Municipality of Andermatt
Description
History has been written in Andermatt for centuries. The main town of the holiday region lies at 1444 metres above sea level and has roughly the same number of inhabitants. Its central location in the Alpine passes has been known and heavily frequented since Roman times. The Gotthard Pass offered the easiest connection between north and south, as there was only one mountain pass to cross.
In the 13th century, the Walser people in the Ursern Valley made it possible to build the first bridge through the Schöllenen Gorge, later known as the Devil's Bridge. This promoted trade considerably and consolidated Andermatt as a strategically important location. The muleteer era flourished for centuries.
Andermatt became interesting for tourists in the 18th century thanks to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who praised the mountain village. During the war of 1799, the Russian General Suvorov brought attention to the region. The era of stagecoaches over the Gotthard began in 1840. Today, the historic stagecoach is a reminder of this era.
In the 20th century, military personnel moved to Andermatt and remained stationed here until the 1990s. The Sasso San Gottardo fortress is now open to visitors and provides an insight into this period.
In the new millennium, one of Switzerland's most important tourism projects was realised: Egyptian investor Samih Sawiris is developing a new resort next to the historic village centre and modernising the ski area by linking it with Sedrun.
History has been written in Andermatt for centuries. The main town of the holiday region lies at 1444 metres above sea level and has roughly the same number of inhabitants. Its central location in the Alpine passes has been known and heavily frequented since Roman times. The Gotthard Pass offered the easiest connection between north and south, as there was only one mountain pass to cross.
In the 13th century, the Walser people in the Ursern Valley made it possible to build the first bridge through the Schöllenen Gorge, later known as the Devil's Bridge. This promoted trade considerably and consolidated Andermatt as a strategically important location. The muleteer era flourished for centuries.
Andermatt became interesting for tourists in the 18th century thanks to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who praised the mountain village. During the war of 1799, the Russian General Suvorov brought attention to the region. The era of stagecoaches over the Gotthard began in 1840. Today, the historic stagecoach is a reminder of this era.
In the 20th century, military personnel moved to Andermatt and remained stationed here until the 1990s. The Sasso San Gottardo fortress is now open to visitors and provides an insight into this period.
In the new millennium, one of Switzerland's most important tourism projects was realised: Egyptian investor Samih Sawiris is developing a new resort next to the historic village centre and modernising the ski area by linking it with Sedrun.
Contact information
- Suvorov Monument
The imposing Suvorov Monument at the Devil's Bridge commemorates the battles of 1799 in the Schöllenen Gorge. It honours the Russian General Alexander Suvorov and his fallen soldiers.
Suvorov Monument
The imposing Suvorov Monument at the Devil's Bridge commemorates the battles of 1799 in the Schöllenen Gorge. It honours the Russian General Alexander Suvorov and his fallen soldiers.
- Chapel Maria Hilf
The Maria Hilf Chapel towers above Andermatt and offers a beautiful view over the Ursern Valley. It was built in 1735/1736 and commemorates the avalanche winter of 1720. To this day, it is considered a symbol of protection, gratitude and faith.
Chapel Maria Hilf
The Maria Hilf Chapel towers above Andermatt and offers a beautiful view over the Ursern Valley. It was built in 1735/1736 and commemorates the avalanche winter of 1720. To this day, it is considered a symbol of protection, gratitude and faith.
- Lutersee Fire Pit
The Lutersee fire pit is located at around 2,350 meters above sea level, above the Oberalp Pass. It is easily accessible via a varied hike from the Schneehüenerstock mountain station, Gütsch, or the Oberalp Pass.
Lutersee Fire Pit
The Lutersee fire pit is located at around 2,350 meters above sea level, above the Oberalp Pass. It is easily accessible via a varied hike from the Schneehüenerstock mountain station, Gütsch, or the Oberalp Pass.
- Playground at the senior centre
The playground in the garden of the Andermatt senior citizens' and health centre has a climbing tower, slide and swings. Benches invite you to linger and socialise between the generations.
