8 Things to Do in Andermatt Switzerland

You’ll find Andermatt nestled in the Swiss Alps, offering year-round adventures without breaking the bank. This charming mountain town isn’t just another expensive tourist trap—it’s where authentic Alpine experiences meet practical accessibility. Whether you’re drawn to world-class skiing, scenic train rides, or peaceful hiking trails, there’s something here that fits your budget and interests. The real question isn’t whether Andermatt deserves your time, but which of these eight incredible activities you’ll tackle first.

Ski the Gemsstock Cable Car for Central Switzerland’s Best Alpine Terrain

When you’re seeking Central Switzerland’s most challenging alpine terrain, the Gemsstock Cable Car delivers you to 2,962 meters of steep slopes and pristine powder. You’ll ride two consecutive tramway sections from Andermatt through Gurschenalp to reach this expert-level paradise in just minutes.

Expect long wait times during peak season—the 4,690 passengers-per-hour capacity creates bottlenecks, but quieter slopes reward your patience. Advanced skiers will find demanding couloirs, off-piste runs, and 1,500-meter vertical descents, including the Olympic-level Bernhard Russi Run. For those interested in backcountry safety, the mountain features an Avalanche Training Centre at Gurschen where you can learn essential off-piste skills.

If you’re intermediate-level, stick to Gurschenalp’s 300-meter trails accessed by chairlift. The summit offers panoramic views of 600+ peaks spanning the Bernese Alps to Monte Rosa. Built in 1990, this seasonal winter operation remains Central Switzerland’s premier destination for powder enthusiasts and freeriders.

Ride the Glacier Express Through Some of Switzerland’s Most Dramatic Scenery

While most travelers rush past Andermatt on their way to marquee destinations, you’ll discover this charming village serves as the perfect midpoint for one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. The Glacier Express connects St. Moritz and Zermatt through 291 kilometers of breathtaking Alpine scenery, and Andermatt sits right in the heart of this route.

You’ll save money by booking shorter segments rather than the full eight-hour journey. From Andermatt, catch panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and alpine villages through oversized windows.

The train navigates 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, including engineering marvels like spiral tunnels that help manage steep inclines. The journey reaches its highest point at the Oberalp Pass at 2033 meters elevation, offering spectacular mountain vistas. Book mandatory seat reservations early, and you’ll experience Switzerland’s dramatic landscapes without breaking the bank.

Hike the Schöllenen Gorge and Cross the Historic Devil’s Bridge

Just a short train ride from Andermatt’s center, you’ll discover one of Switzerland’s most dramatic natural corridors without spending a fortune on expensive mountain lifts. The Schöllenen Gorge offers an easy 30-minute circular hike showcasing vertical rock walls and the rushing Reuss River.

You’ll cross the historic Devil’s Bridge, a stone arch spanning the gorge that’s steeped in local legend about villagers outwitting the devil with a goat.

Behind the Teufelsbrücke restaurant, you’ll find the Suvorov Monument commemorating an 1799 battle between Russian and French forces. The trail features marked paths, tunnels, and cliff walkways that are accessible from April through October. For those seeking a more substantial adventure, the full 10.1 km loop takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes with moderate elevation gain.

This “power place” combines natural beauty with fascinating history—all reachable by regular train service.

Explore Andermatt’s Old Town and Visit the Ursern Valley Museum

After exploring the dramatic gorge, you’ll find Andermatt’s charming Old Town offers a completely different but equally enchanting experience—and it won’t cost you a dime. Wander cobbled streets lined with colorful, flower-adorned buildings that showcase traditional Swiss alpine architecture.

The compact area’s perfect for a leisurely self-guided walk, taking you past historic chalets and the simple yet beautiful Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul church. The village maintains its authentic alpine charm while offering modern luxury amenities for visitors.

Make the Talmuseum Ursern your next stop—it’s housed in a historic building and showcases Ursern Valley’s fascinating culture and history. You’ll learn about traditional alpine farming, local crafts, and the region’s essential role in Gotthard Pass trade routes.

