Central Switzerland

The five cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Nidwalden, Obwalden and Lucerne surrounding the Vierwaldstättersee are the original birthplace of the Swiss Confederation and the origin of the legend of William Tell. The region offers a lot to the traveler, including outdoor recreation, great scenery, historic old cities, and steamboat rides on the lake.

Understand
Central Switzerland is regarded as the birthplace of Switzerland. The federal charter dated 1291 documents a first alliance between the people of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden (split up into Ob- and Nidwalden). This document is still preserved and can be seen (together with many others) in the Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation in Schwyz. This region is also were the events around the life of the legendary Willhelm Tell supposedly occurred. In the 14th century, Lucerne joined the alliance, making up what is called the Vier Waldstätten (roughly translated as four forest cantons).

Public holidays
Central Switzerland is predominantly Catholic, and accordingly are most of the public holidays. These are the public holidays in addition to those observed in the whole of Switzerland:


 * St. Berchtold (2 January, observed in Lucerne)
 * Epiphany (6 January, observed in Schwyz and Uri)
 * St Joseph's Day (19 March, observed in Nidwalden, Schwyz and Uri)
 * Corpus Christi (60 days after Easter)
 * Assumption (15 August)
 * Brother Klaus festival (25 September, observed in Obwalden)
 * All Saints Day (1 November)
 * Immaculate Conception (8 December)

In the canton of Uri, 26 December is not a holiday if Christmas falls on a Monday.