This Swiss mountain village at 1,437 meters sits at the intersection of three Alpine passes. Its granite church tower and traditional chalets draw skiers and hikers year-round.
Andermatt sits 1,437 meters above sea level in Switzerland's Uri canton, where three mountain passes meet near the Reuss River. You'll find ski runs on Gemsstock's steep northern slopes and family-friendly trails around Nätschen's sunlit areas. The village maintains stone-built houses alongside contemporary structures like the Chedi Andermatt hotel with its granite reception desk. Recent developments brought a concert hall that schedules performances by groups like the Berlin Philharmonic, along with electric shuttle buses between key locations. Between December and March, skiers access 180 kilometers of connected runs, while summer hikers follow paths connecting water sources feeding major European rivers like the Rhine and Rhône.
Ski Areas for All Skill Levels
Gemsstock mountain reaches 2,961 meters with challenging ungroomed slopes favored by advanced skiers, particularly on its shaded northern side. Each January, professional riders compete here during the King and Queen of the Mountain event. For those learning or preferring easier terrain, the south-facing Nätschen area provides wide runs like Passstraße and practice zones with conveyor belts. A recently completed gondola network now links Andermatt's slopes to Sedrun's trails, creating a unified ski region. Visitors using the Epic Pass need to obtain a physical card from local ticket counters before accessing lifts.
Warm-Weather Exploration
Between June and September, cyclists and drivers can cross three high-altitude passes: Oberalp, Furka, and Gotthard. The Four Springs Trail takes five days to complete, passing stone markers indicating where the Rhine and Rhône rivers begin. Families often choose the Gloria Trail, a three-hour loop with wooden carvings depicting local wildlife. Engineering landmarks like the Devil's Bridge in Schöllenen Gorge reveal 19th-century construction techniques through their stone arches and tunnels. Regular PostBus departures from Andermatt station take visitors along winding routes including the Tremola's cobblestone switchbacks.
Music, History, and Seasonal Events
The Andermatt Concert Hall opened in 2023 with a performance by the Berlin Philharmonic, now hosting summer classical series and food-themed film screenings. From April 12-15, 2025, the High Peak Festival will stage hip-hop concerts on outdoor mountain platforms. Historical points of interest include St. Peter and Paul Church's baroque interior and the Ursern Museum's exhibits on regional military history. During December evenings, people gather at Spycher bar for folk music performances and seasonal drinks. A new shopping district along Furkagasse street adds boutique stores and cafes to the village center.
Where to Eat and Stay
At Gütsch mountain restaurant, chefs prepare dishes like juniper-marinated venison using ingredients from nearby valleys, served in a wooden building with slope views. Ochsen restaurant in the old town specializes in cheese fondue made from milk produced within 15 kilometers. The Chedi Andermatt hotel provides 123 rooms blending Swiss woodwork with Japanese-inspired decor, including a lobby fireplace using four-ton granite blocks. More affordable stays include Gasthaus Sternen's simple rooms above their restaurant known for potato rösti, while Alp-Hittä serves pasta dishes to hikers at Nätschen's mid-mountain station.
Getting There and Local Advice
Direct trains from Zurich Airport reach Andermatt in 2 hours 20 minutes via the Matter-Gotthard line. Drivers exit the A2 highway at Göschenen, then follow signs up the steep Schöllenen road with its spiral tunnels. Free electric buses run every 20 minutes between the train station, ski lifts, and hotels. Most residents speak Swiss German, though tourism workers typically know English. Ski rental shops like Swiss Snowsport School require advance bookings during February school holidays. Always check the local avalanche bulletin at www.slf.ch before exploring unmarked backcountry areas.
