Copy My Trip: exploring Andermatt and the Swiss Alps

29.07.2024 - 19:20 / lonelyplanet.com / Lake Lucerne

Jul 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Lonely Planet Destination Editor for Central & Eastern Europe, Sandie Kestell, recently traveled to Andermatt, Switzerland. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip.

I have a thing about the Alps. I spend most of the year dreaming about the ski season, but I know from experience that summer in the Alps is just as good as winter (maybe even better). I was picturing myself in Andermatt for weeks before my trip. It had been a long time since my last trip to Switzerland and I was more than ready for the mountain town charm, epic scenery and high-adrenaline adventures.

I landed in Zürich on a sunny Monday afternoon in early July. From here it was a 90-minute drive past Lake Lucerne and into the Alps to reach Andermatt in the Canton of Uri. Here’s what I got up to.

I stayed at the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen in Andermatt Reuss, Andermatt’s new town just a short stroll through the modern train station from the historic old town. The hotel opened in 2018 and, alongside the five-star Chedi Andermatt, was part of the large-scale development of Andermatt as a tourist destination. It is designed in an alpine chic style – the lobby has a bar and seating around an open fireplace and has a cozy feel despite its large size (and it is large). The hotel, with around 240 rooms and suites, has a spa and wellness center with a gym, sauna, steam room, and pool – exactly what you need after a day of mountain activities.

Hands down, completing the Diavolo Via Ferrata was the highlight of my visit. This K2-3 climb requires no previous climbing experience, just a good level of fitness, an adventurous spirit and a head for heights. 

I met mountain guide Markus Wey from the Mammut Mountain School at the Imholz Sport shop on Piazza Gotardo just outside the hotel to get kitted out with all the gear I would need for the climb: a helmet, harness with carabiner clips, and gloves. After a safety briefing, we set off on the short walk out of town to the course starting point, just past the famous Teufelsbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) and next to the Suworow Monument.

I clipped onto the thick steel cable and set off, reaching tentatively for the first rungs anchored into the rock face. Once I got the hang of it, I was giddy with the thrill of adventure, stealing glances at the dreamy alpine landscape. You can hear the water rushing through the Schöllenen Gorge below for almost the entire 450m (1476ft) vertical climb. We took a break about two-thirds of the way up where the path opens slightly to fit a wooden bench. This was a chance to catch our breath, take in the view, and refuel before the final section to the top. All in all, it took just over two hours to climb the via