Silenen: Nature Trails and Uri’s Architectural Heritage

Silenen brings together nature, hiking trails and a distinctive architectural heritage. This lets you tailor your choices to the activities that matter for your trip.

The Wasserplatten Nature Area and Lake Golzern

At Wasserplatten, above Silenen, lies a typical Uri mountain farmstead. The property covers ten hectares and is situated at just over 1,100 metres above sea level. A survey conducted there in 2012 recorded 109 animal species and 175 plant species. The Wasserplatten Nature Conservation Centre serves as a base for courses, excursions, conferences, seminars, camps and practical work in the fields of nature and landscape. Visiting groups and school classes can book its rooms by the day for educational purposes; check availability before your trip.

Lake Golzern lies at 1,409 metres in the wider area around Silenen. It is set in a glacial hollow, surrounded by forest and offering views of the mountains. Swimming is possible there during the summer months. A path leads from the Bristen–Golzern cable car’s mountain station to the lake in about 20 minutes; it is accessible with a pushchair and wheelchair as far as the lakeshore.

Hiking and Other Trails

The Silenen High Trail leads from Chilcherberge to Golzern. The stated walking time is 2.5 hours; the actual duration may vary depending on conditions. Flower-filled mountain meadows, peaceful stretches of forest and views into the Reuss and Maderan valleys characterize the route. The Gotthard Hiking Trail runs along sections from Meitschligen via Ried and Amsteg to Silenen. A walking time is given for the high trail, while the Gotthard Hiking Trail is described by its sequence of places—two different points of reference for planning your day.

The Silenen Church and Chapel Trail is a hiking route through an impressive landscape, passing cable cars, inns and fire pits. On the return leg of the Valley Floor Bike Route, the dam path runs along the eastern side of the Reuss through Silenen and Ellbogen to the north.

Architectural Heritage in the Canton of Uri

The stone house northeast of the parish church is probably the oldest house in the canton of Uri that is still inhabited today. It is an example of a medieval castle complex transformed into a farmhouse and is of exceptional architectural-historical significance. The tower of the noble Freiherren von Silenen dates from the 12th century and was once a five-storey residential tower. Only the massive tower base remains of the medieval Zwing Uri castle complex.

The Old Sust House dates from 1549; the adjacent Sust was first mentioned in 1354. Goods were transferred and stored there, and muleteers and animals were supplied with food and drink. The parish church of St. Albin in Silenen was built between 1754 and 1756; its high altar is the work of Jodok Ritz. Partial excavations carried out during the church’s restoration also uncovered the remains of the walls of a Romanesque church dating from the 7th century.

The Chapel of the Fourteen Holy Helpers was built in 1081. After a fire in 1666, it was rebuilt and decorated with paintings. The various buildings thus offer glimpses into different periods: from the medieval residential tower and the converted stone house to the church and chapel.

More Experiences

Guided tours of the hydropower plant can be booked in Amsteg; advance registration is required. There, the water drops 280 metres onto three Pelton turbines.

The Selder Skatepark in Silenen has a street section and symmetrically built bowls. It is about a ten-minute walk from the Silenen Dägerlohn bus stop. The park officially opened on 12 August 2023; at the time of its opening, it was free to use for beginners and professionals.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Amsteg, Göschenen, Andermatt, Unterschächen, Bürglen, Wassen, Gurtnellen, Hospental.

Return to the main travel overview: Uri.