Andermatt, Switzerland

Andermatt is a small town in the Swiss canton of Uri with a population of around 1300. The town stands at the crossroads between the northern, southern eastern and western regions of Switzerland and is reached by five impressive Alpine passes; the Oberalp, St Gotthard, Realp, Furka and Göscheneralp. Andermatt’s origins can be traced back to Allemanic tribes who settled in the area. Between 1818 and 1831. The nearby St. Gotthard Pass was opened up to postal coaches and as the last stop before the pass, Andermatt flourished and became a popular spa town. The opening of the St Gotthard railway tunnel caused a reversal of fortune. In 1865 the town became a garrison town of the Swiss Army and is now a military training centre. The town’s prosperity has been revived by tourism, which is now an important source of income. Andermatt makes an attractive alternative to the more expensive ski resorts.