Hexenturm

The Hexenturm (“Witches’ Tower”) is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Sarnen. Built shortly before 1291, it has served many functions over the centuries and stands at the intersection of myth, power and historical record.

Changing Uses Over Time

Originally constructed as a residential tower of the Lower Castle of Sarnen, the Hexenturm was later repurposed several times. From the 15th century onwards, it functioned as a prison, and subsequently as an interrogation and torture chamber, a treasury and a powder store.

From the 16th century, the tower became a secure repository for official documents — a role it still fulfils today. In 1715, a stone upper storey was added and used as an interrogation room. In 1877, the tower was converted into a museum, before its collections were moved elsewhere in 1909. Since then, the Hexenturm has housed the State Archive of Obwalden.

Names and Misconceptions

The name Hexenturm first appeared in the 19th century, based on the assumption that the tower had been used to imprison people accused of witchcraft. Earlier sources refer to it by various names, including Aaturm, Grosser Turm, Schelmenturm and Schatzturm. Often, it was simply called “the tower”, a designation documented as early as 1474.

The White Book of Sarnen

The tower is closely associated with the White Book of Sarnen, the oldest chronicle of the origins of the Swiss Confederation. Written around 1470 by Hans Schriber, it contains copies of key alliance charters as well as the earliest known written version of the legend of William Tell.

The chronicle later served as a source for historians such as Aegidius Tschudi and ultimately inspired Friedrich Schiller’s play William Tell, which helped spread the story far beyond Switzerland.

Legend and Historical Reality

The Tell legend recounts how William Tell killed the Habsburg bailiff Gessler, triggering the struggle for freedom of the Swiss Confederates. It also describes the expulsion of a bailiff named Landenberg and the capture of a stronghold in Sarnen.

For a long time, this stronghold was thought to be the castle on the Landenberg hill. Archaeological research has shown, however, that this site had already been abandoned at the time. The description fits the Hexenturm more closely, although historians such as Werner Meyer consider it too small to have served as a true military fortress.

Today, the historical accuracy of the Tell legend is widely questioned. It is likely that oral traditions, elements from different events and motifs from northern European sagas — such as the famous apple shot — were gradually woven into a single narrative. Despite these doubts, the Tell legend remains a powerful founding myth of Switzerland.

The Hexenturm Today

Today, the tower forms part of the State Archive of Obwalden. Its holdings include documents dating from around 1210 to 1850. By prior arrangement, visitors can gain insight into original historical sources, including the White Book of Sarnen.

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