Intro

The tradition of the William Tell Open-Air Theatre in Interlaken began in 1912. Since then, Friedrich Schiller's play "William Tell" has been performed from 1912 to 1914, from 1931 to 1939 and every year since 1947, in the Rugen woods in Matten. Performances were only interrupted during the two world wars.

Each summer the play impresses large new audiences with its powerful message.

In 1995 the William Tell Open-Air Theatre in Interlaken celebrated its 1000th performance, and now there have been over 1250 performances and more than 2 million spectators. Never in Switzerland has a theatre production of the same play in the same place enjoyed such a success.

How it is today:

The William Tell Open-Air Theatre today involves about 190 performers, from children to old men, all in historically authentic costumes. The fascinatingly realistic backdrop, with live goats, cows and horses, allows ample room for action-packed riding scenes that raise the hairs on the back of your neck. In this performance, the splendidly staged scenes of the swearing of the Rütli Oath and the shooting of the apple are turned into an exciting historical detective story.

The curious can also take a look behind the scenes, a privilege not granted to normal theatregoers. In this intensely exciting show, the fine town of Interlaken and the magnificent scenery of the Jungfrau region also play glittering cameo roles.