If you enjoy history and culture, the Smuggler’s Trail is an enjoyable way to get to know the Andermatt village. Using a mobile app, this interactive walking tour gives you interesting facts about Andermatt as you solve clues to find your next destination on the trail. Along the way, you’ll periodically answer questions to earn points based on what you learn.
This would be a good activity when you first arrive in town, as an introduction to the area. Because you are staying in the valley, this would also be a good for a cloudy day when the mountain views are obscured. To set your expectations correctly, this is more of a walking tour with a few amusements, not an exciting “escape the room” type activity for children.
| Region: | Andermatt, Switzerland |
| Starting point: | Andermatt Tourist Info Office – Gotthardstrasse 2, 6490 Andermatt |
| By car: | Parking: P1 or P2 outdoor parking north of the train station (46°38’19.9″N 8°35’31.9″E) from Lucerne 1hr • from Zürich 1hr40 |
| By public transport: | Train station: Andermatt, Bahnhof from Lucerne or Zürich 2hr |
| Trail: | short trail about 1.5 h • long trail about 2.5 h |
| Difficulty: | easy |
| Condition: | short trail is ok for strollers, long trail has stairs and narrow walkways |
| Open: | short trail year round, long trail May to October |
| Cost: | CHF 15/adult, CHF 9/child 4-16, discount with Andermatt Guest Card |
| Services: | shops and restaurants along the way |
| More info: | website • webcam • forecast |
Location
Andermatt is a mountain village in the middle of Switzerland, about 1 hr south of Lucerne by car. See on Google Maps. The Smuggler Trail is located in and around the Andermatt village.
Smuggler’s Trail
To do the Smuggler’s Trail, you’ll need to purchase a ticket (online or in person) and download the free Actionbound mobile app. At the Tourist Information Office, you’ll show your ticket then scan a code to get started in the Actionbound app. In the app, you’ll read clues, answer questions and get directions. It’s available in English and German. Best to have full battery on your phone. At the end, you’ll get a small prize if you crack the code.
There are two versions of the Smuggler’s Trail. Both start by exploring the beautiful Andermatt village shown below.
The shorter Sprinter Trail is about 1.4 km and takes about 1h30 depending on how long it takes you to solve the clues. It’s easy walking around the village, possible with strollers.
You’ll visit several beautiful historical buildings along the way and learn the story of this place. Lots of great photo opportunities here.
There are also some treats and treasures along the way. But you’ll have to solve the clues to get your rewards.
The longer Intensive Trail starts the same as the Sprinter trail and adds a wander outside the village – 4.3 km total walking, about 2h30. This second half is a bit long but the trail is mostly flat and not very difficult, as shown below. Part of it has some stairs and narrow walkways, so not suitable for strollers.
The Intensive Trail gives you a nature experience to complement the village. Lots of pretty views on this part.
Spoiler alert: The Intensive trail visits the Schöllenen Gorge. If you have already been to the gorge, you might prefer the Sprinter Trail instead.
How to get there
This outing starts and ends at the Andermatt Tourist Information Office next to the train station – Gotthardstrasse 2, 6490 Andermatt
By car
Drive to Andermatt and park near the train station. We suggest the P1 or P2 outdoor parking just north of the train station (46°38’19.9″N 8°35’31.9″E). See more Andermatt parking options. From these parking lots, walk through the train station to the Tourist Info Office directly across the train station.
By public transport
Take a train to Andermatt, Bahnhof. The Tourist Information Office is directly across from the train station.
Price
In 2022, the Smuggler’s Trail costs CHF 15/adult, CHF 9/child age 4-16, under 4 free. Discount with Andermatt Guest Card. You can purchase tickets at the Tourist Information Office or book online.
The activity requires downloading the free Actionbound mobile app. When you check in at the Tourist Info Office, you’ll scan a code to start the trail.
Opening hours
The shorter Sprinter trail is possible year round. The longer Intensive Trail is possible summer season from May to October.
