Tell Monument

The William Tell Monument in Altdorf (Telldenkmal) stands on the Rathausplatz in the heart of Altdorf, capital of the Swiss canton of Uri. It is the town's best-known landmark. The bronze figure shows the legendary marksman with his crossbow, standing beside his son Walter. It was unveiled in August 1895.

What does the monument show?

Tell is portrayed as a sturdy, resolute mountain man in local peasant dress, crossbow in hand, with his son next to him. The sculptor was Richard Kissling (1848–1919) from Solothurn. The pedestal carries the date 1307, the year the chronicler Aegidius Tschudi assigned to the Rütli oath and the apple shot. Many historians prefer 1291 for the founding of the Confederation, which makes the inscription a good conversation starter.

How did Altdorf get its monument?

Altdorf's first Tell statue arrived around 1860 and was made of plaster, a present from the federal shooting festival in Zurich. It could not cope with the weather and soon fell apart. In 1888 the Uri government appointed a 15-member commission and invited designs. About 30 artists responded, and Kissling's proposal won a unanimous vote. The project cost 142,000 francs, covered by donations plus contributions from the Confederation and all the cantons. The Federal Council alone pledged 125,000 francs. Three federal councillors and delegations from the cantonal governments attended the unveiling.

What is next to it?

The monument faces the neoclassical Uri government building of 1806. Directly behind the statue is the Türmli, a 13th-century tower now treated as a monument in its own right. A small exhibition inside explains the tower's history and how the town came to have its Tell. The upper platform gives a view over the town. According to the legend, Walter stood with the apple on his head beneath the lime tree at the town hall. That tree was felled in 1567, and a stone fountain took its place. The fountain was moved a few metres in 1959.

How do you get there?

Altdorf lies on the railway towards the Gotthard, roughly 40 km from Lucerne. The Rathausplatz is in the middle of the small town, so you can walk from the station or the bus stops. The monument sits at about 46.882 N, 8.644 E. It is free to see, as it stands in an open square.

When should you visit, and for how long?

Seeing the statue takes 10–15 minutes. Add the Türmli and a stroll through the old centre and an hour is plenty. Late morning on a clear day gives the best light for photos. The square is open all year, and in summer cafe tables fill part of it. The stop pairs well with a wider Tell trail around Lake Lucerne, where other places tied to the legend are within reach.

Frequently asked questions

Who made the Tell Monument in Altdorf? Richard Kissling of Solothurn. His design was chosen unanimously from entries by around 30 artists.

When was it unveiled? In August 1895, at a ceremony attended by federal authorities and cantonal representatives.

Is there an entrance fee? No. The monument stands on a public square and can be viewed at any time.

What does the date 1307 on the base mean? It is the traditional date of the Rütli oath and the apple shot, following the chronicler Aegidius Tschudi. The monument shows a legend, not a settled historical record.