Altdorf: Tell History, Churches and Art
Accommodation in Altdorf
Altdorf is a political municipality and the capital of the Swiss canton of Uri. Tell history, religious buildings and art give the town several cultural focal points; the Eggberge, which belong to Altdorf, and nearby hiking trails add to the attractions. If you are looking for a hotel in Altdorf, you can plan your stay around these interests: the activities differ in theme, time required and season.
The Tell Trail and Tell tradition
Altdorf’s Tell Trail connects the cantonal railway station and the centre of Altdorf in an engaging way. At its stations, it explores the origins and impact of the legend of Swiss freedom hero William Tell. The route is 1.5 kilometres long and flat; walking it at a brisk pace takes about half an hour. This makes it easy to include in your daily plans as a compact activity.
The Tell Monument also commemorates Switzerland’s founding story. The Altdorf Tell Plays offer a connection to the stage and are among the most significant cultural events in the Canton of Uri. The Tellspielgesellschaft Altdorf (Altdorf Tell Society) aims to continue the tradition of performing Friedrich Schiller’s “Tell”, which dates back to 1899. The performance schedule varies with each production cycle. If you would like to plan a visit to a performance, check the dates for the relevant cycle.
Churches and history
The Church of St. Martin stands on foundations that are more than 1,200 years old and is considered the finest example of Neoclassical church architecture in the Canton of Uri. The Chapel of St. Anne, built in 1596, is described as Altdorf’s oldest place of worship. The two buildings represent different historical features: St. Martin for the age of its foundations and its Neoclassical architecture, and St. Anne for its construction date and status as the oldest place of worship.
The Chapel of the Lower Holy Cross is dedicated to St. Sebastian, the patron saint against the plague. Built in the Baroque style in 1629, it has since undergone several structural alterations. The church of the former Capuchin monastery was rebuilt after the village fire of 1806; its interior was completely redesigned in 1958/60.
The Church Treasury Museum houses gold and silver liturgical objects, crucifixes, reliquary shrines and candlesticks dating from 1500 to the early 19th century. Guided tours are available by appointment, so arrange one before your visit.
Art and cultural programme
The Haus fĂĽr Kunst Uri presents three temporary exhibitions of contemporary art each year; this number may change. The venue also offers numerous art-education events for children and adults, and the programme changes over time. The neighbouring Danioth Pavilion regularly showcases the work of Uri artist Heinrich Danioth. If a particular exhibition or event is important to your trip, check the current programme.
Eggberge and hiking
The Eggberge, a sunny terrace belonging to Altdorf, lie at 1,400 metres above sea level and are a popular destination in both summer and winter. The Flüelen–Eggberge aerial cableway takes visitors and local residents from 450 to just under 1,500 metres above sea level in nine minutes. Timetables and operating conditions may vary, so check the connection before setting off.
The hiking options around Altdorf range from easy walks to challenging tours. While the Tell Trail is flat, the range of hikes includes different levels of difficulty. When planning, you can choose between a short themed route and longer hikes in the surrounding area.
Discover more destinations: Flüelen, Unterschächen, Realp, Göschenen, Isenthal, Bürglen, Wassen, Seelisberg
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