Altdorf is a political municipality and the capital of the Swiss canton of Uri. A distinctive way to start exploring the town is the Altdorf Tell Trail: it connects the cantonal railway station with the town center in a playful way and uses a series of stops to explain the origins and impact of the legend of Swiss freedom hero William Tell. The trail is 1.5 kilometers long, flat, and takes about half an hour to walk at a brisk pace. This makes it an easy-to-schedule part of your day.
The Tell story through a trail, monument and theater
The Tell Monument in Altdorf also commemorates Switzerland’s founding story. Another way to engage with Tell is through the Altdorf Tell Plays, which are among the most important cultural events in the Canton of Uri. The Altdorf Tell Play Society aims to continue the performance tradition of Friedrich Schiller’s “Tell,” which dates back to 1899. Performance schedules vary from one production cycle to another; check the dates if you would like to include a show in your stay.
Churches and chapels with varied architectural histories
St. Martin’s parish church stands on foundations more than 1,200 years old and is considered the finest Neoclassical church building in the Canton of Uri. Built in 1596, St. Anne’s Chapel is described as Altdorf’s oldest place of worship. The Chapel of the Lower Holy Cross, dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint against the plague, was built in the Baroque style in 1629 and has since undergone several structural alterations. The church of the former Capuchin monastery also reflects several building phases: it was rebuilt after the village fire of 1806, and its interior was completely redesigned in 1958/60. High above Lake Uri lies the Marienkapelle, built in 1968 and accessible by cable car.
Church treasury and contemporary art
The collection of the Church Treasury Museum includes gold and silver liturgical objects, crucifixes, reliquary shrines and candlesticks dating from 1500 to the early 19th century. Guided tours are available by arrangement. Haus fĂĽr Kunst Uri hosts three temporary exhibitions of contemporary art each year; the adjoining Danioth Pavilion regularly showcases the work of Uri artist Heinrich Danioth. The venue also offers art education events for children and adults. As exhibitions and programs may change, it is worth checking the current dates before visiting.
Eggberge and hiking opportunities
The sunny terrace of Eggberge, which belongs to Altdorf, lies at 1,400 meters above sea level and is a popular destination in both summer and winter. The Flüelen–Eggberge aerial cableway takes visitors and locals from 450 to almost 1,500 meters above sea level in nine minutes. If you plan to take the cable car, check the schedule in advance. Hiking opportunities in Altdorf and the surrounding area range from easy walks to challenging tours. So, alongside Tell history, architecture and art, you can also consider excursions and hikes without having to fit all your activities into a single day’s itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Sisikon, Seelisberg, Isenthal, Hospental, Unterschächen, Bürglen, Wassen, Andermatt.
Back to the main travel overview: Uri.
