The Canton of Uri is an alpine canton in central Switzerland with approximately 37,000 inhabitants spread across around twenty municipalities. Situated south of Lake Lucerne, it is crossed by the Gotthard axis, one of Europe’s most important communication routes linking the north and south of the continent. Its capital, Altdorf, is famous for the legend of William Tell and his iconic statue in the main square.
Uri is one of the three founding cantons of the Swiss Confederation (1291, along with Schwyz and Unterwalden). It is a deeply mountainous territory with a main valley (the Reuss valley) and several spectacular lateral valleys. The canton is home to the Gotthard Base Tunnel (57 km, the world’s longest railway tunnel), whose northern portal is at Erstfeld. Despite its small size and alpine character, Uri offers an authentic living environment with property prices among the most affordable in Switzerland, attracting a growing number of residents seeking nature and tranquillity.
Why move to the Canton of Uri?
- Very low property prices: among the most affordable in Switzerland, 40 to 50% cheaper than Zurich or Lucerne
- Spectacular alpine setting: mountains, waterfalls, gorges, Lake Lucerne
- History and heritage: cradle of Switzerland, legend of William Tell, Rutli Meadow (accessible by boat)
- Gotthard axis: fast connection to Ticino (20 min via the base tunnel) and Zurich (50 min)
- Andermatt reborn: the mountain resort is undergoing major tourist development (Andermatt Swiss Alps)
- Tranquillity: a peaceful canton far from urban bustle, ideal for families and retirees
The challenges of moving in the Canton of Uri
Gotthard axis and transit traffic
Uri is crossed by the Gotthard axis (A2 motorway, road tunnel and railway base tunnel). Transit traffic can be intense, especially at weekends and during holidays (queues at the road tunnel). Local movers plan jobs to avoid transit peak hours and busy holiday weekends.
Lateral valleys and restricted access
Uri’s lateral valleys (Schachental, Maderanertal, Isenthal, Urseren valley) are remote mountain areas with narrow, winding, sometimes single-track roads. Some villages are accessible only via roads with passing places. Isenthal is connected to the rest of the canton by a single road tunnel. A local mover who knows these access routes is essential.
Andermatt and high altitude
Andermatt (1,437 m) and its neighbouring municipalities (Hospental, Realp) are at high altitude in the Urseren valley. Access from Altdorf is via the Schollenen Gorge (a spectacular road with tunnels and bridges, including the famous Devil’s Bridge). In winter, this road can be temporarily closed due to avalanches. The Gotthard Base Tunnel offers a railway alternative.
Harsh winter conditions
Winters in Uri can be severe, especially at altitude. The Gotthard Pass is closed from November to May (road tunnel remains open), and the Susten, Klausen and Oberalp passes are also closed in winter. Avalanche risks, rockfalls and alpine floods are real and can temporarily cut roads.
Natural hazards
The Canton of Uri is exposed to alpine natural hazards: avalanches, rockfalls, mudslides, Reuss flooding. In 2005 and 2023, major floods caused damage in the valley. Local movers monitor these conditions and adapt their schedule.
Our moving services in the Canton of Uri
- Residential moving: complete service adapted to the alpine context
- Commercial moving: offices, shops, hotels, tourist operations
- Free quote: compare offers from Uri and central Switzerland movers
- Professional packing: reinforced protection for mountain transport
- Storage: secure storage in the Reuss valley
- Furniture lift: for older buildings and mountain chalets
- Specialist alpine transport: vehicles adapted to mountain roads, gorges and lateral valleys
- International moving: service to Ticino (via the Gotthard) and beyond
- End-of-lease cleaning: professional property restoration
Moving prices in the Canton of Uri
Rates are moderate, reflecting the canton’s reasonable cost of living. Moves into the lateral valleys and to Andermatt cost more due to more difficult access.
