Alte Axenstrasse road: stay away if you're scared of heights

Alte Axenstrasse (Old Axenstrasse) is the name of an engineering masterpiece located in the canton of Uri in Switzerland. The road is closed to vehicles indefinitely.

Alte Axenstrasse

When was the Alte Axenstrasse road built?

Running along steep cliffs on the east side of Lake Lucerne, the road for horse-drawn carriages was built in 1865 after 4 years of construction. The construction of the Axenstrasse was a technical challenge because of the steep terrain. It runs through many rock fall galleries and tunnels. It was named the Axenstrasse because the road is located along the Axen Mountain.

Is the Alte Axenstrasse road open?

This truly breathtaking old road was bypassed by the European route E41. It is currently only open for bicycles and pedestrians. All others have to use the new road.

How long is the Alte Axenstrasse road?

Tucked away in the central part of the country, this scenic old road is 1.0 km (0.62 miles) long and winds its way between water and rocks. It contains passages blasted out of the rock, rock galleries, and a tunnel wall with multiple openings, which offers a view of the lake, Flüelen, and the Reuss Valley as well as the vast Alpine and forest areas. The road, with panoramic views, is a world-famous tourist attraction. Ice and snow can be on the way.
Pic: Jud Roger

 

 

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