4.5
(1028)
8,223
riders
85
rides
Mountain biking around Gurtnellen, nestled in the Urner Alps, offers a diverse range of terrain for riders. The region is characterized by an alpine environment with trails varying from steep gravel roads and technical singletracks to rooty forest paths and rocky sections. Panoramic views of the Urner Reusstal, Lake Lucerne, and surrounding Alps are common along many routes. Mountain lakes like Arnisee and high moorlands add to the natural features encountered.
Last updated: August 3, 2026
4.7
(30)
219
riders
27.2km
03:01
1,050m
1,050m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.4
(19)
142
riders
24.0km
03:00
1,000m
1,000m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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4.2
(33)
169
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(12)
155
riders
46.7km
03:19
680m
680m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(6)
75
riders
19.1km
01:20
100m
100m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Gurtnellen
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The historic A Pro Castle with its distinctive tower and beautiful grounds is a real eye-catcher in Seedorf. A worthwhile short detour on the MTB tour and a beautiful contrast to the alpine landscape around Lake Uri.
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At the mouth of the Schächen, the mountain river meets the Urnersee. A beautiful, natural section with a wide view over the water and the surrounding mountains – ideal for a short break on the MTB tour.
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Walter-Tresch, Hiking and biking trails, Maderanertal, Balmenegg Maderanertal | A 700-meter long trail of medium difficulty was opened just in time for the 2021 tourism season. The new trail closes the gap in the existing Route 412. This leads from Bristen via Legni to the Hotel Maderanertal and from there down to Alp Gufern and back to Bristen via Niederchäsern, Alp Stössi, Herrenlimi. At the Hotel Maderanertal, former ski World Cup racer Walter Tresch welcomed many dignitaries, former athletes, family members and friends last Friday – including former Federal Councillor Adolf Ogi, Maria Walliser and Bernhard Russi from skiing, multiple world champion Bruno Risi from cycling, Gregor Furrer from Völkl Schweiz AG and Aline Epp, an U17 biker from Bristen. From the municipal authority of Silenen, President Hermann Epp and Vice-President Willy Lussmann were present. Strengthened after a delicious lunch with Älplermagronen, the approximately 30 guests set off on the 700-meter-long trail by bike or as hikers. The hiking and biking trail was realized in cooperation with the Walter Tresch Sportstiftung, the municipality of Silenen, the canton of Uri and with the support of the civil organization Uri, as well as professional construction management. A considerable financial contribution came from the Sportstiftung, with the remaining costs covered by the municipality of Silenen and the canton of Uri. The course of the existing path was not changed, only the curves were adapted. The individual sections of the path were signposted with names from World Cup downhill runs: "Mausefalle", "Ziel-S", "Kanonenrohr". Walter Tresch describes the difficulty level of the hiking and biking trail as "medium". The trail is suitable for all bikers who want to experience a beautiful route in the Maderanertal. Text / Source: Urner Wochenblatt, 145th year, No. 47, Wednesday, June 16, 2021 https://silenen.ch/uploads/pdf/Artikel-UW-v.-16.06.2021.pdf https://silenen.ch/uploads/pdf/Artikel-UZ-v.-14.06.2021.pdf
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E-Bike charging station, Hotel Maderanertal, Balmenegg bike-energy charging station LINE L5B - connection for 5 e-bikes. You can easily rent the right charging cable for your e-bike on site. Text / Source: Hotel Maderanertal, Balmenegg, 6475 Bristen https://hotelmaderanertal.jimdofree.com/ladestation-e-bike/
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Hotel Maderanertal, Balmenegg, Bristen since 1864 at 1349 m above sea level. The venerable Hotel Maderanertal (Chersolon) in Balmenegg has a eventful history behind it. The hotel " Zum Schweizerischen Alpenclub ", as it was called back then, was built in 1864 by Albin Indergand, hotelier and government councillor from Amsteg, and his wife Rosa, née Burkhardt from Basel. It was in the time when the Anglo-Saxons and the lowlanders discovered the mountains and scrambled up the mountain peaks in droves in their free time. At the request of his Basel mountain friends, who mostly belonged to the recently founded SAC, Albin Indergand named the hotel " Zum Schweizerischen Alpenclub " instead of the originally planned " Zum Balmenwald ", without this creating any dependency or obligation towards the SAC. Soon the house no longer met the demands and the influx of the ever-growing number of guests. In 1869, the so-called Dépendance was built. It was followed by another new building, the Villa. In the following years, the hotel complex in Balmenegg was increasingly expanded. Soon there was a bakery, a skittle alley, and a post office. On a hill above the buildings, a charming little church was built in 1888, where, in addition to the Catholic service, an Anglican service was always held due to the numerous English guests. Text / Source: Hotel Maderanertal, Balmenegg, 6475 Bristen https://hotelmaderanertal.jimdofree.com/
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beautiful valley for spending time outdoors
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From Vorder Bärchi, the route descends steeply on a cart track. From Unter Bärchi, I had to push my bike in a few places. Still, it's a very worthwhile option for getting to Bauen.
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Many pedestrians drive considerately
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Gurtnellen, located in the Urner Alps, offers a diverse alpine environment. You'll encounter everything from steep gravel roads and technical singletracks to rooty forest paths and rocky sections. This variety ensures an engaging experience for different skill levels.
There are over 80 mountain bike trails around Gurtnellen. These include 8 easy routes, 24 moderate routes, and 55 difficult routes, catering to a wide range of abilities.
While many trails in Gurtnellen are challenging, there are 8 routes classified as easy. For a moderate option that is often enjoyed by those looking for a less strenuous ride, consider the Schächen confluence – Pretty, easy S0 trail loop from 14-Nothelfer-Kapelle, which covers 21.1 miles with a relatively gentle elevation gain.
The region is known for its spectacular panoramic views of the Urner Reusstal, Lake Lucerne, and surrounding Alps. You can also explore picturesque mountain lakes like Arnisee. Notable highlights in the area include the Pazolastock Summit and the impressive Titlis Cliff Walk Suspension Bridge.
Yes, for routes with views of Lake Uri, you might enjoy the Schächen confluence – View of Lake Uri from Bärchi loop from Silenen. This moderate 29.0-mile trail provides excellent vistas of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
The best time to mountain bike in Gurtnellen is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when trails are clear of snow and weather conditions are most favorable for alpine riding. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Yes, cable cars, particularly to Arnisee from Amsteg and Intschi, make higher-altitude starting points easily accessible. This allows mountain bikers to enjoy more descents and explore varied terrain without excessive uphill pedaling if desired.
The mountain bike trails in Gurtnellen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 950 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, challenging climbs, and the breathtaking alpine scenery, especially around Arnisee.
Absolutely. Gurtnellen is home to 55 difficult mountain bike routes. A popular choice for experienced riders is the Maderanertal Bike, a 17.0-mile difficult trail featuring significant elevation gain through alpine landscapes.
Yes, the region offers several mountain huts that can serve as stops for refreshments. For example, near Arnisee, you'll find mountain guesthouses. Other notable huts in the wider area include Badushütte SAC, Maighelshütte, Windgällen Hut, and Salbithütte.
Beyond the stunning mountain views, you'll encounter picturesque mountain lakes like Arnisee and ride through beautiful raised moorlands, providing a unique ecological experience alongside the physical challenge.
Yes, Gurtnellen has 24 moderate routes. The Schächen confluence – Tunnel on the Hohe Weg loop from Silenen is a moderate 13.8-mile route that offers a balanced ride with interesting features and scenic sections.


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