The History of the Swiss town named Andermatt: From Remote Alpine Village to World-Class Destination?

Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at 1,447 meters above sea level, Andermatt is more than just a pretty postcard town. While it has become a sought-after destination for skiers, hikers, and luxury travelers, its history stretches back centuries — filled with trade, warfare, and transformation. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the soul of this alpine gem, here’s everything you need to know about the fascinating history of Andermatt.

📍 A Village at the Crossroads of Europe

Long before the ski lifts and five-star resorts, Andermatt was an important transit point between north and south Europe. Its strategic location at the intersection of the Gotthard Pass, Furka Pass, and Oberalp Pass made it a key point on the Gotthard trade route, one of the most important alpine crossings in Europe.

The Gotthard route has been used since at least the 13th century, when the Devil’s Bridge (Teufelsbrücke) was built across the Schöllenen Gorge. This allowed traders, pilgrims, and travelers to pass through the treacherous terrain — and turned Andermatt into a lively hub for mule trains and merchants.

🗺️ Did you know? The Gotthard Pass was once considered impassable until the Devil’s Bridge was constructed. Legend says the devil himself built it — and demanded a soul in return.

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🏰 Military Might: Andermatt as a Fortress Town

Fast forward to the 19th and 20th centuries, and Andermatt takes on a very different role: defending Switzerland. Because of its critical position in the Alps, Andermatt became home to one of the most significant military bases in the country.

In the 1880s, the Gotthard Fortress was constructed — a massive network of tunnels and artillery emplacements carved into the mountains. These installations were designed to protect Switzerland from foreign invasion, especially during the World Wars and the Cold War. For decades, access to much of Andermatt was restricted, and the town was filled with soldiers and army families.

Even today, traces of that military era remain. The Sasso San Gottardo Museum, located inside one of the old fortresses, now offers visitors a glimpse into this secretive world with exhibits on national defense and Alpine history.

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🚞 The Glacier Express Arrives

In 1930, Andermatt was added to the route of the newly launched Glacier Express, famously known as “the slowest express train in the world.” This scenic railway, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz, brought travelers from around the world straight through the heart of Andermatt.

The Glacier Express helped kickstart the first wave of tourism in the region, especially among summer hikers, alpine explorers, and those looking for clean air and stunning views. The train remains a major draw today and is one of the most iconic ways to arrive in Andermatt.

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🏗️ Reinventing Andermatt: A Modern Alpine Resort

Until the early 2000s, Andermatt remained mostly a military town. But everything changed when Egyptian-Swiss entrepreneur Samih Sawiris unveiled a bold vision: transform Andermatt into a sustainable, high-end alpine resort.

In partnership with the Swiss government and local residents, the massive Andermatt Swiss Alps project was born. Over the past two decades, it has reshaped the village, adding:

The Chedi Andermatt – a luxury five-star hotel and spa
A modern ski area with a full connection to Sedrun and Disentis
Residential properties, shops, restaurants, and eco-friendly infrastructure
Golf courses, cultural events, and wellness facilities

What makes this transformation so unique is its focus on sustainability and preserving Andermatt’s charm — no high-rises, no overdevelopment, and a strong emphasis on local culture.

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🧭 A Timeline of Transformation

Here’s a look at some of the major events in Andermatt’s history:

Year	Milestone
~1230	Gotthard Pass and Devil’s Bridge become key trade route
1885	Construction of Gotthard military fortress begins
1930	Glacier Express train adds Andermatt stop
2005	Swiss Army announces withdrawal from Andermatt
2009	Groundbreaking of Andermatt Swiss Alps project
2013	Opening of The Chedi Andermatt
2018	Full connection of SkiArena Andermatt–Sedrun
2022	Golf course and resort town expansion completed

🕰️ The History of Andermatt: From Alpine Village to World-Class Destination

Tucked in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt may look like a quiet mountain town — but it holds a history as rich and dramatic as the landscape that surrounds it. From ancient trade routes to military stronghold to luxury resort, the story of Andermatt is a fascinating journey through time.

🏔️ A Strategic Mountain Crossroads

Long before it became a skiing hotspot, Andermatt was a vital intersection for Alpine travelers. Sitting at the crossroads of the Gotthard Pass, Furka Pass, and Oberalp Pass, the region has connected northern and southern Europe for over 700 years.

Historical fact: The Gotthard Pass route dates back to at least the 13th century and became one of the most important north–south connections in Europe.

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📸 Suggested graphic: Ancient trade route map overlayed with modern roads.

🏰 Military Significance and Fortifications

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Andermatt took on a new role: defending Switzerland. Due to its key position in the Alps, it became home to one of the country’s most important military bases.

The Andermatt Fortress (Gotthard Fortress) was a top-secret installation built into the mountain — much of which is now decommissioned and partially open to the public as a museum.

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📸 Suggested graphic: Photo of fortress entrance, vintage soldier uniforms.

🚞 The Arrival of the Glacier Express

In 1930, Andermatt joined one of Europe’s most legendary train routes — the Glacier Express, linking Zermatt and St. Moritz. This marked the beginning of tourism in Andermatt, especially among nature lovers and hikers seeking the pure Alpine experience.

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📸 Suggested graphic: Retro-style train poster with Glacier Express crossing a viaduct.

🏗️ The Transformation: From Army Town to Luxury Resort

Until the early 2000s, Andermatt was still largely a quiet army town. But everything changed with the vision of Egyptian-Swiss investor Samih Sawiris, who launched a billion-franc project to reinvent the town as a modern alpine resort.

The development includes:

The Chedi Andermatt – a five-star hotel blending Swiss and Asian design
New residential areas, luxury apartments, and chalets
The expansion of the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun, now one of the largest in Switzerland

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📸 Suggested graphic: “Before and after” transformation photo collage.

🎿 Tourism Today: Blending Past and Future

Andermatt has managed to balance modernization with tradition. The village still keeps its original charm — cobblestone streets, wooden chalets, and a small community feel — while offering world-class services and eco-conscious development.

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📸 Suggested graphic: Mix of traditional chalet and modern resort hotel in one frame.

🧭 Key Historical Milestones

Year	Event
~1230	First records of Gotthard Pass trade route
1885	Construction begins on Gotthard military fortress
1930	Glacier Express begins operation
2005	Swiss Army announces departure from Andermatt
2007	Samih Sawiris unveils resort development plan
2013	The Chedi Andermatt opens
2022	Completion of SkiArena connection to Sedrun