Ev. ref. Kirche Laufen am Rheinfall

Ev. ref. Kirche Laufen am Rheinfall is the Reformed parish church of Laufen, beside Laufen Castle and the largest waterfall in Central Europe. It belongs to the municipality of Laufen-Uhwiesen in the canton of Zurich, a short walk from Dachsen station.

Where does the church stand?

The church occupies a rocky spur above the Rhine next to the castle. The Swiss ISOS inventory of heritage sites describes the spot as a walled castle complex and church precinct with a late Gothic church. That setting makes the building part of one of Switzerland's best-known landscapes. You can hear the Rheinfall from the grounds, and the views over the water are the main reason most visitors come.

What is its history?

The earliest record of the church of St Hilarius at Laufen dates from 1155, when it belonged to the bishops of Constance and served as the centre of a large parish. The historian H. Kläui links its founding to the 8th century under King Pepin the Short, though this remains a hypothesis. Patronage passed to Zurich only in 1806, although the city had held the lower jurisdiction over Laufen since 1544. The Reformation ended the church's Catholic use, and today it serves a Reformed congregation. The building has been altered and extended several times, with the latest major renovation in the early 2000s.

Neighbouring Uhwiesen has long belonged to the Laufen parish; its filial chapel is documented from the late 15th century.

How do you get there?

The easiest route is by train to Dachsen, a station opened in 1857 with the Rheinfallbahn line. From there the castle and church are a short walk away. By car, Laufen is reached from the Schaffhausen or Winterthur side, but car parks fill quickly in season. From Neuhausen on the north bank, you can cross to the south bank on foot near the falls.

What else is nearby?

• Laufen Castle, around which the settlement grew, now with a restaurant and viewpoints.
• Viewing platforms right beside the falls.
• Boat trips on the basin below the falls, departing near the castle.
• The chapel in nearby Uhwiesen.

When should you visit?

The falls are mightiest in late spring and early summer, when Alpine snowmelt swells the Rhine. The castle area is crowded on summer days, so mornings and late afternoons are calmer. The church is usually open for services and parish events, and its exterior can be seen at any time. The surrounding greenery makes it a good stop on a walk along the Rhine.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the church? No. Viewing the building from outside is free. Some attractions at the falls, such as boat trips and certain viewing terraces, are paid.

Is this the same church as the one in Neuhausen? No. Neuhausen, across the river, has a different Reformed church, built in 1910-1911. The Laufen church is much older and lies on the Zurich side.

Who is the patron saint of the old parish church? St Hilarius is considered the patron of the parish church standing southwest of the castle.

How long should I plan? The church and castle grounds take about half an hour. With the terraces above the falls and a walk along the Rhine, plan two to three hours.