About Uri
Uri is a breathtaking Swiss canton nestled in the heart of the Alps, where legendary history meets dramatic natural beauty. This is the land of William Tell, Switzerland's national hero, whose story of defiance against Habsburg rule is woven into the region's identity. Travelers are drawn to Uri's spectacular landscapes, dominated by the shimmering Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) and the formidable Gotthard Massif. Key destinations include the historic Tellskapelle chapel on the lake shore, the charming capital Altdorf with its iconic Tell monument, and the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge with its iconic Devil's Bridge. The canton offers world-class hiking along the historic Gotthard Pass route, scenic boat cruises on Lake Lucerne, and access to the stunning Susten Pass. Uri provides an authentic Swiss Alpine experience away from crowded tourist hubs, with traditional villages, hearty local cuisine, and a deep sense of history visible in its well-preserved medieval architecture and museums dedicated to Swiss independence.
Things to do in Uri
One-way Private Transfer From/To Asturias Airport
Asturias, Spain
Full Day Hiking in Picos de Europa National Park
Asturias, Spain
6-hour hiking in the Asturian Western Coast
Asturias, Spain
Walking with Dinosaurs along Asturias' coast
Asturias, Spain
Rioja wine tour: winery visit and lunch from Pamplona
Asturias, Spain
Surf lessons in LLanes
Asturias, Spain
Lakes of Covadonga, Sanctuary and Cangas de Onís from Llanes
Asturias, Spain
Rioja wine tour: 2 wineries from Pamplona
Asturias, Spain
Excursion to the Lakes and Covadonga from Cangas de Onís
Asturias, Spain
4-Hour Adventure Descent of the Sella River by Kayak
Asturias, Spain
Magical and Exclusive Private Visit to the Fonte Baxa Garden, Luarca
Asturias, Spain
Canoeing down the Sella River
Asturias, Spain
Excursion to Picos de Europa : Bulnes, funicular and cheese Cabrales
Gijon, Spain
Private Transfer from Asturias Airport to the City of Oviedo
Asturias, Spain
Avilés Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
Asturias, Spain
Travel Tips for Uri
Getting Around
The Swiss Travel System is superb. The main train line (Gotthardbahn) runs through the canton, connecting major towns like Altdorf and Erstfeld. PostBus services provide comprehensive coverage to villages and trailheads. Boats on Lake Lucerne (SGV) are a scenic must. The A2 motorway tunnels under the Gotthard Massif. Driving is excellent but be prepared for tolls (e.g., Gotthard Road Tunnel) and seasonal pass closures. The SBB Mobile app is essential for public transport. Taxis are available but expensive; ridesharing is limited. Renting a car offers maximum flexibility for exploring remote valleys.
Best Time To Visit
June to September is ideal for hiking, mountain passes being open, and lake activities, with pleasant temperatures and long daylight hours. July and August are peak season. Late September to October offers stunning autumn foliage. December to March is perfect for winter sports in nearby regions and festive Christmas markets, though some high passes are closed. Spring (April-May) can be wet with some passes still closed.
Local Customs
Punctuality is highly valued. Greet with a firm handshake and use formal titles (Herr/Frau) until invited to use first names. In restaurants, a service charge is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is common. Tipping taxi drivers is similar. Dress is generally casual but neat; more formal for fine dining. Quiet is expected after 10 PM, especially in residential areas and mountain huts. Respect private property when hiking. Sunday is traditionally a rest day with limited shop openings.
Safety Information
Uri is an extremely safe canton with very low crime rates. Violent crime is rare. Standard precautions against petty theft (e.g., securing valuables in cars at trailheads) are advisable. The primary safety concerns are natural and related to mountain activities: check weather and avalanche forecasts before hiking, stay on marked trails, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Driving on mountain passes requires caution, especially in winter when snow chains may be required. Roads like the Gotthard Pass are narrow and winding. There are no specific areas to avoid, but remote mountain areas should be respected for their inherent risks.
Health Information
Switzerland has an excellent healthcare system. In Uri, the main hospital is Spital Uri in Altdorf, providing emergency and general care. For serious emergencies, patients may be transferred to larger centers in Lucerne or Zurich. No specific vaccinations are required for travel. Tap water is safe to drink. Travelers should have comprehensive travel health insurance, as medical costs are very high. Be prepared for mountain-related health concerns: altitude sickness is generally not an issue on main passes, but hikers should be aware of sun exposure, dehydration, and proper footwear to prevent injuries. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are well-stocked and staffed by trained professionals.
Languages Spoken
German (Swiss German dialect)
Quick Facts
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
CHF
CHF
Timezone
Europe/Zurich +01:00 (GMT) / +02:00 (GMT) during daylight saving time
Calling Code
+41
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
Approximately 37,000
Area
1076.56 km²
Government
Canton (member state of the Swiss Confederation) with a cantonal government (Regierungsrat) and parliament (Kantonsrat). Municipalities have significant autonomy.
ISO Code
UR