Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace
Andermatt:
Funky Fact: The Historic Village of Andermatt dated all the way back to 4000 BC.
The top sites in Andermatt, Switzerland. The ultimate summer travel guide for culture, hidden gems, and secret sites.
1. Gotthardstrausse (Main Street)
2. Talmuseum Ursern Museum
3. Faun – Hirtengott Fountain
4. Blue Bear
5. Bear Fountain
6. Tavillons
7. Bridges Stroll over Unteralpreuss
8. Hotel Schweizerhof
9. Rath Haus or Town hall
10. William Tell Sign
11. Hotel Zur Sonne
12. Half and half house
1. Walk Main Street: Gotthardstrausse
Gotthardstrausse is the original main street and contains most of the sights in town. Make sure to look up and all the ornate vintage signage that hints at the city’s history.
2. Talmuseum Ursern
Built in 1786 this charming chalet is a must see when visiting the city and now functions as a museum. The museum focuses on cultural history, military, alpine economy and tourism.
Webpage and Information: Talmuseum Ursern
3. Faun – Hirtengott
This fountain and sculpture is of a charming satyr. They are believed to be the “Shepard gods” and protectors of farmers and shepherds, their cattle and their fields.
4. Blue Bear
Find the cities blue bear and take a selfie. Bears symbols are seen throughout this region. The ‘Ursern’ valley is a modern adaptation of ‘Ursaria’ which is believed to be the Romans name for the valley, this translates to ‘bear’ valley.
5. Bear Fountain
The fountain was built around 1580 by Johann II Schmid. Before homes had running water, this Fountain was the source for each home to grab a bucket from. The fountain’s front face showcases the coat of arms of the Ursern Valley.
6. Tavillons
Look for chalets adorned with thousands of wooden shingles called ‘tavillons (French)’. The tradition and craft of this type of shingling is passed down orally and tradesman are called ‘tavillonneur’ with their own signature methods.
7. Bridge stroll
Walk the river and cross over the Unteralpreuss while drinking in the majestic alps scenery.
8. The Hotel Schweizerhof
Catch a glimpse of this Swiss gem. Well over 100 years old this is a family run hotel, it’s been in the Somoza-Sasso family since 1979.
9. Rath Haus or Town hall
This building has been rebuilt due to a fire but has been in this spot since 1459. Take a close look at the carved coat of arms from 1931 half way up the façade.
10. William Tell
Hunt for folklore and see if you can spot this nod to William Tell the famous marksman. According to legend, William was a Swiss patriot and shot an apple off his son’s head with a bow and arrow. He refused to submit to the Hapsburg liege and was forced to this test of marksmanship in 1307.
11. Hotel Zur Sonne
This stunning vintage chalet is the quintessential alpine escape. Note the ornate dangling golden sun, which is a nod to the hotels name which translates “to the sun”
12. Half & half house
As you are strolling, look for the half and half house. Half traditional shingle half sawn timber construction.
Keep Travel Funky.
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