He is known all over the world. William Tell is the man who, under duress from the Habsburg bailiff Gessler, shot an apple off his son's head with a crossbow in Altdorf and killed Gessler in the Hohlen Gasse with the second arrow. In the Tell Museum, you have the opportunity to get to know the Swiss national hero William Tell better through an interesting collection of historical objects. The museum does not aim to prove the existence of William Tell, but to question the hero and his position in society.
The exhibition
In the entrance area of the Tell Museum, you are immediately introduced to the theme of heroism and its importance for society. In the lounge, you will encounter Tell in a comfortable way, be it in the words of Friedrich Schiller, with the Tellenlied or in the music of Gioachino Rossini. On the middle floor you will discover an extraordinary set of objects from art, politics, tourism, historical research, society and advertising relating to the myth of Tell. They show how the perception of Tell has changed over 600 years. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to the work of Ernst Stückelberg. The Basel painter (1831-1903) created, among other things, the murals for the Tell chapel in Sisikon. On the upper floor, a film installation awaits you, bringing together and reflecting on the conclusion of the exhibition: from the origin of the Tell legend to Tell's significance in selected phases of Swiss history.
A visit to the historic village centre
The Tell Museum is located in the Wattigwilerturm on the Postplatz in Bürglen - in the village where Wilhelm Tell is said to have lived. The Wattigwilerturm is one of the four towers of Bürglen, which you can also find in the municipal coat of arms.
If you are travelling by public transport, you are directly at your destination at the stop "Bürglen, Post". If you travel by car, parking spaces are available, but in limited numbers.
The guided tour in Tell Museum Bürglen
You can explore the museum on your own. If you would like more information, you can book a guided tour with an expert guide in advance. During the one-hour tour of the Tell Museum, a guide will lead you through the Tell Museum and the exhibition. The guide will impart knowledge that cannot be read on the information boards. The guided tour is also suitable for school classes, among others.
Good to know
Openings
Tuesday to Sunday open
Monday closed
May and June
10.00 - 11.30
13.30 - 17.00
July and August
10.00 - 17.00
September and October
10.00 - 11.30
13.30 - 17.00
Winter half-year
Open on request for groups of 10 or more.
Price info
with guest card reduced
Groups of 10 persons or more: CHF 7.00
Groups of children: CHF 3.00
Guided tours: CHF 150.00
Accessibility / Location
Accessible by public transport
Central location
Target group
Individual guests
Groups
School classes
Adults
Foreign Language
Directions & Parking facilities
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