Playground at the senior centre
The playground in the garden of the Andermatt senior citizens' and health centre has a climbing tower, slide and swings. Benches invite you to linger and socialise between the generations.
- Historic village centre of Andermatt
The historic village centre of Andermatt enchants with its charm. A stroll through the alleyways reveals a fascinating mix of bygone times and modern architecture.
Historic village centre of Andermatt
The historic village centre of Andermatt enchants with its charm. A stroll through the alleyways reveals a fascinating mix of bygone times and modern architecture.
- Village fountain
The historic village fountain in front of the town hall in Andermatt dates back to 1581. The octagonal basin bearing the Urschner coat of arms and the fountain column with its bear figure continue to dominate the village landscape to this day.
Village fountain
The historic village fountain in front of the town hall in Andermatt dates back to 1581. The octagonal basin bearing the Urschner coat of arms and the fountain column with its bear figure continue to dominate the village landscape to this day.
- Piazza Gottardo
Piazza Gottardo combines history with modern architecture: once a glacial lake, it now stands on stabilised ground. The Alpenrose apartment block is a striking feature, with its distinctive façade and artistically designed shutters.
Piazza Gottardo
Piazza Gottardo combines history with modern architecture: once a glacial lake, it now stands on stabilised ground. The Alpenrose apartment block is a striking feature, with its distinctive façade and artistically designed shutters.
- Bench Gändli
Nowhere easier than at the ‘Gändli’ bench: lean back and enjoy the stunning view.
Bench Gändli
Nowhere easier than at the ‘Gändli’ bench: lean back and enjoy the stunning view.
- Lake Oberalp
The picturesque Lake Oberalp is easily accessible by car, bike, on foot or with the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. Its clear, oxygen-rich water offers ideal conditions for trout and arctic char.
Lake Oberalp
The picturesque Lake Oberalp is easily accessible by car, bike, on foot or with the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. Its clear, oxygen-rich water offers ideal conditions for trout and arctic char.
- Steinmandli ‘Human Nature’
The seven-metre-high stone sculpture ‘Steinmandli Human Nature’ by artist Ugo Rondinone welcomes visitors at the entrance to the village of Andermatt. The modern landmark combines Alpine tradition with contemporary art.
Steinmandli ‘Human Nature’
The seven-metre-high stone sculpture ‘Steinmandli Human Nature’ by artist Ugo Rondinone welcomes visitors at the entrance to the village of Andermatt. The modern landmark combines Alpine tradition with contemporary art.
- Tennis court
There are two outdoor tennis courts in Andermatt, one of which is floodlit.
Tennis court
There are two outdoor tennis courts in Andermatt, one of which is floodlit.
- Evangelical-Reformed Valley Church Ursern
The Reformed Ursern Church was built in 1914/1915 for Protestant soldiers and employees in the Ursern Valley. The ‘soldiers' church’ on Bahnhofstrasse is a simple traditional building with a half-hipped roof and octagonal tower.
Evangelical-Reformed Valley Church Ursern
The Reformed Ursern Church was built in 1914/1915 for Protestant soldiers and employees in the Ursern Valley. The ‘soldiers' church’ on Bahnhofstrasse is a simple traditional building with a half-hipped roof and octagonal tower.
- Sunny chair on the Kirchberg
Attraction with a view: the wooden sun lounger on the Kirchberg guarantees powerful moments.
Sunny chair on the Kirchberg
Attraction with a view: the wooden sun lounger on the Kirchberg guarantees powerful moments.
- Church of St Kolumban
The parish church of St Kolumban in Andermatt, originally built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 13th century, is the most important Romanesque sacred building in the canton of Uri.
Church of St Kolumban
The parish church of St Kolumban in Andermatt, originally built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 13th century, is the most important Romanesque sacred building in the canton of Uri.
- Village school playground
The playground at the village schoolhouse in Andermatt, in the centre of the village, invites children to play with wooden blocks and climb the hanging ladder. The picnic table offers space for a break.
