Unterwalden

Unterwalden is the name of the territorial unit in which the two Swiss cantons of Nidwalden and Obwalden today emerged. Especially in older official documents are found for this today cantons with half a cantonal vote and only one Senate sometimes the terms " Unterwalden whether the forest» or « Unterwalden nid the forest».

Unterwalden is - regarded as one of the three founding cantons of the Swiss Confederation - in addition to Uri and Schwyz. The Federal Charter of 1291, considered the historical founding document, but one of Uri, Schwyz, and a " lower valley " ( vallis inferioris ) on. This Nidwalden or according to Roger Sablonier also Urserental could be meant. In the description of the Rütli oath in the White Book of Sarnen enters Obwaldner as the fourth Swearing to Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden.

Common coat of arms for Unterwalden decision after a hearing held on August 12, 1816.