A carillon with 37 bells, the Tell Chapel on Lake Uri and the starting point of the final stage of the Swiss Path give Sisikon several concrete points of reference for planning a trip. These are complemented by a rich church history, a designated landscape and a harbour with guest berths. This makes it easy to explore the area according to your cultural, scenic or nautical interests.
Carillon and Swiss Path
The “Tellsplatte” carillon consists of 37 bells and is the largest carillon in Switzerland. It is located in Sisikon, along the well-travelled Swiss Path. The fourth and final stage of the path also begins in the village. So if you want to plan your trip around the route, you’ll find a clear point of reference here: the carillon is along the path, while the stage information marks the start of its final section.
The Tell Chapel and its history
The Tell Chapel stands on a spot on Lake Uri where, according to legend, William Tell escaped from the boat of bailiff Gessler with a life-saving leap. The present-day chapel was built in 1879/80. Four frescoes by Basel painter Ernst Stückelberg depict the Rütli Oath, the apple-shot, Tell’s leap and Gessler’s death in the Hohle Gasse. The construction date and the frescoes connect the story with a chapel whose date and artistic features are well documented.
The chapel can be reached by boat or on foot from the car park at Hotel Tellsplatte, and is located directly on Axenstrasse. These are two access options to consider when planning your visit; check the latest conditions in advance.
Church history across several periods
St. Joseph’s Church dates back to a small consecrated chapel that already existed in the 13th century. Records from 1387 mention the conversion and extension of a chapel dedicated to St. Giles; it was elevated to the status of a church and a bell tower was added at the same time. The old parish church in Sisikon was later demolished in 1968, except for its tower. The new church was built to plans by Richard P. Krieg. These details trace different stages in the local church’s history, from the early chapel to the new building.
Scenery and a stay by the water
Sisikon is one of the municipalities in Uri included in BLN site 1606, “Lake Lucerne with Kernwald, Bürgenstock and Rigi,” a landscape of national importance. This provides a specific framework for exploring the landscape alongside the buildings and route.
Sisikon harbour has 160 wet and dry berths, including guest berths. Boats can be launched and hauled out there using the harbour crane and slipway; the crane has a lifting capacity of up to 10 tonnes. As capacity may change, it is advisable to check the harbour operator’s latest information before making plans.
On Lake Uri, Seebeizli has a sun terrace right by the lake, with spectacular views. The menu includes regional delicacies, seasonal specialities and homemade pastries. If you plan to stop here, check the current menu and opening arrangements before your visit, as food and operating arrangements may change.
Discover more destinations: Andermatt, Gurtnellen, Silenen, Altdorf, Unterschächen, Erstfeld, Hospental, Bauen.
For the main travel overview: Uri.
