Wilhelm Tell Monument
- Visit: 8h 30m
- Ideal for kids, teens
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Why go
- The Türmli’s upper platform offers views over Altdorf and its surroundings.
- Paintings on the Türmli’s Schmiedgasse side show the Tell story and the oath of alliance.
Opening hours
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About the work
- artist
- Richard Kissling
- year
- 1895
- material
- bronze
Interesting facts4
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The commission wanted Tell shown standing still, refusing to bow to Gessler’s hat.
Tell Monument - Wikipedia -
Three bronze reliefs surround the pedestal.
Tell Monument - Wikipedia -
A bronze plate behind the statue says Tell will be remembered as long as the mountains stand.
Tell Monument - Wikipedia -
The background painting was intended to show Bürglen, Tell’s home.
Kanton Uri - Telldenkmal
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History
Hans Sandreuter designed the first proposed background painting, but Christian Schmidt was commissioned to execute it.
- 1803Friedrich Schiller wrote Wilhelm Tell.
- 1829Gioacchino Rossini composed Guillaume Tell.
- 1860Altdorf erected its first Tell memorial, made from gypsum-based material.
- 1888A 15-member commission led by Gustav Muheim began developing proposals for a monumental Tell memorial.
- 28 Aug 1895Richard Kissling’s bronze monument was unveiled. The earlier statue was destroyed at its inauguration.
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- 1968–69Sandreuter’s original background design was recovered and acquired by the canton. After the restoration, the executed painting was replaced with one by Sandreuter.
How to get there
- 45 minBusThe direct Tellbus between Luzern and Altdorf runs in the morning and evening. Destination: Rathausplatz 1, 6460 Altdorf.
Sources: Tell Monument - Wikipedia · Kanton Uri - Telldenkmal · Kanton Uri - Geschichte · checked 13 Oct 2026
- Website
- telldenkmal.ch/
- Phone
- +41 41 874 80 00
Questions and answers
Why is 1307 inscribed on the Wilhelm Tell Monument’s base?
It is the traditional date once attributed to the Rütlischwur.
What happened to Altdorf’s earlier Tell statue?
It was destroyed when the current monument was inaugurated in 1895.
Which works did Wilhelm Tell inspire?
Friedrich Schiller’s play Wilhelm Tell, written in 1803, and Gioacchino Rossini’s opera Guillaume Tell, composed in 1829.
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