Isenthal

Isenthal is a Swiss commune located in the canton of Uri. It has an estimated population, at the end of 2020, of 476 inhabitants.

Toponymy

The name of this commune was mentioned for the first time in 1280 under the name "Yseltal". The toponym "Isenthal" It has been found since 1483. It apparently comes from the Roman German language word "insela" (island or peninsula, the valley behind the island). According to another tradition, the name Isenthal would come from the word iron, called "Isen" in an ancient dialect.

History

According to historical documents, Isenthal was settled between the V century and the IX. The first inhabitants came from afar. They were primarily hunters and shepherds who probably came from Nidwald. The forest was the main wealth since the soils are poor, although they are suitable for grazing, which was the factor that gave the most income to this community.

In the XVI century, the commune suffers from an economic boom, thanks to trade through the Alps. In 1901 the road between Isleten and Isenthal was built, which opened the region's contact with the rest of the world by sea from Isleten.

In 1951 the construction of the Islenten-Seedorf road linked the area to the rest of the canton by land.

Curiosity

In 1820, the last bear from the canton of Uri wandered in the territory of this commune. The bear was hunted and today is found as a trophy in front of the hunters' house of the time.