 The name of the Axenstrasse refers to one particular part of the mountains the Axenstrasse circumvents and traverses, the high, vertical rock between Flüelen and Sisikon, actually a farmed meadow terrace ("Ober Axen" and "Unter Axen") right below the much higher Rophaien ().The route, especially in the part south of Sisikon, involves many open passages with rock galleries and numerous openings in the west tunnel walls viewing Urnersee as a result of the tunnel blasting through the calcareous rock.The road costs were 842,000 francs in 1865, half of which was paid for by the federal government of Switzerland.