Andermatt -- Alpine Crossroads at the Heart of the Swiss Alps

TL;DR: Andermatt is a high-altitude mountain village (1,437 m) in the canton of Uri, situated at the historic crossroads of four major Alpine passes -- Gotthard, Oberalp, Furka, and Susten. Once a quiet military outpost, it has undergone a dramatic renaissance as a year-round mountain resort, with world-class skiing on the Gemsstock, a stop on the legendary Glacier Express route, and direct train access from Zurich in under 2 hours.

Quick Facts

Top 5 Things to Do in Andermatt

1. Ski the Gemsstock and SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun

The SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun is one of Switzerland's largest ski areas in Central Switzerland, connecting Andermatt, Sedrun, and Disentis with over 180 kilometers of slopes. The Gemsstock (2,961 m) offers some of Switzerland's most challenging freeride terrain and guaranteed snow. A day pass costs CHF 79 adults (2026 prices). The Natschen-Gutsch-Sedrun side offers wide, intermediate-friendly runs. Season: late November to mid-April. The Gemsstock gondola departs from the eastern edge of the village, a 5-minute walk from the station.

2. Ride the Glacier Express

Andermatt is a key stop on the world-famous Glacier Express route between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The 8-hour panoramic journey crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, with the Oberalp Pass (2,044 m) reached just minutes after leaving Andermatt. A ticket from Andermatt to Zermatt costs approximately CHF 152 second class plus CHF 49 seat reservation (reservation mandatory on Glacier Express panoramic trains). The regular train on the same route is free with the Swiss Travel Pass (no supplement, no reservation needed).

3. Drive or Cycle the Gotthard Pass

The Gotthard Pass (2,106 m) has been the most important north-south Alpine crossing for over 700 years. The historic cobblestone road from Andermatt to Airolo (30 km) winds through dramatic hairpin bends, past the Tremola gorge, and over the summit. Open June to October (weather dependent). The Gotthard Pass road is a legendary cycling climb -- challenging but rewarding. At the summit, the Museo Nazionale del San Gottardo (CHF 10 entry) tells the story of the pass.

4. Explore the Schollenen Gorge and Devil's Bridge

The narrow Schollenen Gorge between Andermatt and Goschenen is one of the most dramatic gorges in the Alps. The legendary Teufelsbrucke (Devil's Bridge) -- originally built in the 13th century -- spans the roaring Reuss River 50 meters below. The current stone bridge dates to 1830, with the ruins of the older bridge visible beside it. A Soviet-era monument on the gorge wall commemorates the Russian General Suvorov's 1799 Alpine crossing. Free to visit. A walking trail from Andermatt takes approximately 45 minutes one way.

5. Hike the Four-Pass Trail (Vier-Quellen-Weg)

Andermatt sits at the intersection of four major Alpine passes, and the Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail) is a 5-day long-distance hiking route connecting the sources of four major European rivers: the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino, and Rhone -- all originating within a 30-kilometer radius of Andermatt. Individual day stages are possible. The most popular single hike is the Oberalp Pass to Tomasee (source of the Rhine), 1.5 hours one way from the Oberalp Pass station (reachable by train from Andermatt in 15 min).

History & Culture

Andermatt's history is inseparable from the Gotthard Pass. For over seven centuries, the pass was the most important trade and military route between Northern and Southern Europe. Andermatt, sitting at the northern approach, became a strategic waystation for merchants, armies, and pilgrims. The construction of the first Devil's Bridge across the Schollenen Gorge in the 13th century made the pass viable and transformed the village into a transit hub.

The Swiss military recognized Andermatt's strategic value, establishing a major garrison and building the extensive Gotthard fortification system (Festung Gotthard) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For much of the 20th century, Andermatt was primarily a military town, and its tourism industry remained modest.

The modern transformation of Andermatt began in 2009 when Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris launched the Andermatt Swiss Alps project -- a multi-billion-franc resort development including luxury hotels (The Chedi Andermatt, opened 2013; Radisson Blu Reussen, opened 2018), residential apartments, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Kurt Rossknecht, and a concert hall. The ski area was expanded and linked to Sedrun and Disentis, creating the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun with over 180 kilometers of runs. This investment has transformed Andermatt from a sleepy garrison town into one of Switzerland's most talked-about mountain resorts, while the village center retains much of its traditional Alpine character.

