The Axenstrasse, one of the most beautiful main roads in Central Switzerland, has been one continuous section from Flüelen to Brunnen since 1865. Thanks to brilliant technology and panoramic views, it has become a world-famous tourist attraction.
The road runs above the steep east shore of the fjord-like Urner See (Lake Uri), passing through numerous tunnels and galleries blasted from the rock. In addition to the Schöllenen, the Axen is a key point on the land route between the St. Gotthard, the Urner Reusstal valley and central Mittelland. The almost vertical rock faces north of Gruontal valley and the Gumpischtal and Buggital cliffs and gullies falling to the lake have long posed a great hindrance to traffic.
It is unclear whether a continuous land route from Flüelen to Sisikon existed before 1860. Traffic probably mostly made use of the waters of the Vierwaldstättersee. The crosswise shoulder of the mountain and the Tellen shores are old settlement sites. The Axenberg was so remote for so long that a herd of ibex lived on Adamsrüti until 1583.
In 1776, the route from Flüelen to Axen was called Landstrasse (country road), but the Axen did not become a traffic route until 1860, when construction of the today’s still famous road began. The section from Brunnen to Flüelen was opened in 1865. The brilliant engineering feat consists of passages blasted from the rock, galleries and numerous openings in the tunnel walls giving views of the lake, Flüelen and the Reusstal valley. Since the 1930s, the road has been successively altered to suit traffic needs. Numerous sections have been closed or now serve as hiking trails.
On the far side of the lake can be seen the crag known as the "Schillerstein" (named after the German dramatist whose works include "William Tell") and, higher up on the Seelisberg the Rütli meadow where the original Swiss Confederation was established. Just before Sisikon, the road enters the canton of Uri.