Village school playground
The playground at the village schoolhouse in Andermatt, in the centre of the village, invites children to play with wooden blocks and climb the hanging ladder. The picnic table offers space for a break.
- St Michael’s Chapel
St Michael’s Chapel is closely linked to the history of Andermatt’s cemetery. Expanded several times since the 16th century, the chapel and its surroundings bear witness to the village’s eventful history and invite visitors to pause and reflect.
St Michael’s Chapel
St Michael’s Chapel is closely linked to the history of Andermatt’s cemetery. Expanded several times since the 16th century, the chapel and its surroundings bear witness to the village’s eventful history and invite visitors to pause and reflect.
- Eiboden Playground
The playground in Eiboden near Andermatt Reuss offers both adults and children a welcoming environment for playing, relaxing, or having a barbecue.
Eiboden Playground
The playground in Eiboden near Andermatt Reuss offers both adults and children a welcoming environment for playing, relaxing, or having a barbecue.
- St Peter’s House
The former St Peter’s Chapel in Andermatt dates back to 1448. After an eventful history, it was converted from a place of worship into a residential house. To this day, its original forms and individual historical details are still clearly recognisable.
St Peter’s House
The former St Peter’s Chapel in Andermatt dates back to 1448. After an eventful history, it was converted from a place of worship into a residential house. To this day, its original forms and individual historical details are still clearly recognisable.
- Fireplace Rohr
The Rohr circular trail leads from Andermatt to the idyllic Rohr barbecue site on the Unteralpreuss. Ideal for a break during the hike, the site offers a barbecue, firewood, a Hollywood swing and a large table.
Fireplace Rohr
The Rohr circular trail leads from Andermatt to the idyllic Rohr barbecue site on the Unteralpreuss. Ideal for a break during the hike, the site offers a barbecue, firewood, a Hollywood swing and a large table.
- Fireplace Schöllenen
The Schöllenen fireplace is located between Göschenen and Andermatt. Surrounded by vertical rock faces, the panoramic spot invites you to linger and marvel. If you stop here, you will feel the Gotthard legend up close.
Fireplace Schöllenen
The Schöllenen fireplace is located between Göschenen and Andermatt. Surrounded by vertical rock faces, the panoramic spot invites you to linger and marvel. If you stop here, you will feel the Gotthard legend up close.
- Village bridge
The Chapel of St. John once stood near the present-day village bridge in Andermatt. It served as a wayside chapel for travellers on their way over the Gotthard and Oberalp Passes and was demolished in 1820 due to dilapidation.
Village bridge
The Chapel of St. John once stood near the present-day village bridge in Andermatt. It served as a wayside chapel for travellers on their way over the Gotthard and Oberalp Passes and was demolished in 1820 due to dilapidation.
- Schöllenen Gorge
The Schöllenen Gorge, which leads from Göschenen to Andermatt, is a place full of myths and history. The Schöllenen circular route leads past steep rock faces, the legendary Devil's Bridge and brings the myth of the Gotthard to life.
Schöllenen Gorge
The Schöllenen Gorge, which leads from Göschenen to Andermatt, is a place full of myths and history. The Schöllenen circular route leads past steep rock faces, the legendary Devil's Bridge and brings the myth of the Gotthard to life.
- Totem
Lori Hersberger’s ‘Totem’ stands next to the Swiss House on the golf course in Andermatt. The internationally acclaimed artist is known for his installations featuring light and mirrors.
Totem
Lori Hersberger’s ‘Totem’ stands next to the Swiss House on the golf course in Andermatt. The internationally acclaimed artist is known for his installations featuring light and mirrors.
- Fireplace Flies
The fire crackles and it smells delicious. The Flies fireplace is located around half a kilometre outside Andermatt. The inviting picnic area by the stream is about a 20-minute walk from the railway station.
