Türmli Altdorf, situated in the town of Altdorf, within the Swiss Canton of Uri, stands as a renowned landmark in the heart of the village. This iconic structure serves as a tribute to Switzerland’s rich history and stands proudly alongside the William Tell Memorial. This article serves to discuss the history of the Türmli Altdorf tower and why it is important to the Swiss.
Overview: Türmli Altdorf and Tell Monument
Located in the Rathausplatz in Altdorf, near the shores of Lake Lucerne, stands the Türmli. A simple tower, it is mostly visited due to its importance in Swiss history, as opposed to its beauty. The Tell Monument, commissioned to honor the Swiss hero William Tell, stands proudly in front of the Türmli, symbolizing their intertwined legacy.
While the Türmli and William Tell Monument are not the most visited tourist attractions in Switzerland, those in the know or who love history will come to see them. It is a symbol of Altdorf’s part in Switzerland’s heritage, as one of the three founding cantons of the Helvetic Confederation together with Schwyz and Unterwalden.
History of Türmli Altdorf and Tell Monument
History of Türmli Altdorf
Türmli Altdorf Tower
Türmli Altdorf is a historic tower and one of the oldest located in the small village of Altdorf in Switzerland. The tower has been built numerous times; its foundations can be traced back to the middle of the 13th century.
Although the tower burned in the village fire of 1693, it was quickly rebuilt. Fire in 1799 also damaged its two bells. Thankfully, Canton Basel gifted Canton Uri with two bells in 1816.
Acquired by the Canton Uri, the Türmli tower serves as a symbol of sovereign power while fulfilling multiple roles as a clock, watchtower, and bell tower. Its significance extends beyond timekeeping, as its bells served as warnings of danger, fire, storm, and strong winds, as well as even signaling impending executions.
Türmli Altdorf Paintings
The tower has also been repainted many times, with its early facades showing stories related to William Tell. These paintings are all related to the founding of the early Swiss Confederation. Unfortunately, most of these early facade paintings are no longer here. The fresco on the south side was painted by Karl Leonz Püntener in 1694. The rear facade now has a fresco of Bürglen, the home of William Tell in canton Uri. This was painted by the artist Hans Sandreuter in 1895.
Türmli has undergone multiple renovations, the most recent one in 2011 emphasizing interior improvements and the installation of a new wooden staircase.
Türmli Altdorf Clockwork
The clockwork is a solid piece of hand-forged clockwork from the 16th and 17th centuries, dated around 1690. It is 98 meters high, 140 centimeters long, and 75 centimeters wide. It was probably by Johann Peter Landtwing who was a member of a clockmaking family from Zug. Although the clockwork was restored in 2016, it is mostly still in its original condition.
Today, Türmli Altdorf is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Altdorf’s important heritage. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for spectacular views of Central Switzerland, and learn more about the tower’s history and significance.
History of the Tell Monument
Right in front of Türmli is the Tell Monument. The monument commission entrusted the task of creating the monument to the artist Richard Kissling from Solothurn.
Inaugurated in August 1895, the Tell Monument stands as a bronze casting of the revered Swiss hero (or living myth) William Tell, masterfully brought to life by the artist Richard Kissling from Solothurn.
Funded by many donations and contributions from various cantons and the government, the Tell Monument cost a total of 142,000 Swiss francs.
The Tell Monument was inaugurated on the 27th and 28th of August 1895 together with three federal councilors, representatives of many cantonal governments, and important guests from politics, military, and industry. Furthermore, in 1898, the Tell Theater Association (Tellspielgesellschaft in German) was also formed in Altdorf to tell the story of William Tell alive on stage.
There are debates regarding the existence of William Tell and stories pointing to a 13th century tale from Denmark that found its way to Swiss chronicles. If you would like to learn more about Switzerland’s beginnings and its national hero William Tell, you can read more in this article August 1: How Switzerland Celebrates National Day.
Visitor Experience: Türmli Altdorf and Tell Monument
While Türmli Altdorf and the Tell Monument might not be the most beautiful places to visit in the country, both are among the most historically significant. has been carefully restored and renovated to continue a fascinating glimpse into the Swiss Confederation’s past.
The Türmli is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. And the Tell Monument is available outside for you to check out any time of the year.
Self-Guided Tour
You can visit the tower by yourself. There are small brochures available in the vicinity which help you learn about the tower’s history as well as the Tell Monument’s history. You may also read the signs hanging on the walls.
Overall, Türmli Altdorf and the Tell Monument are fascinating, mostly due to its history. You can also come up here to enjoy the beautiful views of Central Switzerland.
How to Get to Türmli Altdorf and Tell Monument
| Address | Türmli Rathausplatz 6460 Altdorf, Switzerland |
| By Bus | Altdorf UR, Telldenkmal |
| By Train | Altdorf (15-minute walk) |
| By Car | There are several parking lots in the village |
Final Thoughts: Türmli Altdorf and Tell Monument
Türmli Altdorf and the Tell Monument hold immense historical significance as prominent landmarks in Altdorf, Switzerland. Both structures are cherished as symbols of of the village’s identity as part of the three founding Cantons of Switzerland.
Türmli Altdorf has with its storied history and multiple renovations, has become an emblematic symbol of the Altdorf’s identity. The Tell Monument, on the other hand, commemorates the legendary Swiss hero William Tell and stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy. You can explore both monuments on your own.
The dramatic story about the apple shot by William Tell took place on the town hall square. You can find the exact spot by searching for the Bessler Fountain (Besslerbrunnen). According to the legend, William Tell’s son Walter stood with an apple on his head near the Bessler Fountain. William had to stand far away, at another founatin near the church square in Kirchplatz, to shoot this arrow.
Visitors with an interest in Swiss history and architecture will find these monuments to be essential stops when exploring the nearby region.
Resources
- Welcome to the Türmli, Altdorf. Uri Tourismus AG.
- Clockwork from the 17th Century in the Türmli Clock Tower. Türmli (on location).
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Darla is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country. Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.