Bauen lies on the western shore of Lake Uri, at 436 m above sea level, at the foot of Oberbauen and Niederbauen. The village combines a historic center directly on the lake with trails, water and a striking landscape. Several mountain streams formed the buildable site on which the village stands through their deposits; the Bauer or Hutzbach stream flows through the center.

Village Center and Sheltered Bay

The historic village center is a dense, clustered settlement on the lakeshore. Farmhouses, residential buildings and inns from the 18th and 19th centuries characterize this area. This lets you discover Bauen’s townscape as an organically developed whole, rather than through a single building alone. In the sheltered setting of Bauen Bay, figs, apricots, persimmons, kiwis, quinces and grapes grow alongside sweet chestnuts and palm trees. This vegetation gives the village its southern appearance.

Boat Trips, Hiking and a Swim

Bauen is a stop on the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company’s routes, where passengers can board and disembark. If you plan to take a boat trip, check the timetable in advance. The Swiss Path also offers a clear point of reference: one of its stages starts in Bauen. The route is 35 km long in total; along the way, you can hike, take a lunch break in Bauen and swim in the bay in summer. Boat trips, hiking and a summer swim are different ways to experience the village; plan them around your available time and check the timetable for your visit.

Another hiking option is the old country path between Seelisberg and Bauen. As early as the 12th century, it formed part of a transit route between north and south. The hike along the old country path takes about an hour. Many of the dry-stone walls along the route date back to the time when the Swiss Confederation was founded; a bridge over the Bauerbach completes the route. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

History and Architecture

Bauen was first mentioned in 1150; historical forms of its name include Bawen and Bauwen. The first chapel was built in 1360 and was under the authority of the monastery in Seedorf. The Zwyssighaus has a special connection to Swiss musical history: it is the birthplace of Father Alberik Zwyssig, composer of the Swiss Psalm. Built in 1796, the house is a typical building of the original Swiss blockhouse style. The parish church of St. Idda adds another architectural accent with its Neoclassical façade. Together, these buildings reveal different aspects of the village’s history: early religious ties, local architectural styles and the memory of a well-known composer.

Lido in Bauen

For a break by the water, the lido offers a barbecue area, a shower, changing rooms and a toilet. Children can fish there in peaceful surroundings. Access, conditions and facilities may change; check locally for the latest information. This makes it easy to fit a swim into a day that might also include a hike, a boat trip or a stroll through the village center.

Discover more destinations: Andermatt, Isenthal, Bürglen, Wassen, Hospental, Spiringen, Gurtnellen, Unterschächen

Back to the regional travel overview: Uri.