Fireplace Flies
The fire crackles and it smells delicious. The Flies fireplace is located around half a kilometre outside Andermatt. The inviting picnic area by the stream is about a 20-minute walk from the railway station.
- St Wendelin’s Chapel
St Wendelin’s Chapel above Andermatt dates back to the 16th century. After an eventful history, it was re-consecrated in 1983.
St Wendelin’s Chapel
St Wendelin’s Chapel above Andermatt dates back to the 16th century. After an eventful history, it was re-consecrated in 1983.
- Collection point Andermatt municipality
The Andermatt municipal collection centre offers an environmentally friendly way to dispose of and recycle various materials.
Collection point Andermatt municipality
The Andermatt municipal collection centre offers an environmentally friendly way to dispose of and recycle various materials.
- Andermatt railway station
Andermatt railway station is on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway network and is the starting point for journeys to Graubünden and Valais.
Andermatt railway station
Andermatt railway station is on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway network and is the starting point for journeys to Graubünden and Valais.
- Nätschen Station
The Nätschen train station offers direct access to the hiking and skiing area above Andermatt. The mid-station of the Gütsch Express, restaurants, and sun terraces are all in close proximity.
Nätschen Station
The Nätschen train station offers direct access to the hiking and skiing area above Andermatt. The mid-station of the Gütsch Express, restaurants, and sun terraces are all in close proximity.
- Flute player Faun
The sculpture by the village bridge in Andermatt depicts the flute player ‘Faun’, the Roman shepherd god known as ‘Pan’ in Greek mythology. Faun is a hybrid of human and goat and symbolises the god of the forest and nature.
Flute player Faun
The sculpture by the village bridge in Andermatt depicts the flute player ‘Faun’, the Roman shepherd god known as ‘Pan’ in Greek mythology. Faun is a hybrid of human and goat and symbolises the god of the forest and nature.
- Devil's Bridge
The Devil's Bridge, which was built of wood in the 13th century and replaced by a stone bridge in 1585, spans the Schöllenen Gorge and enables passage over the Gotthard Pass. The current bridge dates back to 1956.
Devil's Bridge
The Devil's Bridge, which was built of wood in the 13th century and replaced by a stone bridge in 1585, spans the Schöllenen Gorge and enables passage over the Gotthard Pass. The current bridge dates back to 1956.
- Ursern Town Hall
Ursern Town Hall was built in 1583 and rebuilt in 1767 after a fire. Today it houses the Ursern Corporation and the district court and reflects the history of the valley.
Ursern Town Hall
Ursern Town Hall was built in 1583 and rebuilt in 1767 after a fire. Today it houses the Ursern Corporation and the district court and reflects the history of the valley.
- Bellevue playground
The Bellevue playground is located directly opposite Andermatt railway station in a quiet location - hidden among the trees.
Bellevue playground
The Bellevue playground is located directly opposite Andermatt railway station in a quiet location - hidden among the trees.
- Bodenstrasse playground
The nature-inspired playground on Bodenstrasse invites children to play and linger with its climbing, swinging and balancing facilities.
Bodenstrasse playground
The nature-inspired playground on Bodenstrasse invites children to play and linger with its climbing, swinging and balancing facilities.
- Parish church of St Peter and Paul
The parish church of St Peter and Paul in Andermatt, built in 1606, is the most important place of worship in the Ursern Valley. Extensions by baroque architect Bartholomäus Schmid and the magnificent high altar by Johannes Ritz characterise its interior.
Parish church of St Peter and Paul
The parish church of St Peter and Paul in Andermatt, built in 1606, is the most important place of worship in the Ursern Valley. Extensions by baroque architect Bartholomäus Schmid and the magnificent high altar by Johannes Ritz characterise its interior.
- Bench Sattelegghubel
Fancy a view? From the ‘Sattelegghubel’ bench, you have a magnificent view of the entire Ursern Valley.
Bench Sattelegghubel
Fancy a view? From the ‘Sattelegghubel’ bench, you have a magnificent view of the entire Ursern Valley.
