Attractions

The famous William Tell statue is in front of the early-19th-century town hall and a tower dating from the Middle Ages. The monument was created by Richard Kissling in 1895; it was this image, engraved on a postage stamp, that became familiar to people all over the globe.

Altdorf is set in a scenic area of central Switzerland that makes for good biking. You can rent a bike at the train station (tel. 0900/300-300). Armed with a good map from the tourist office, set out on your adventure.

Nearby Attractions -- The road to the Klausen Pass leads to Bürglen, one of the oldest hamlets in Uri. Snowdrifts block the pass from October to May. Bürglen, according to legend, was the birthplace of William Tell. The Tell Museum, Postplatz (tel. 041/870-41-55; www.tellmuseum.ch), contains documents and mementos relating to the early history of Switzerland. The museum is in a Romanesque tower adjacent to the parish church. It's open April to June and September to October daily from 10 to 11:30am and 1:30 to 5pm; in July and August, daily hours are 10am to 5pm. Admission is 5F for adults, 1.50F for children 16 and under.