Local move
| Property type | Estimated volume | Price range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 room | 10-15 m³ | 450 – 950 |
| 2 rooms | 20-25 m³ | 800 – 1,400 |
| 3-4 rooms | 30-45 m³ | 1,200 – 2,700 |
| 5 rooms and above | 50-70 m³ | 2,000 – 4,200 |
| Chalet / house | 60-90 m³ | 2,800 – 5,500+ |
Intercantonal move
| Route | Estimated supplement |
|---|---|
| Uri to/from Lucerne (60 km) | + 300 – 600 CHF |
| Uri to/from Schwyz (30 km) | + 200 – 400 CHF |
| Uri to/from Nidwalden (40 km) | + 250 – 500 CHF |
| Uri to/from Zurich (100 km) | + 450 – 850 CHF |
| Uri to/from Ticino (via Gotthard, 80 km) | + 350 – 700 CHF |
Factors affecting the price
- Accessibility: lateral valleys (Schachental, Maderanertal, Isenthal) are harder to reach
- Altitude: Andermatt (1,437 m), Hospental and Realp require alpine logistics
- Season: in winter, mountain roads may be snow-covered or closed (passes)
- Distance: from Altdorf to Andermatt takes 40 min on a winding road
- Property type: mountain chalets often have restricted access
- Gotthard traffic: on busy days, journey times can be extended
Main towns and municipalities in the Canton of Uri
- Altdorf: cantonal capital (~9,500 inhab.), town of William Tell, administrative, commercial and cultural centre
- Schattdorf: residential municipality (~5,500 inhab.), on the Reuss, facing Altdorf
- Erstfeld: municipality at the foot of the Gotthard (~4,500 inhab.), northern portal of the Gotthard Base Tunnel (57 km)
- Burglen: historic municipality (~4,000 inhab.), legendary birthplace of William Tell
- Andermatt: mountain resort undergoing renewal (~1,800 inhab.), Andermatt Swiss Alps, skiing, Oberalp Pass
- Fluelen: municipality on Lake Lucerne (~2,000 inhab.), historic port, gateway to the lake
- Silenen: valley municipality (~2,500 inhab.), between Erstfeld and Amsteg, Reuss gorges
Distinctive features of moving in the Canton of Uri
Gotthard Base Tunnel
The Gotthard Base Tunnel (57 km, opened in 2016), the world’s longest railway tunnel, has its northern portal at Erstfeld. It has revolutionised connections between Uri and Ticino: 20 minutes to reach Bellinzona. Moves between Uri and Ticino are faster than before, although furniture transport uses the road (Gotthard road tunnel).
Andermatt Swiss Alps
Andermatt is undergoing major tourist development with the Andermatt Swiss Alps project (investment of over 1.5 billion CHF): luxury hotels, apartments, golf course, interlinked skiing (SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun). This development generates a significant flow of moves (holiday residences, hotel staff, new residents).
Rutli Meadow and heritage
The Rutli, the mythical site of the Federal Charter of 1291, is situated on Lake Lucerne in the Canton of Uri. The historical heritage can be seen in the architecture of the towns and chapels. Older buildings in Altdorf and the villages require specific moving precautions.
Isenthal, the isolated village
Isenthal is a mountain village accessible only by a single-track tunnel from the shores of Lake Lucerne. It is one of Switzerland’s most isolated municipalities. Moves there require small vehicles and coordination with tunnel traffic.
Schollenen Gorge
The road to Andermatt passes through the spectacular Schollenen Gorge, with the Devil’s Bridge (Teufelsbrucke). This historic road is narrow in places and can be temporarily closed due to natural hazards. Local movers know the alternatives and optimal timings.
Tips for your move in the Canton of Uri
- Choose the right season: May to October for Andermatt and the lateral valleys; year-round for Altdorf
- Avoid transit weekends: Gotthard traffic can be intense; move on weekdays
- Choose an alpine mover: experience on mountain roads is essential
- Check road closures: passes closed in winter, gorges sometimes temporarily cut
- Allow enough time: from Altdorf to Andermatt takes 40 min on a winding road
- Protect your belongings: mountain roads cause vibrations; reinforced packing recommended
- Schedule the cleaning: book the mover and cleaning company at the same time
- Register your arrival: at the Einwohnerkontrolle of your municipality within 14 days
FAQ — Moving in the Canton of Uri
Questions fréquentes
Prices range from 450 CHF for a studio to around 5,500 CHF for a chalet. Uri is one of the most affordable cantons in Switzerland for moving. Moves to Andermatt or the lateral valleys cost 20 to 30% more.
Andermatt is accessible year-round by road from Goschenen (Schollenen Gorge) or by train (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn). In winter, the road can be temporarily closed due to avalanches. Local movers know the specific constraints.
Transit traffic can be intense at weekends and during holidays. Local movers plan on weekdays and outside peak hours. The railway base tunnel offers an alternative for passengers (not for lorries).
It is possible in the main valley (Altdorf, Erstfeld, Schattdorf). For the lateral valleys and Andermatt, it is inadvisable except in emergencies. Passes are closed and roads can be dangerous. The period from May to October is recommended.
Uri is German-speaking. Some central Switzerland regional partners offer services in French. Specify your preference when requesting a quote.
In normal periods, 2 to 3 weeks is sufficient. For Andermatt in summer (the best period) or during tourist-season transitions, book 4 to 5 weeks ahead.
Yes, the Andermatt Swiss Alps project generates a significant flow of moves: holiday residences, hotel staff, new permanent residents. Demand is rising in this part of the canton.
Request your free quote for a move in Uri
Request your free quote and compare offers from professional movers in the Canton of Uri. From Altdorf to Andermatt, from Lake Lucerne to the Schollenen Gorge, our partners deliver professional service in this founding canton of Switzerland, at the heart of the Alps.