The Weg der Schweiz (Swiss Path) wends its way around the deep Urnersee lake, sometimes high up, then down along the shores, sometimes on steps hewn from the rock, then on wide easy paths, passing many places to rest or swim, and always with wonderful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The passenger boats give you plenty of choice for departure and destination points.

This is probably the most famous round hike in Switzerland. Its appeal lies not just in the diversity of the route but far more in the fact that the initiators have succeeded in integrating a maximum «homeland feel» on this trail. The focus of attention is on the Rütli, really quite an insignificant meadow, but as the basis of the Swiss Confederation was forged here, laden with more historic, symbolic emotion than any other place in Switzerland. The Tellsplatte and Tellskapelle (William Tell Chapel) are also must-see sights.

The affection of the Swiss people for this path is boosted by the idea of every canton being given a part of the path to shape, based on population. It is interesting to see the varied reactions of individual cantons. On some stretches you hardly notice anything of the «shaping» canton, on others they have really made their mark – as for example Canton Waadt between Morschach and Sisikon.