Uri: Historic Trails, Culture and Mountain Landscapes
Accommodation in Uri
Uri is in Central Switzerland, between Lake Lucerne and the Gotthard Pass. The canton essentially encompasses the catchment area of the upper Reuss and the southern part of Lake Lucerne. On Lake Uri, the shoreline stretches from Seelisberg to Sisikon. This brings together lakeshores, the Reuss Valley and alpine landscapes in Uri.
The following impressions show the different ways you can shape a trip to the canton.
Trails through Uri and landscapes by the water
The North–South Route 3 includes the stretch from Flüelen to Andermatt. Its listed stops and waypoints are Tell Chapel, Flüelen, Altdorf, Erstfeld, Amsteg, Wassen and Göschenen, before the route reaches Andermatt. If you include this route in your travel plans, check the trail markings and conditions before setting out.
Uri has a 1,500-kilometre hiking trail network. It includes mountain hiking trails, alpine hiking trails and winter hiking trails, and the network takes in famous Alpine passes and more than 60 mountain lakes. The canton therefore offers several types of hiking trail. Plan each outing to suit your route and check local conditions before setting off. Uri Tourism describes the canton as a cable-car paradise and lists almost 50 public passenger cable cars.
The Reuss Delta also offers several specific nature and landscape features. It is a nature reserve of national importance under the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments (BLN). Three islands are protected, while three others serve as swimming islands in summer; access to the swimming islands may vary seasonally. An extensive hiking trail network makes it possible to explore the Reuss Delta directly along the Swiss Path. The delta also has a total of 16 ponds and pools. They are home to wetland plants, as well as common toads and alpine newts.
Culture, museums and historic transport routes
Historic transport routes are also part of the canton’s character. Many routes have been preserved in their original condition and incorporated into the public hiking trail network, where they are used for tourism. This connects the history of the transport routes with today’s trails, although not all sections have the same conditions.
Altdorf is home to the Tell Monument, cast in bronze by Richard Kissling in 1895. The adjoining TĂĽrmli tower can be visited free of charge, without restriction or advance booking. As visitor arrangements can change, it is advisable to check the latest access information before your visit.
The Uri Historical Museum displays religious art and portraits, a replica of the Erstfeld Celtic gold hoard, the Altdorf Alemannic grave and models of Uri castles. The collection also includes traditional costumes and materials relating to folk customs, popular piety and transport. Two special exhibitions are planned each year; check current exhibitions and programmes before visiting. The museum also offers special programmes and guided tours for schools and families.
The Tell Museum is dedicated to William Tell, with an exhibition and a film installation. On display are historical and artistic documents, depictions and objects relating to Tell from six centuries. The museum thus presents different ways of engaging with the same figure.
Schöllenen Gorge and the Swiss Path
Schöllenen Gorge is a legendary section of the historic Gotthard route. The Devil’s Bridge crosses the Reuss here. There is also a narrow, walkable tunnel through the mountain, and the historic stone bridge dating from 1830 can be crossed. Check seasonal access information before your visit. The Suvorov Monument is a two-minute walk from the car park and is freely accessible; you can also check local information in advance.
The Harderband Adventure Tunnel lies on the second stage of the Swiss Path, between Isleten and Bauen. The approximately 300-metre-long tunnel takes visitors through light, art and powerful words. On the ViaUrschweiz, hikers can try their hand at traditional crafts at various stops along the way. As the stations’ operating arrangements may change, it is a good idea to check what is currently available before your trip.
Uri therefore offers several different starting points for planning a trip: hiking trails and pass landscapes, the Reuss Delta, historic transport routes or museums. If you are looking for a hotel in Uri, you can first decide which of these themes matter for your stay, then tailor your search to your travel dates and personal requirements.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Flüelen, Andermatt, Erstfeld, Göschenen, Spiringen, Hospental, Gurtnellen, Seelisberg, Altdorf, Isenthal, Realp, Wassen, Unterschächen, Bürglen, Attinghausen, Bauen, Silenen, Sisikon.
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