Andermatt: 2 Days Hiking on the Gotthard Crystal Trek
Article updated on 16.09.25
The Gotthard Crystal Trek is a six-day alpine route in the Andermatt–Sedrun–Disentis region. While the full trek requires a week in the mountains, it’s entirely possible to hike just one section. We chose stages 2 and 3, from the Gotthard Pass to Tschamut, for a perfect two-day loop thanks to public transport.
🚍 PostBus from Andermatt to the Gotthard Pass
🥾 Day 1: Gotthard Pass → Vermigelhütte
🥾 Day 2: Vermigelhütte → Tschamut
🚃 Return by train to Andermatt
Day 1: From the Gotthard Pass to the Vermigelhütte
🥾 15 km | +1,160 m / -1,210 m
⏱️ About 6 hours
📍 Gotthard Pass – Sella Stausee – Gloggentürmli – Vorderes Loch – Gfallenenlücke – Vermigelhütte
🚩 Start at the Gotthard Pass
🛏️ Overnight at the Vermigelhütte
From Andermatt, a PostBus goes directly up to the Gotthard Pass (2,100 m), the starting point of stage 2. The trail begins gently along Lake Sella, then climbs on an old military road. Soon, the asphalt gives way to a steeper, narrower path leading up to the Gloggentürmli Pass. The view from here is splendid, with Lake Sella below and the striking rock formations around the pass.
From this point, the terrain takes on a more alpine character. The waymarks switch to blue-white: nothing extreme, but you do need to stay focused, especially when crossing boulders. After this section, the trail opens onto the Im Vorderen Loch plateau, at over 2,600 m, with its three glacial lakes, an ideal picnic spot.
A final climb leads to the Gfallenenlücke Pass, offering a sweeping panorama over the Gemsstock massif and a string of alpine lakes. The descent then brings you to the Vermigelhütte, a welcoming hut with the typical Swiss mountain refuge atmosphere: hearty meals, simple dormitories, and a warm, convivial ambiance for the night.
Gotthard Pass to the Vermigelhütte on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If on a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Day 2: From the Vermigelhütte to Tschamut
🥾 15.4 km | +1,180 m / -1,525 m
⏱️ About 5.5 hours
📍 Vermigelhütte – Lolenpass – Maighelshütte – Piz Cavradi (optional) – Lai da Curnera – Tschamut
🚩 Start at the Vermigelhütte
🚃 Train return from Tschamut to Andermatt
The next morning, the trail descends gently before zigzagging steeply upwards, with 47 switchbacks leading to the Lolenpass.
Below, the Maighelshütte comes into view, a perfect lunch stop. From there, experienced hikers can opt for a detour up to Piz Cavradi. The climb is steep and a bit technical, but the panoramic views are well worth the effort.
The descent on the Lai da Curnera side is long and rocky, eventually easing into the valley. Gradually, the landscape softens: alpine pastures, wooden chalets, and finally the village of Tschamut. Here, the river forms a natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip before hopping on the train back to Andermatt. A flawless loop without ever needing the car.
Vermigelhütte à Tschamut via le Piz Cavradi sur Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If on a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
In just two days, these stages offer a wonderful glimpse of the Gotthard Crystal Trek: high-altitude lakes, wild passes, a few more technical sections, and above all a true sense of remoteness, as the trails are rarely crowded. Logistics are simple (bus out, train back), making it a perfect trek for a long weekend.
You don’t need to hike all six stages to feel the magic of the Gotthard massif, this short section is already enough to experience a real alpine escape.
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