Altdorf

Capital of the Swiss canton Uri at the head of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, 30 km/19 mi southwest of Lucerne on the St Gotthard railway line; population (2000) 8,500. It was said to be the scene of the exploits of the legendary Swiss archer William Tell.

Altdorf lies in a fruit-growing valley, surrounded by imposing mountains. In the summer Schiller's Wilhelm Tell is performed by Altdorf residents in the Tell Theatre (1899). It is the site of an old Capuchin monastery (1581).