Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche

Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche in Fällanden is the Reformed parish church of this village in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It stands in the village centre on the north-eastern slope of the Pfannenstiel hills, a short way from Lake Greifensee. It makes an easy, quiet stop for anyone interested in the layered history of Swiss village churches.

What is the history of the church?

A chapel in Fällanden is first documented in 1271, and by 1317 it was dedicated to John the Baptist. In 1428 it was enlarged and consecrated as a parish church. It was rebuilt once more and reconsecrated in 1492. Patronage rights passed from the Grossmünster in Zurich to the municipality towards the end of the 15th century, and in 1552 the municipality handed them to the city for financial reasons.

The cantonal heritage inventory treats the site as a church ensemble with parts dating from before 1271 up to 1933. Next to the church stands the parsonage (Pfarrhaus), built in 1692.

What can you see?

The church is best enjoyed from the outside, with a look inside when it is open. A restoration in 2000-2001 brought back part of the Gothic choir stalls and a fragment of a medieval wall-painting cycle, which had been removed from the south wall in 1920 and mounted on canvas. The surrounding ensemble, with the old parsonage, shows what the historic village core looked like.

What is Fällanden like today?

The municipality is a commuter community of Zurich with over 6,000 residents. In the 18th century most households lived from home spinning and weaving of cotton, and industry arrived late because the village had no railway. Large housing estates built after 1950 shaped its present character.

How do you get there and when should you visit?

Fällanden lies east of Zurich near Greifensee and is simple to reach by public transport or by car. Opening hours depend on the parish, so check the Reformierte Kirchgemeinde Fällanden for current information. Combine the visit with a walk along Greifensee or on the Pfannenstiel slopes.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church medieval? Yes. It grew from a chapel documented in 1271, enlarged in 1428 and rebuilt in 1492.

Is there an entrance fee? No fee is documented. It is an active parish church.

Is this the same as the Catholic church in Fällanden? No. The Catholic parish has its own church, dedicated to St Catherine of Siena.

What else is nearby? The 1692 parsonage next door, plus Greifensee and the Pfannenstiel hills.