ViaGottardo
Overview
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Distance 4 km
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Duration 55 min
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Ascent 60 m
Intro
Before the opening of the Axenstrasse road in 1865, the main route was by lake. The trip by steamship still remains an exceptional experience. From the jetty at Flüelen, you hike into the cantonal capital of Altdorf.
Description
This stage is unique in that it is covered mainly by boat. It starts at the landing stage near the KKL (Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre). Once on the water, you can experience the rich biodiversity of Lake Lucerne. It was formed during the ice ages through erosion of the Reuss Glacier; the Reuss River, with a length of 164 kilometres, has its source in the Gotthard Massif. It leaves Lake Lucerne as a wide river with many bends and joins the Aare River at Windisch (330 metres above sea level) in the Canton of Aargau. The lake's name dates back to the four historic cantons surrounding it: Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden.
Offering breath-taking views of the Rigi and Bürgenstock, the boat after Viznau turns to enter the next lake basin. It feels like travelling on a small lake, but another lake basin opens up after each headland. At Brunnen, the boat turns into the Urnersee lake. On the right, you can see the Rütli. On a slightly raised forest clearing, representatives of the original cantons in 1291 swore the oath of allegiance (Rütlischwur), determining a joint approach to combat the foreign bailiffs in their valleys. It became the foundation for the Swiss Confederacy.
Axenstrasse runs along the left side of the lake. Until the road was built, the waterway served as the only connection to the north. After landing at Flüelen, the route continues on foot for a short while toward the Canton of Uri's capital. Passing the commercial zone, swimming baths and a bird park, you follow the river until shortly before Altdorf. On the way, the beautiful, almost 2-metre-high drystone walls will grab your attention, in addition to the 3,000-metre high Bristen. In Altdorf, about an hour after arrival by boat, the same can be said about the well-preserved old houses. And of course, there is the market square with the Tell monument, a bronze statue by Zurich artist Richard Kissling.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Luzern
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Altdorf
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
60 m
|
| Descent |
40 m
|
| Distance |
4 km
|
| Duration |
55 min
|
| Duration back |
55 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Easy
|
| Season |
All year
|
| Theme |
Along Water, With panoramic view
|
Quick Facts
Route number
