14.11 Km, 4.5 hours, one really steep uphill (60% gradient), rough pebbly trails, smooth roads, mulch & moss covered paths, forests with age-old trees, gently sloping green meadows, cows, swans, sailboats, vine covered old houses, rewarding views, walking through sunshine, foresty shadows, cloud cover and rain to finally arrive at the Birthplace of Switzerland.

Here, below Seelisberg, in a clearing slightly above Lake Uri on the opposite side of the lake from Brunnen and the Mythen mountains, is where representatives from the three founding cantons – Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden – are said to have met on August 1, 1291 amidst continuing Habsburg repression to sign a pact of eternal mutual defence (the Rütli Oath), thereby laying the foundation of the Swiss Confederation as it stands today: “We want to be a band of brothers, sticking together through thick and thin!”.

The Rütli these days is a peaceful sanctuary on the lake. It is car-free and can be accessed only by boat or on foot via the Swiss Path from Seelisberg or Treib or from Beckenried like yours truly  

We pause by the SchwurzPlatz, Lukas poses like a representative from the founding cantons, solemly taking the oath, while me - still an Ausländer - can afford a Smile. As we're finishing up replenishing the calories in the restaurant, grey ominous looking clouds gather overhead. Time to head back - the best part, we just have to walk 500m to the Ship Station and enjoy the ride back home...