description The Devil's Bridge of Schöllenen Overview
The Devil's Bridge of Schöllenen is a Swiss legend associated with the bridges spanning the Reuss Gorge along the Gotthard route in the canton of Uri. In the tale, local people struggle to build a bridge across the dangerous gorge until they make a pact with the Devil, who demands the first living soul to cross it. The builders then send a goat, or in some variants a dog, across first in order to cheat him. The story belongs to a wider European tradition of Devil's Bridge legends that explain difficult or remarkable bridge construction.
help The Devil's Bridge of Schöllenen FAQ
What is the legend of the Devil's Bridge of Schöllenen?
The Devil's Bridge of Schöllenen is a famous Swiss legend explaining how a difficult bridge over the Reuss Gorge was built. According to the myth, the locals made a pact with the Devil to build the bridge in exchange for the soul of the first living being to cross it.
How did the Swiss outsmart the Devil at the Schöllenen bridge?
The clever locals outsmarted the Devil by sending a goat across the newly constructed bridge first instead of a human. Furious at being tricked, the Devil attempted to destroy the bridge by carrying a massive boulder to crush it, but he was stopped by a holy sign.
Where is the Devil's Bridge of Schöllenen located?
The legend is based on a real historical bridge located in the Schöllenen Gorge in the Swiss Alps. This treacherous gorge runs through the canton of Uri and is a crucial part of the historic Gotthard Pass route.
Is the massive boulder from the legend real?
Yes, the massive boulder that the Devil supposedly tried to throw at the bridge in the legend is a real geological feature. Known as the "Teufelsstein," it is an actual rock that was historically displayed near the gorge and is now kept in a local museum.
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