Follow in the Footsteps of William Tell: Exploring the Magic of Canton Uri
The mountainous Canton of Uri is a renowned tourist destination that fascinates with the variety of its offerings. Visiting the area, you will have the opportunity to experience the poetic scenery along the southern shores of the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake of the Four Cantons), the bucolic valleys of the hinterland, the karst mountains, immense forests, and small villages nestled here and there, often reachable only by cable car. Although it borders the cantons of Bern, Valais, Ticino, Graubünden, and Glarus, Uri is separated from them by mountain passes of over 2,000 meters. The only cantons with which it shares continuous exchange are its old companions of the Rütli Oath of 1291: Schwyz and Nidwalden.
It is no coincidence that Uri was the scene of the exploits of the legendary figure of William Tell, a central myth of the Swiss collective imagination. The story of Tell unfolds through highlights of the real history of Switzerland and the cantons overlooking the Vierwaldstättersee, stuffed with picturesque aspects more suited to folk tales. Even the most famous episode, that of the apple, stems from a concrete fact: the occupation of Uri by the Habsburgs at the end of the 13th century. The rest of the legend recounts the farmer William Tell defying the bailiff Hermann Gessler, showcasing his legendary archery skills, and inspiring the revolt against the Habsburgs.
Uri’s Attractions and Activities
Uri attracts countless visitors with its natural beauty and historical sites. The Vierwaldstättersee is a paradise for windsurfing and sailing in the summer, while the Swiss Path offers 35 kilometers of trekking opportunities. Enthusiasts of mountain biking, climbing, and skiing will also find plenty of options, particularly in the Val d’Orsera, which boasts 13 ski lifts and 75 kilometers of slopes.
The picturesque town of Flüelen is Uri’s most important settlement on the Vierwaldstättersee, offering excellent train and boat connections to Lucerne. Just north of Flüelen lies the Tellsplatte, marking the site of William Tell’s daring escape. Nearby is the Tellskapelle, the chapel dedicated to the hero, while in Altdorf, the Telldenkmal, a statue of Tell with his son, dominates the Rathausplatz.
Further into the canton, Andermatt (1,444 m) emerges as a year-round destination surrounded by the Alps. Skiers flock to the nearby Gemsstock (2,963 m) in winter, while trekkers enjoy the area in summer. Just beyond Andermatt lies the St. Gotthard Pass (2,108 m), with the National Museum of St. Gotthard offering fascinating insights into the region’s history. The Furka Pass (2,431 m) and the Oberalp Pass (2,044 m) further enhance Uri’s connectivity to neighboring regions.
Exploring the Swiss Path
The Weg der Schweiz, or “Swiss Path,” is a 35-kilometer route that begins in Brunnen and ends at the Rütli, winding along Lake Lucerne’s shores and through iconic places like Morschach, Sisikon, Flüelen, and Bauen. Its relative ease and spectacular views make it suitable for everyone, with the option of shortening the journey using the lake’s boats.
Climate in Uri
Thanks to Lake Lucerne, the climate is mild in the lower elevations, with average temperatures in Flüelen and Bauen ranging between 2°C and 4°C in winter and 17°C in summer. Higher altitudes, such as Andermatt, experience colder winters and cooler summers, with heavy snowfall in the colder months.
Transportation in Uri
Getting around Uri is seamless with trains, buses, trams, boats, and cable cars connecting even the most remote corners. Flüelen serves as the transportation hub, with excellent links to Brunnen, Andermatt, Zug, and Lucerne. The boat trip to Lucerne takes longer than the train but offers breathtaking views. For tourists, the Swiss Pass provides an excellent option, granting unlimited travel across all national transportation for durations ranging from 4 to 22 days.