Top Attractions

SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis

The combined ski area offers over 180 kilometers of marked runs across three interconnected mountains: Gemsstock (2,961 m) for advanced and freeride skiing, Natschen-Gutsch (2,344 m) for intermediate cruising, and Sedrun-Disentis for family-friendly runs.

• Day pass: CHF 79 adults, CHF 40 children 6--15 (2026 prices)
• Season: Late November to mid-April (Gemsstock often opens earlier)
• Vertical drop: 1,524 m (Gemsstock summit to village)
• Lifts: 22 lifts across the ski area
• Freeride: Gemsstock is renowned for off-piste terrain; guided freeride tours available from CHF 350/day
• GPS (Gemsstock gondola): 46.6337, 8.6057
• Tip from ch.tours: The Gemsstock north face offers some of the steepest in-bounds skiing in Switzerland. Less confident skiers should stick to the Natschen-Gutsch-Sedrun side

Gotthard Pass (Gotthardpass)

The pass road (2,106 m) is one of the most historically significant and scenically dramatic mountain roads in Europe. The Tremola (old cobblestone road) features 24 hairpin turns on the southern descent to Airolo and is a protected historic monument.

• Open: Typically mid-June to mid-October (weather dependent, check TCS road info)
• Distance: Andermatt to Airolo: 30 km over the pass
• Museo Nazionale del San Gottardo (summit): CHF 10 adults, open June to October, daily 09:00--18:00
• GPS (summit): 46.5559, 8.5679
• By PostBus: Summer PostBus service runs over the pass from Andermatt to Airolo (free with Swiss Travel Pass)

The Chedi Andermatt

Even non-guests can experience this landmark luxury hotel, designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy. The lobby, bar, and restaurant are open to the public. The Chedi Spa (available to external guests for CHF 75) features a 35-meter indoor pool, Japanese-inspired baths, and Alpine relaxation rooms.

• Address: Gotthardstrasse 4, 6490 Andermatt
• Restaurant: The Japanese Restaurant offers omakase-style dining from CHF 85 per person; The Brasserie serves modern Swiss cuisine from CHF 35
• GPS: 46.6349, 8.5953

Schollenen Gorge and Devil's Bridge

The gorge below Andermatt was impassable for centuries until the first bridge was constructed, likely in the early 13th century. Legend holds that the devil built the bridge in exchange for the soul of the first to cross -- the locals sent a goat. The current bridge (1830) and gorge walls feature a large mural and monument to Russian soldiers who fought here in 1799.

• Cost: Free
• Access: 45-minute walk from Andermatt village, or take the MGB train to Goschenen and walk back through the gorge
• GPS (Devil's Bridge): 46.6479, 8.5878
• Allow: 1.5--2 hours round trip from Andermatt

Oberalp Pass and Tomasee

The Oberalp Pass (2,044 m) marks the border between the cantons of Uri and Graubunden and is the highest point on the Glacier Express route. In Summer, the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn (MGB) train runs over the pass (15 min from Andermatt). From the Oberalp Pass station, a 1.5-hour hike leads to Tomasee (Lai da Tuma), the official source of the Rhine.

• Train to Oberalp Pass: MGB from Andermatt, 15 min, free with Swiss Travel Pass
• Tomasee hike: 1.5 hours one way from Oberalp Pass station, moderate difficulty, 300 m elevation gain
• GPS (Oberalp Pass station): 46.6600, 8.6714
• Note: The Oberalp rail route is replaced by buses in Winter (mid-October to mid-June) when the pass is snow-covered

Activities & Experiences

Winter Activities

Summer Activities

The Four Passes Drive

Andermatt is the only village in Switzerland from which four major Alpine passes are directly accessible in a single loop:

1. Gotthard Pass (2,106 m) -- south to Airolo
2. Furka Pass (2,429 m) -- west toward Gletsch and the Valais
3. Oberalp Pass (2,044 m) -- east toward Disentis and Graubunden
4. Susten Pass (2,224 m) -- north toward Innertkirchen and the Bernese Oberland

The full four-pass loop by car takes approximately 5--6 hours. PostBus services cover some sections in Summer (free with Swiss Travel Pass). All passes are open approximately mid-June to mid-October.