With a 4.7/5 rating on Tripadvisor, this small museum packs impressive value into your cultural exploration of Andermatt.

Play Golf on a Championship Course Built on a Former Military Training Ground

If you’re looking for something completely unexpected, head to Andermatt’s championship golf course—it’s built on land that served as a Swiss Army training ground for over a century.

This 18-hole, par-72 course stretches six kilometers, making it Switzerland’s longest championship layout. Designed by Kurt Rossknecht, it cleverly incorporates the rugged alpine terrain, local rivers, and natural rock formations.

You’ll experience everything from flat sections with water hazards to challenging elevated holes. The course opened in 2016 and immediately hosted the Swiss PGA Championship, where harsh conditions left only one player breaking par in the final round. The winning score was +3 after three rounds, demonstrating just how challenging this mountain course can be.

The deliberately unmanicured landscaping preserves local wildlife habitats while you play surrounded by mountain views and the gentle sounds of cow bells.

Take the Four Springs Trail for an Easy Walk Through Alpine Meadows

While the name suggests a gentle stroll, the Four Springs Trail (Vier-Quellen-Weg) is actually Switzerland’s most ambitious long-distance hike—an 85-kilometer journey that connects the sources of four major European rivers.

You’ll trek from Andermatt to Furka Pass across six mountain passes, including the historic Gotthard. The trail’s “easy” alpine meadows come with a catch: you’ll face 4,400 meters of ascent over five demanding stages.

Each day requires 6-8 hours of hiking with 800-1,200 meters of elevation gain.

The payoff? You’ll witness the birthplaces of the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino, and Rhône rivers while crossing pristine wetlands and high-altitude meadows. The route crosses four Swiss cantons including Uri, Grisons, Ticino, and Valais as it follows the water sources through the Gotthard massif.

Mountain huts provide overnight stays from June to September.

Consider this trail only if you’re physically fit and experienced—it’s rated difficult despite the dreamy scenery.

Experience Year-Round Activities at Basecamp Andermatt

Nestled directly on Andermatt’s ski slopes, Basecamp Andermatt transforms from a winter sports hub to an outdoor adventure playground throughout the year. You’ll have direct access to 180 km of slopes in winter, plus on-site ski tuning and storage facilities that’ll save you money on daily rentals.

During warmer months, you can rent bikes and explore remote trails with guided tours tailored to your fitness level. The staff organizes via ferrata climbing adventures on routes like Diavolo and Krokodil, perfect for beginners seeking thrills without extreme difficulty. You’ll find yourself in the heart of the “water castle of Europe”, where the headwaters of four major rivers originate, making every trail exploration a journey through Switzerland’s most significant natural watershed.

After your adventures, you’ll appreciate the sauna, hot tub, and communal kitchen spaces. The game room and movie nights provide budget-friendly entertainment, while tennis courts and nearby golf courses offer additional activities within walking distance.

Drive the Oberalp Pass for Spectacular Mountain Views

When you’re ready to experience one of Switzerland’s most accessible alpine drives, the Oberalp Pass offers spectacular mountain scenery without the crowds you’ll find on more famous routes like Gotthard or Furka.

This well-engineered 32-kilometer route connects Andermatt with Disentis, climbing to 2,048 meters through gentle bends and nine manageable hairpins.

You’ll pass the picturesque Oberalpsee alpine lake, perfect for photos and a budget-friendly break.

Don’t miss the red lighthouse marking the Rhine River’s source at the summit.

The road’s open from late May through October, making it ideal for building driving confidence on Swiss mountain passes. The summit features parking and restaurants, providing convenient stops to soak in the panoramic mountain views.

Traffic’s lighter here, and you can easily combine this drive with other alpine routes for an unforgettable day exploring Switzerland’s high country.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Andermatt offers incredible value for your Swiss adventure. Don’t miss the free hiking trails like the Four Springs walk, and consider staying in budget accommodations in the old town. Pack your own snacks for mountain excursions to save money, and take advantage of seasonal ski pass deals. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or relaxation, you can experience authentic Alpine culture without breaking the bank in this accessible mountain destination.