History of The Swiss Trail

Rütli to Brunnen

   

 
 

Rütli

 
The Rütli meadow is considered to be the birthplace of the Swiss Confederation. Here, below Seelisberg, in a clearing slightly above lake Uri on the opposite side of the lake from Brunnen and the Mythen mountains, is where representatives from the three founding cantons - Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden - are said to have met on August 1st 1291 amidst continuing Habsburg repression to sign a pact of eternal mutual defence (The Rütli Oath), thereby laying the foundation of the Swiss Confederation as it stands today: 'We want to be a band of brothers, sticking together through  thick and thin!'. Over the years the Rütli has come to be seen as the national cradle of Switzerland. The meadow was purchased with the aid of a collection by schoolchildren in 1859 in order to protect it from proposed hotel building and subsequently donated to the state with the provision that it should remain sacrosanct. The Rütli these days is a peaceful sanctuary on the lake. Nearby is the little Memo Museum commemorating Swiss history, an efficient restaurant, three springs and a large picnic area. The Rütli is car-free and can be accessed only by boat or on foot via the 'Swiss Trail' from Seelisberg or Treib (walking time: 1 hour)
 
 

Schillerstein

 

A 30 metre tall obelisk-shaped boulder can be seen emerging from the water at the entrance to Lake Uri. Also known as the ''Stone of Myths'', this rock was originally one third taller but had to be shortened for safety reasons. In 1859, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Friedrich Schiller - author of the drama Wilhelm Tell which first premiered in 1804 in Weimar, Germany - Switzerland's founding cantons decided that it should become a natural monument and renamed it ''Schillerstein'' (Schiller stone).

The Schillerstein cannot be reached by land, but is a stirring sight seen from the boat between Brunnen and the Rütli.

 

Haus zur Treib

 

Treib has long had a harbour to protect lakefarers from the southerly winds (known here as the ''Föhn'') that can whip up a storm on Lake Uri. First mentioned in 1842, the Haus zur Treib was the house in which the five canton confederation held 72 sittings. The meeting room still forms part of the Haus zur Treib which is now a hotel open to the public.

The building has been sympathetically renovated over the years, most recently in 1982, and can be reached by boat, via the Treib-Seelisberg funicular railway or by car from Seelisberg.

Beroldingen Castle, Seelisberg

 

This little castle is on the old mule track that led from Lucerne via Seelisberg to Altdorf. Located on the ''Swiss Path'' at the southern end of the village, first mention of it is made in documents dated 1500. It was the ancestral seat of the Beroldinger line of Nobles, who for centuries held sway in the Uri valley. Yet this is no fortress; rather, it is a charming country residence with exquisite views of the lake Uri and the Reuss Valley. Hugely appealing is the chapel dedicated to St Laurance, which was added in 1545. Its winged altar, shior screen and ceiling decorated with Rococo Stucco plasterwork are well worth a visit. Beroldingen Castle can be reached on foot in 30 minutes from the upper reaches of Seelisberg village (bus stop: Tanplatz)

 

Father Alberik Zwyssig

 

A memorial to Father Alberik Zwyssig stands right in front of the church in Bauen. Born in 1808 in this sun-kissed village on the shores of Lake Uri, Father Zwyssig composed Switzerland's national anthem ''when the morning skies grow red''.

Bauen can be reached by boat, or by car taking the lakeside road from Flüelen via Seedorf and Isleten

A Pro Castle, Seedorf

 

This castle-like edifice (whose moat today teems with trout) was built in 1556. The nobility whose seat it was amassed prestige and wealth by trading in cereals and wine and participating in wars. This little castle is today home to the Uri Mineral Museum and is used by the canton's government for prestigious meetings and assemblies. It lies at the northern end of the village of Seedorf, right by the motorway flyover and not far from the ''Swiss Trail''. It is easily reached by car or bus from Altdorf.

 

Tell's Chapel

 

Legend has it that William Tell saved himself by leaping out of Baliff Gessler's boat in the corner of the Lake Uri. A chapel was in existence here as early as 1388. The present day chapel dates from 1879/80 and is decorated with four marvellous frescoes by Basel-born painter Ernst Stückelberg depiciting the Tell myth, namely ''The Rütli Oath'', ''shooting an apple'', ''Tells Leap'' and ''The death of Gessler in the Hohle Gasse'' . Just above the chapel is Switzerland's biggest carillon: built in 2001, it plays one of a number of melodies every hour on the hour. Tell's chapel can be reached by boat or on foot from the car park of the Hotel Tellpatte, which is on the Axenstrasse

The Federal Chapel, Brunnen

 

Once the solemn pact, sworn in 1291 on the Rütli Meadow between the three founding cantons Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden, had proved its worth in the Battle of Morgarten, the cantons gathered in Brunnen in 1315 to renew their oath of mutual assistance against foreign interference. From now on they called themselves ''confederates''. The village chapel in Brunnen, also known as the Federal chapel stands on the very spot where this second oath is said to have been sworn. It is located right by Brunnen's boat landing stage and bus stop and is some seven minutes north of the railway station on the main street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore SWITZERLAND

Scenic Rail Journeys

The highlight of a Swiss holiday is to travel along one of the many scenic routes which cross Switzerland. These journeys are a great way of combining resorts to create your own two centre or multi-stay holiday and we have shown a few suggestions but we will be happy to help you with your individual requirements.

Tours available:

Please register your email address and we will keep you informed about interesting developments on holidays to Switzerland, along with any special offers that may become available.