Getting Around

On Foot

Andermatt village is compact. Key distances from the train station:

• Village center (Gotthardstrasse): 3 minutes
• The Chedi Andermatt: 5 minutes
• Gemsstock gondola: 8 minutes
• Golf course: 10 minutes

By Train

The MGB (Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn) connects Andermatt to the Oberalp Pass (15 min), Sedrun (40 min), Disentis (1h), and ultimately Zermatt. The SBB main line via Goschenen connects to Zurich and Lucerne. All covered by Swiss Travel Pass.

By PostBus

Summer PostBus services cross the Gotthard, Furka, Oberalp, and Susten passes. All free with Swiss Travel Pass. Check schedules at postauto.ch -- services are seasonal and weather-dependent.

Where to Eat

Fine Dining & Hotel Restaurants

Traditional & Casual

Budget Options

• Backer Beck (Bakery): Pastries, sandwiches, coffee, CHF 5--12, Gotthardstrasse
• Coop Pronto Andermatt: Convenience store for self-catering
• Mountain restaurants: The Gemsstock and Natschen mountain restaurants serve meals from CHF 15--28 during ski season

Where to Stay

By Budget

Where to Stay: Neighborhood Guide

• Village Center (Gotthardstrasse): Traditional heart of Andermatt; walking distance to lifts, restaurants, and station
• Andermatt Reuss: New development area with Radisson Blu and apartments; modern, resort-style
• Near Gemsstock Gondola: Convenient for early ski starts

Day Trips from Andermatt

Practical Information

Getting to Andermatt by Train (SBB / MGB)

Tip from ch.tours: At Goschenen, the change from the SBB main line to the MGB Schollenen railway is straightforward -- both platforms are in the same station. The 10-minute ride through the Schollenen Gorge is spectacular in itself. The Gotthard Base Tunnel (SBB) does not stop at Goschenen -- take the older Gotthard mountain line (IR/RE) for the connection.

Swiss Travel Pass in Andermatt

The Swiss Travel Pass covers:

• Free: All trains to/from Andermatt (SBB and MGB), the Glacier Express route (regular trains, no panoramic supplement), PostBus over all four passes (Summer), Gemsstock gondola in Summer (June to October)
• 50% discount: SkiArena lift pass in Winter
• Not included: Glacier Express panoramic train supplement (CHF 49), Gotthard Pass museum (CHF 10)

Weather by Season

Weather data: MeteoSwiss climate normals for Andermatt (station 6490)

Emergency & Practical Numbers

• Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance): 112
• Police: 117
• Ambulance: 144
• Tourist Information: Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus, Gotthardstrasse 2, +41 41 888 71 00
• Opening hours: Mon--Sat 08:30--12:00, 13:30--17:30 (extended in peak seasons)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Andermatt worth visiting?

Yes, Andermatt is one of the most exciting mountain destinations in Switzerland. Its unique position at the crossroads of four Alpine passes, combined with the Sawiris resort investment, has created a destination that blends traditional Alpine village charm with world-class facilities. It appeals equally to skiers (the Gemsstock is legendary), hikers, and travelers on the Glacier Express route.

How many days do you need in Andermatt?

Two to three days is ideal. In Winter: two full days of skiing (one on Gemsstock, one on Natschen-Sedrun side). In Summer: day one for the Schollenen Gorge and village; day two for a hike to Tomasee (source of the Rhine) or a pass drive. A third day allows for the Glacier Express ride or additional hiking.

How do you get to Andermatt from Zurich?

Take the IR train from Zurich HB to Goschenen (approximately 1h 40min), then change to the MGB Schollenen railway to Andermatt (10 min). Total journey approximately 1h 50min, with trains departing hourly. A second-class ticket costs CHF 46 (free with Swiss Travel Pass). Important: take the Gotthard mountain line, not the Gotthard Base Tunnel express, which does not stop at Goschenen.

What is the best time to visit Andermatt?

For skiing: December to April, with the best snow conditions on the Gemsstock typically January through March. For hiking and pass drives: July to September, when all four Alpine passes are open and wildflower meadows are in bloom. June and October are shoulder months with variable conditions.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid in Andermatt?

Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains to Andermatt (SBB and MGB), including the Glacier Express route using regular trains (the panoramic train requires a CHF 49 supplement). In Summer, it covers the Gemsstock gondola and PostBus services over all four passes. In Winter, it provides a 50% discount on SkiArena lift passes.

What is the Glacier Express?

The Glacier Express is a panoramic train running between Zermatt and St. Moritz via Andermatt, covering 291 km in approximately 8 hours. It crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. Andermatt is a key stop. A seat reservation (CHF 49) is mandatory on the panoramic service. However, regular MGB/RhB trains cover the same route without supplement and are free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Can you visit Andermatt as a day trip?

Yes. From Zurich (1h 50min) or Lucerne (1h 30min), a day trip to Andermatt is feasible. You can explore the village, walk to the Devil's Bridge in the Schollenen Gorge, and ride the Gemsstock gondola (Summer) in a full day. However, to experience a pass drive or hike to Tomasee, ch.tours recommends staying overnight.

Is Andermatt good for skiing?

Yes, Andermatt's SkiArena offers over 180 km of slopes with excellent variety. The Gemsstock (2,961 m) is famous for steep, off-piste freeride terrain and reliable snow. The Natschen-Gutsch-Sedrun side offers groomed intermediate runs. A day pass costs CHF 79 (2026 prices). The area is less crowded than Verbier, Zermatt, or St. Moritz, offering a more authentic experience.

What happened with the Andermatt development?

Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris invested over CHF 1.8 billion starting in 2009 to transform Andermatt into a year-round mountain resort. The project includes The Chedi Andermatt hotel (opened 2013), the Radisson Blu Reussen (2018), luxury apartments, a golf course, a concert hall, and the expanded SkiArena lift system connecting to Sedrun and Disentis. The development has revitalized the village while preserving its Alpine character.

What are the four passes around Andermatt?

Andermatt is the only village in Switzerland at the junction of four major Alpine passes: the Gotthard Pass (2,106 m, south to Ticino), the Oberalp Pass (2,044 m, east to Graubunden), the Furka Pass (2,429 m, west to Valais), and the Susten Pass (2,224 m, north to Bern). All four are open approximately mid-June to mid-October and can be driven as a single loop in 5--6 hours.

Insider Tips from Locals

1. Regular train, not Glacier Express: The Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn (MGB) regular trains cover the same spectacular route as the Glacier Express -- including the Oberalp Pass -- without the CHF 49 supplement. Free with Swiss Travel Pass. The panoramic windows on regular trains are smaller, but the scenery is identical.

2. Goschenen to Andermatt walk: Instead of taking the 10-minute shuttle train from Goschenen, walk down through the Schollenen Gorge (approximately 1.5 hours, downhill). The gorge is wild and dramatic, with the Devil's Bridge as the highlight. Take the train up and walk down.

3. Gemsstock freeride guides: The Gemsstock north face is legendary but avalanche-prone. Never ski off-piste without a certified mountain guide. Book through the Andermatt tourism office or the local mountain guides association. A full-day guided freeride session costs from CHF 350 for a group.

4. Gotthard Pass by PostBus: In Summer, the PostBus crosses the historic Gotthard Pass road (free with Swiss Travel Pass) -- sit on the right side for the best views of the Tremola hairpins. This is one of the most scenic PostBus routes in Switzerland.

5. Early morning Tomasee hike: Take the first MGB train to the Oberalp Pass and hike to Tomasee (source of the Rhine) before the day-trippers arrive. The small alpine lake at 2,345 m is usually mirror-calm in the early morning, reflecting the surrounding peaks.

6. The Chedi lobby bar: Even if you are not staying at The Chedi, the lobby bar is open to the public and serves excellent cocktails and Swiss wines in a stunning Alpine-meets-Asian interior. A drink costs CHF 18--25 and is one of the most atmospheric bar experiences in the Swiss Alps.

7. Four-pass drive timing: If driving the four-pass loop in Summer, start early (by 08:00) and drive the Furka Pass first -- it has the most dramatic views and is least crowded in the morning. Save the Gotthard for the afternoon when the light is best on the Tremola.

Source: ch.tours | Last updated: March 2026 | Data from MySwitzerland.com, SBB (sbb.ch), MGB (matterhorngotthardbahn.ch), MeteoSwiss, Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus (andermatt.ch), SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun (skiarena.ch)