The canton of Uri lies in Central Switzerland between Lake Lucerne and Gotthard Pass. It largely encompasses the catchment area of the upper Reuss and the southern part of Lake Lucerne; this includes the shore of Lake Uri from Seelisberg to Sisikon. The lakeshore, Reuss region, historic transport routes and mountain landscape offer different focuses for a trip. If you are planning an overnight stay, it helps to decide first whether museums and history, hiking trails or nature should take priority.
Hiking trails and historic transport routes
The north-south Route 3 covers the Flüelen–Andermatt section and runs via Tell’s Chapel, Flüelen, Altdorf, Erstfeld, Amsteg, Wassen and Göschenen to Andermatt. Before setting out on a specific tour, check route conditions and signage.
Uri has a 1,500-kilometre hiking trail network that includes famous Alpine passes and more than 60 mountain lakes. The official network distinguishes between mountain hiking trails, alpine hiking trails and winter hiking trails. These categories offer different types of trails to choose from, without requiring every tour to be planned in the same way. Also check local conditions before a hike.
Numerous historic transport routes in the canton of Uri have been preserved in their original condition, integrated into the public hiking trail network and used for tourism. The dry-stone walls along these routes provide valuable habitats for reptiles and rare plants that thrive in warm conditions. The routes thus bring together history and a direct appreciation of nature.
Reuss Delta and mountain landscape
The Reuss Delta is a nature reserve of national importance under the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments (BLN). It includes three protected islands and three islands used for swimming in summer; seasonal access for swimming may vary. The delta can be explored directly along the Swiss Path via an extensive network of hiking trails. The protected area, summer swimming islands and hiking trails reveal different aspects of the same landscape, with use of the swimming islands limited to the season.
The landscape beyond the delta is also described as diverse: Uri connects the Urner Reuss Valley with the high peaks of the Uri Alps, numerous side valleys, glaciers and mountain passes. According to Uri Tourism, the canton has almost 50 cableways open to the public for passenger transport; the organisation describes Uri as a cableway paradise.
Culture and history in Uri
Uri is also associated with the Rütli tradition: in 1291, representatives of the original cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden are said to have sworn the Rütli Oath there. Richard Kissling cast the Tell Monument in bronze in 1895. It was intended to honour William Tell and also to serve as a political manifesto. The monument’s Türmli can be visited free of charge without prior notice. As opening arrangements may change, check the latest information before your visit.
The Tell Museum displays historical and artistic documents, depictions and objects relating to William Tell from six centuries. An exhibition and a film installation also explore Tell. The Uri Historical Museum offers a different perspective on regional history: its collection includes religious art, portraits, a replica of the Erstfeld Celtic gold hoard, the Alemannic grave from Altdorf, models of Uri castles and traditional costumes, as well as materials on folk customs, popular piety and transport.
The Uri Historical Museum holds two special exhibitions each year and offers special programmes and guided tours for schools and families. If you are planning a museum visit, check the current exhibitions and programme dates in advance. Together, the two museums offer different perspectives: the Tell Museum focuses on one figure across several centuries, while the Uri Historical Museum brings together a broad range of art, everyday culture and regional connections.
Discover more destinations: Flüelen, Andermatt, Erstfeld, Göschenen, Spiringen, Hospental, Gurtnellen, Seelisberg, Altdorf, Isenthal, Realp, Wassen, Unterschächen, Bürglen, Attinghausen, Bauen, Silenen, Sisikon.
For the overarching travel overview: Switzerland.
