Hike from Bristen to Sedrun via the Gotthard Tunnel

You start this hike at the Golzern-Talstation in the small town of Bristen in Canton Uri. As it is a point-to-point hike, I recommend to use public transportation. The journey from Amsteg to Bristen is already an adventure by itself: the road is so narrow that other vehicles cannot cross, so that the bus driver carries you up on the brink. Not for the faint-hearted.

Once in Bristen you start with the first steep climb, which takes you through a shady forest. Afterwards the trail takes you moderate ahead next to a gently stream, which its soothing splashing gives you a meditative mood. Hard to believe, that the Gotthard base tunnel runs underneath us.

Before it gets steep again you cross the alp Hinterer Etzliboden, where lucky cows grazing in the valley between massive mountains. The trail goes on and gets exhausting. In zigzag you reach Alp Gulmen. 

After a rest with nice vista it‘s time to walk on and the direction is obvious: up and on. Soon you get to a crossing place, where you could reach the Etzli hut if you would choose rightward; but you will go to the left. The trail gets steep again and leads you through rocky boulders up to the Chrüzlipass, the highest point on this hike. After 1400 meters (4600 feet) ascent you have the right to calm down and enjoy the breathtaking view. Feel free to Yodel.

From now on there‘s only one way: downhill through Val Strem (Strem Valley) till you reach the ending point in Sedrun. And first it‘s steep again, not dangerous but surely you need agility. Especially if you do this trek in one day, you will feel the high elevation gain from the climb burning in your legs.

If you want to do this trek in two days you can either choose to stay overnight in the Etzli hut, which is a nice option, because they got a hot pool. Or for a bit more of an adventure you choose the open sky option with the bivy.