Altdorf facts for kids
Altdorf, which means "old village" in German, is a name given to many towns and villages, mostly in German-speaking countries. It's a common name because many settlements started as "old villages" long ago!
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What Does Altdorf Mean?
The name Altdorf comes from two German words: alt, meaning "old," and Dorf, meaning "village." So, when you see a place called Altdorf, it literally means "old village." This name was often used for settlements that were among the first or oldest in a region.
Altdorf in Switzerland
One of the most well-known places named Altdorf is in Switzerland.
Altdorf, Uri
Altdorf is the capital town of the canton (like a state) of Uri in Switzerland. It's famous for being the place where the legendary hero William Tell is said to have performed his most famous deed. According to the story, William Tell was forced to shoot an apple off his son's head with a crossbow in the town square of Altdorf. This story is a big part of Swiss history and folklore.
Altdorf is located in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains. It's an important center for the Uri canton, with local government offices and a lively town center.
Other Swiss Altdorfs
- Altdorf, Jura is another place in Switzerland, sometimes known by its French name, Bassecourt.
- Altdorf, Schaffhausen is a small municipality in the canton of Schaffhausen.
Altdorf in Germany
There are several towns and municipalities named Altdorf in Germany.
Altdorf bei Nürnberg
This Altdorf is a city in the German state of Bavaria. It's known for its historical buildings and charming old town. For a long time, it was home to the University of Altdorf, which was an important university in the past, founded in 1622 and closed in 1809. Many famous scholars and scientists studied or taught there.
Other German Altdorfs
- Altdorf, Lower Bavaria is a municipality in the Landshut district of Bavaria.
- Altdorf, Böblingen is a municipality in the Böblingen district of Baden-Württemberg.
- Altdorf, Esslingen is another municipality in Baden-Württemberg, located in the Esslingen district.
- Altdorf, Rhineland-Palatinate is a municipality in the Südliche Weinstraße district of Rhineland-Palatinate.
- Weingarten, Württemberg was also historically known as Altdorf.
Altdorf in France
There is one place named Altdorf in France.
Altdorf, Bas-Rhin
This village is located in the Bas-Rhin department in the Grand Est region of France. Its name shows the historical German influence in this part of France, which is close to the German border.
Altdorf in Poland
One place in Poland also has a historical German name of Altdorf.
Stara Wieś, Silesian Voivodeship
This village in Poland was historically known as Altdorf when it was part of Germany. Its current Polish name, Stara Wieś, also means "old village," just like Altdorf.
See also
In Spanish: Altdorf para niños
