car, past the Susten pass and to the Tälli refuge (it is not very far). That way in the afternoon you'll be able to do the Talli ferrata and so pass from granite to limestone...my what a grand idea for a week-end that is... This option is only for those who have strength and are in good physical condition.

Because of the stakes/pitons that are used instead of the traditional steps, make sure you take good hiking shoes.

Grade

Information

Office du Tourisme d'Andermatt.

Length and Altitude

Start: 1'410 m
Finish: 1'860 m

Elevation Gain: 450 m

GPS Coordinates

Time of Year

Mid-June to October

Timing

Approach: 10 minutes
Ferrata: 1h30
Way back: 45 minutes

By Car

1km before Andermatt at the Devil's bridge site.

You can get there by leaving the Lucerne-Lugano highway just before the north entrance of the Gothard tunnel (Göschnen exit) and by taking the pass road (highway exit- devil's bridge = about 8km).

By Train

Take the Furka-Oberalp train from Göschenen to Andermatt. 20 short minutes by foot, and there you go, you already feel the via ferrata air (Devil's Bridge)
Contact the SBB, for train schedules and fares.

Access

From the Andermatt station via the main road (there is a sign) by l'Urner Loch to the Schöllenen gorge.

The start of the via is near the devil's bridge bistro next to the monument in the memory of Souvarov's army (50 meters on foot from the road and the parking!)

Via Ferrata

The via ferrata takes place in this magic all granite setting, with some grassy sections that are steep and slippery at times if the conditions are wet.

The cable covers the entire length of the route. There are some bars, quite a lot of pitons, and 2 ladders. And for your pleasure there are no "muscle-man" sections.

2/3 of the way is a little bench where you can take a break. The view is especially worthwhile... The setting is absolutely splendid, a river winds its way through a gorge against the backdrop of high alpine summits.

A long un-secured traverse leads to the final section of the itinerary (gold book): a couloir, a rocky exposed angle and to finish a vertical ladder, and then we arrive on the edge of the Tüfelstalboden (env. 1860m). Just a bit higher is the welcome air of a nice break under the Uri flag with a view on the granite peaks of the Salbitschijen.

Way Back

From the end of the via ferrata, the path is well marked (white/red/white markings)  to go back down to Andermatt, and then go along the road to get back to the car, all of this (the way down) takes about 45 minutes.

Where to Spend the Night

Since authorities have let a big eyesore in the form of the oversized (but empty) Palace be built, it is difficult to find affordable accomodations in this area.

We tried out the Youth Hostel 5km from Andermatt: Walchwilerhus, Gotthardstrasse, 6493 Hospental. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's really nice inside and the staff was really friendly.
Tel. +41 (0)41 759 80 10

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