Two Hikes around Lake Uri: Rütli Meadow and Attinghausen to Flüelen

Tuesday April 20, 2021 -- A glorious day, which I had off but Urs did not, so I went on a trip on my own.

As a good patriot, Urs had already at some point visited the "Rütli Wiese" (Rütli Meadow), the site of the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy in 1291, and it's a place I've always wanted to visit, so a good choice for this day. Furthermore, the morning turned out to be crystal clear, and the Rütli Meadow, being at the base of Mt. Seelisberg in Canton Uri, meant I got a most spectacular view of the Uri Alps. Furthermore, this is very close to home, only an hour to the start of my hike. 

The excursion started with a short boat ride from Brunnen to Treib, from where I walked over to the meadow (1 hour and 15 minutes), whereas most people take the funicular and then walk down from the top. Since this was an easy 5-kilometer hike for me, and since the only way out of the Rütli meadow is either by boat or a 400m (1-hour) steep ascent, I decided to take the boat to Flüelen at the very south end of Lake Uri and do a second hike in the Altdorf area, which in itself is a historical location, being the alledged birthplace of the legendary William Tell.

What I ended up doing for the second part of the excursion was taking a bus from Flüelen to a place called Attinghausen (where there is a 12th Century fortress ruins I wanted to see), and walking the eight kilometers back to Flüelen. So in all, 13 kilometers along fairly easy terrain, with loads to see and experience and a really nice variety of paths. 

FIRST PART of the EXCURSION: Treib to Rütli   (5 km)

The excursion starts with a 10-minute boat ride from Brunnen at the north end of Lake Uri to Treib, which is across the lake at Mt. Seelisberg.

As you cross Lake Uri, the Uri Alps are looking fabulous. Also, that's the Rütli Meadow in the circle.

A fantastic view South down Lake Uri

Arriving at the boat dock at Treib on Mt. Seelisberg. From here many people got off and took the funicular up. I was the only one who walked.

The sign says 1 hour 25 minutes to Rütil. I did it about 10 minutes faster, even with taking photos

This section of trail is also part of both regional trails no.99: "Swiss Path" (created in 1991 to commemorate 700 years of confederacy) and no.98: "Walstätterweg", which goes around the entire Lake Lucerne/Uri

Heading uphill, I watch my boat heading toward Luzern. Mt.Pilatus in the background.

And a look back toward Brunnen where the boat started out. In the background are the distinctive peaks of the two Mythen

Another look toward Mt. Pilatus to the West

The trees are now just about in full bloom

Rounding the corner to head South along Mt. Seelisberg. Here is another look at Brunnen and the Mythen mountains

Heading South, the Uri Alps in the background are stunning

I'm enjoying my walk, the weather is fantastic

This trail is part of both trails no.98 and 99

Below me is the Rütli Meadow

Here at the Rütli Meadow, representatives from the three original Cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden got together and made the oath that led to the creation of the Confederation of Switzerland in 1291

A historic location: Over 700 years ago, our "founding fathers" created the Swiss Confederacy here. The view is to the North, to Brunnen.

A little walk around the area provided me with this view South down the lake, where I'm heading next.

Cute little bird called "Black Redstart" (Hausrotschwanz in German), is apparently Switzerland's most widely distributed breeding species

This decoration at the top of the boat station shows the three representatives taking the famous oath of 1291.

Here's the boat arriving at the Rütli boat station, for the 40-minute trip south along Lake Uri to Flüelen

Depiction of the 5-km trail from Treib to the Rütli Meadow along Mt. Seelisberg. A boat ride took me there and out again.

A 40-minute boat ride from Rütli to Flüelen. Wonderful weather! Almost too warm in the wind-protection of the Seelisberg cliffs.

The fabulous Seelisberg cliffs

Beautiful Mt. Bristen to the South

This community of Bauen has its own micro-climate. Very warm, lots of palm trees. Till fairly recently only accessed by boat, until they blasted a street through a whole section of cliffs only just to reach this town. 

Arriving in Flüelen

SECOND PART of the EXCURSION: Attinghausen to Flüelen  (8 km)

From Flüelen I took the bus to Attinghausen, and walked the 8 km back to Flüelen, via the very pretty town of Aldorf. The towns of Aldorf and Bürglen are very oriented to the story of William Tell, as he was allegedly born here.

Before starting on my second walk, I inspected these pretty castle ruins at Attinghausen. This structure dates form the 12th Century!!! (In the background is our beloved Schächental Valley)

A coffee break in the ruins of the Attinghaus Fortress, before continuing on my second hike.

A look up at the pretty church and chapel as I descend toward the river

Crossing the Reuss River. A few kilometers to the North it flows into Lake Uri, and out again in Luzern.

This trail is part of the Via Gottardo no.7, Via Suvorov no.55, and Via Alpina no.1, of all of which we have done several sections. 

A look South again to Mt. Bristen

Heading East across these beautiful meadows toward Altdorf/Bürglen

A look behind me to the West where I started in Attinghausen

Lots of beautiful stone wall constructions in this area

The old artillery / military building in Altdorf

The Uri museum is a very attractive building. The sign reads "Uri, the soul of Switzerland)

In the center square of Altdorf

Details of the Tell Monument in Altdorf

That's a big load he's carrying down the narrow main street!

All the attractive old signs announcing what the shops sell

The vegetation looks Mediterranean

I spent a long time walking around the attractive cemetery reading dates and names, and then I admired the inside of this fabulously beautiful baroque church.

The colour of the marble and the artistry in this church was particularly attractive

Stunningly pretty marble

Light and airy baroque style.

And then I continued North toward Flüelen. It was an easy trail with lots of variety, surprisingly away from the main road and industry

The official Via Gottardo Trail is actually below, parallel to the creek, but I found a more interesting forest trail slightly higher up.

And back at the lakeshore in Flüelen. I was very lucky that the sunshine held out for the full day, as many other parts of the country had cloud-cover

Enjoying 20 minutes of sunshine at the lakeshore in Flüelen before boarding the train home.

Google Earth map depiction of my excursion for the day, including two hikes for a total of 13 km, and two  boat rides on beautiful Lake Uri in Central Switzerland

Needless to say, this is an area we really like to hike in!