Federal Charter of 1291

Historical Overview

The representatives of the three alpine communities of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden formed a perpetual alliance, sealed by the Federal Charter of 1291 (traditionally dated to the beginning of August). The primary strategic objective of the coalition was collective defense to safeguard their regional autonomy against the expansionist ambitions of the House of Habsburg, while ensuring public safety and legal order along crucial alpine trade routes. In Swiss historiography, this document is revered as the foundational charter of the Old Swiss Confederacy, and the date is celebrated annually as the Swiss National Day.