Türmli, Tower in Switzerland

The Türmli is a stone tower in Altdorf whose foundations date to the mid-13th century, making it one of the oldest buildings in the canton of Uri. Originally a residential tower for a local feudal lord, it has 86 steps leading to a viewing platform at a height of 17.8 metres, with views over Altdorf and the Urner Alps.

The tower's foundations date from the mid-13th century, when it served as a residential tower for a local feudal lord. In 1517 it passed into the ownership of the canton of Uri, and soon afterwards the government installed the first mechanical clock in Uri inside it. The tower increasingly became a sovereign building with multiple functions. Its interior was extensively renovated in 2011.

The bronze Tell monument in front of the tower is the work of Solothurn sculptor Richard Kissling and has stood on its pedestal since 1895. The tower itself passed to the canton of Uri in 1517 and was fitted with Uri's first mechanical clock soon afterwards, so it long served the community as a public timekeeper.

The tower is freely accessible daily at no cost, with a climb of 86 steps to the viewing platform that requires basic physical fitness. Getting there is convenient by bus from the train station, and Altdorf has several parking areas for drivers.

The Türmli's first mechanical clock was installed soon after Uri acquired the tower in 1517, making it the earliest mechanical clock in the canton. The tower itself began as the residential tower of a local feudal lord, with foundations from the mid-13th century, and since 1895 the Telldenkmal by Solothurn sculptor Richard Kissling has stood on a pedestal in front of it.