Unterwalden

former canton, Switzerland
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/place/Unterwalden
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Print
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/place/Unterwalden
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Unterwalden, former canton, central Switzerland; it occupied the basins of the Sarner Aa (river) and the Engelberger Aa. The former canton is divided (east and west) into two sovereign half cantons—Nidwalden and Obwalden—based on the medieval distinction between the upper and lower river valleys. Unterwalden was included in the Zürichgau (district) and was ruled after 1173 by the Habsburg counts, acting as the representatives of the German king. In 1291, with Uri and Schwyz, it formed the Everlasting League that became the nucleus of the Swiss Confederation. In 1340 Unterwalden divided itself into Nidwalden and Obwalden. Although continuing to maintain their distinct identities, Nidwalden and Obwalden usually acted in concert as Unterwalden canton. In 1803 they became half cantons having equal rights.