Andermatt: alpine history and year-round sport in the heart of Switzerland

Sitting at the crossroads of three of Switzerland's most famous mountain passes — the Gotthard, the Furka and the Oberalp — Andermatt is a village with a rich history and a wide range of activities to suit everyone. Long a strategic military stronghold, it has evolved into a well-equipped year-round destination.

A village with a past and a modern future

Andermatt's history stretches back over 800 years. First documented in 1203, the village grew in importance after the Schöllenen route was opened around 1200, establishing the Gotthard connection and making Andermatt a key gateway between northern and southern Europe. The Devil's Bridge — the Teufelsbrücke — spanning the Reuss River in the Schöllenen Gorge just north of the village, became one of the most important crossings in the Alps, and legend has it the bridge was built with the devil's help, the locals outwitting him by sending a goat across first.

In 1799, during the Napoleonic Wars, Russian General Alexander Suvorov led his troops through the Schöllenen Gorge in a campaign against French forces. A memorial carved into the canyon wall near the bridge commemorates the soldiers who died there. From 1885, Andermatt became a Swiss Federal Army garrison town, designated as the planned wartime headquarters for the Swiss High Command, and that military heritage is still quietly visible in the tunnels and fortifications scattered around the surrounding landscape.

More recently, significant investment by Andermatt Swiss Alps has brought new hotels, restaurants, a concert hall and modern sports facilities to the village, while managing to retain much of its traditional Alpine character.

Getting here

Andermatt is well connected by both rail and road. The village is served directly by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway, connecting to the main Swiss rail network at Göschenen via the scenic Schöllenen railway line. By road, it sits at the junction of routes connecting Zürich, Lucerne, Bern, Ticino and Graubünden, making it a natural stopping point on any Swiss road trip.

Cycling: road and gravel

Andermatt is a well-established destination for cyclists. The Gotthard, Furka and Susten passes are all accessible from the village, offering serious climbs through some of Switzerland's finest scenery. The Furka Pass in particular, with its sweeping views and steady gradients, is a favourite among road cyclists visiting the region.

For those who prefer gravel riding, the Urseren Valley and the network of tracks and trails in the surrounding mountains offer plenty to explore, from easy valley routes to more technical terrain at higher altitude.

Swiss Cycology Tours operates from the official BMC Alpine Showroom & Test Centre in Andermatt, offering road and gravel bikes for hire and to buy.

Hiking

Andermatt has an extensive network of marked hiking trails, ranging from easy riverside walks along the Reuss to longer routes climbing towards the higher peaks. The Gemsstock (2,961m) is accessible by cable car, opening up high-altitude walks with wide views across the Gotthard massif. The trails are well maintained and clearly signed, making the area accessible for all levels.

Golf

Andermatt's 18-hole, par-72 golf course, which officially opened in May 2026, offers a genuine challenge in a striking Alpine setting. The course is located close to the village and is easily reached from all directions, welcoming players of all abilities.

Padel and tennis

Padel has become a popular option in Andermatt, with outdoor courts. For tennis, the outdoor courts are situated beside the river in the old town, a pleasant setting for a game whatever your level. Post-match, the riverside in the old town has several good options for a drink or a meal.

Worth the visit

combination of genuine Alpine history, good transport connections, and a solid range of outdoor activities — cycling, hiking, golf, padel and tennis — makes it a versatile base for a summer trip to central Switzerland. Whether you come for the passes, the trails or simply to explore the gorge and its history, there is more than enough to fill several days.