7 Things to Do in Uri Switzerland

You’ll find Uri tucked away in central Switzerland, where dramatic Alpine peaks meet crystal-clear lakes and centuries-old legends come alive. This lesser-known canton offers everything from glacier-fed waterfalls to historic battlegrounds, luxury mountain spas to hair-raising cable car rides above the clouds. Whether you’re seeking adventure on ancient bridges or tranquil moments cruising pristine waters, Uri’s seven standout experiences will challenge your expectations of what Switzerland can offer.

Take the Glacier Express Through the Rhine Gorge

When you board the Glacier Express for its journey through the Rhine Gorge, you’ll witness one of Switzerland’s most spectacular geological wonders unfold before your eyes. This dramatic limestone canyon, nicknamed “Ruinaulta” or the Swiss Grand Canyon, features sheer white rock faces rising over 600 feet above turquoise waters.

You’ll travel this scenic section between Reichenau and Ilanz, where the train follows the winding Rhine River through steep cliffs and alpine wilderness. The panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of the rugged terrain shaped by prehistoric rockslides and glacial movements.

At just 24 mph, you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the scenery while enjoying onboard amenities like the Glacier Bar and gourmet dining service during this unforgettable alpine passage. Along the route, you’ll encounter breathtaking mountain vistas featuring the iconic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Cruise Lake Lucerne From Brunnen to Flüelen

As you set out on the scenic Lake Lucerne cruise from Brunnen to Flüelen, you’ll discover one of Switzerland’s most dramatic waterways along the Urnersee section. This 1.5-hour roundtrip journey showcases fjord-like landscapes with steep cliffs and towering peaks from the Gotthard Massif rising directly from the water.

You’ll board at Brunnen pier near the train station, choosing between vintage paddle steamers or modern motor vessels. Both offer indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic windows for ideal viewing. The vessels are fully wheelchair accessible for guests with mobility needs, ensuring an inclusive experience for all travelers.

The route passes the legendary Rütli Meadow and provides excellent photo opportunities from the rear deck.

At 52 CHF for adults, tickets work with Swiss travel passes. You can easily combine this cruise with train travel, making it perfect for exploring Uri’s stunning lake scenery as a memorable half-day adventure.

Ride the Gemsstock Cable Car for Alpine Views and Skiing

Standing at 2,962 meters above the Ursern Valley, Gemsstock delivers some of Central Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine panoramas through a thrilling cable car journey from Andermatt village. You’ll take two consecutive aerial tramways—first to Gurschenalp middle station, then the final ascent via Gemsstockbahn to the summit in just four minutes.

From the top station, you’ll witness sweeping views across 600 mountain peaks, including the Uri Alps, Dammastock, and Tödi.

Winter transforms Gemsstock into a skier’s paradise with steep couloirs and challenging off-piste terrain for advanced riders.

Summer opens high-altitude hiking trails and paragliding opportunities from the glacier area. These small cable cars throughout Uri region offer intimate journeys with limited capacity of often just four people, originally designed for accessing Alpine farms.

The cable car operates year-round, connecting you to over 120 kilometers of slopes within the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun network.

Visit Tellskapelle and Rütli Meadow for Swiss History

While legends of Swiss independence echo across Uri’s landscapes, nowhere do they resonate more powerfully than at Tellskapelle and Rütli Meadow—two lakeside sites that transformed folk tales into the bedrock of national identity.

You’ll find Tellskapelle perched on Lake Uri’s eastern shore at Tellsplatte, marking where William Tell allegedly leaped from his captors’ boat. The 1879 Catholic chapel houses four stunning frescoes by Ernst Stückelberg depicting Tell’s defiant apple shot and Gessler’s assassination. The site was first documented as Tellen blatten in the White Book of Sarnen in 1470.

Across the lake, Rütli Meadow preserves the legendary oath site where Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden representatives swore their 1291 alliance.

Both locations anchor the “Path of Switzerland” hiking trail and remain active venues for national celebrations. You can reach them by boat from Brunnen or Flüelen, experiencing firsthand where Switzerland’s founding mythology comes alive.

Hike to Stäubifall Waterfall

Beyond Uri’s historic lakeshores, the canton’s alpine wilderness beckons with one of Switzerland’s most spectacular natural displays. Stäubifall waterfall near Unterschächen plunges 100-180 meters through a dramatic alpine valley, fed by the melting Hüfi glacier that makes it most powerful in early summer.

You’ll find several hiking options to reach this photogenic cascade. Take the moderate 10-km circular route from Ribi-Wannelen cable car station, or choose the easier one-hour walk along the service road from Unterschächen village. The waterfall is part of the Schächen river system that flows through this pristine alpine region.

For roadside viewing, drive Route 17 to the observation deck near Äsch (GPS 46.871317, 8.821502).

Plan your visit for afternoon hours to avoid morning sun glare, and arrive early summer when glacier meltwater maximizes the waterfall’s thunderous display.

Explore Andermatt’s Mountain Spas and Local Museums

Andermatt transforms from a mountain adventure hub into Switzerland’s premier alpine wellness destination, where world-class spas blend Swiss elegance with therapeutic luxury.

You’ll discover The Chedi Andermatt’s 2,400-square-meter spa featuring Europe’s longest 12-meter indoor pool and Roman thermal pools ranging from 18°C to 48°C. Try their signature “Mountain of Love” massage with rose-infused serum for ultimate relaxation.

The Radisson Blu offers modern wellness facilities with saunas and steam rooms, while La Forêt provides outdoor hot tubs and tranquil relaxation areas.

Between spa sessions, explore Andermatt’s cultural heritage at the Historical Museum showcasing alpine traditions, or visit the Suworow Museum highlighting the village’s 1799 military history. The spa’s panoramic mountain views from both indoor and outdoor pools create an immersive Alpine experience that connects you with the stunning Andermatt landscape.

Local art galleries feature landscape-inspired works, creating perfect cultural balance to your wellness retreat.

Cross the Historic Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge)

Standing 60 meters above the rushing Reuss River, the historic Teufelsbrücke spans Switzerland’s most dramatic gorge where medieval engineering meets legendary folklore. You’ll walk across the pedestrian-only stone bridge built in 1820, following in the footsteps of countless traders who’ve used this Gotthard Pass route for centuries.

The bridge earned its devilish name from local legend – villagers supposedly tricked Satan into building the original crossing by offering him the first soul to cross, then cleverly sending a goat instead.

You can explore the Schöllenen Gorge trail with wooden walkways and viewing platforms, visit the nearby Suvorov Monument carved into rock, and spot the 220-tonne Teufelsstein (Devil’s Stone) that legend claims the furious devil hurled at the bridge. The current bridge you’ll cross is actually the third iteration, as the original 1230 wooden structure required frequent repairs before being replaced by a stone arch bridge in the 16th century.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Uri offers an incredible blend of natural beauty and Swiss heritage that’s perfect for any traveler. Whether you’re seeking alpine thrills on Gemsstock, peaceful lake cruises, or cultural discoveries at historic sites, this canton delivers unforgettable experiences. Don’t miss the dramatic Devil’s Bridge or the rejuvenating mountain spas in Andermatt. Pack comfortable hiking boots and your camera – Uri’s stunning landscapes and rich history will leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.