Felix Regula Thalwil

Felix und Regula Church in Thalwil is a Roman Catholic church on Sihlhaldenstrasse in Thalwil, a lakeside town in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It belongs to the Diocese of Chur (Albis deanery) and is dedicated to Felix and Regula, the patron saints of Zurich.

What makes this church stand out?

Thalwil has long been a mostly Reformed town, and its Catholic parish only got its own church late in the 19th century. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, the church dates from 1899, and the tower was added in 1924. The tower is the feature that sets the building apart from its surroundings.

What will you see and hear?

The bells are the main curiosity. Five bells were cast in 1959 by H. Rüetschi of Aarau, named for the Trinity, Felix and Regula, Mary, Joseph and the Guardian Angel. Swiss radio SRF, in its "Glocken der Heimat" series, describes the set as the lowest-pitched peal in the canton of Zurich. If you pass on the hour or before a service, it is worth pausing to listen.

Who were Felix and Regula?

According to legend, Felix and Regula were siblings martyred in Zurich who became the city's patron saints. A larger church in Zurich itself carries the same dedication, but it is a different building from the one in Thalwil.

How do you get there?

Thalwil sits on the lake on the railway line from Zurich, with frequent regional and S-Bahn trains. The church stands on Sihlhaldenstrasse at roughly 47.297 N, 8.559 E, within walking distance of the town centre.

Who owns the church today?

In 2020 the St. Felix- und Regula-Stiftung was set up and took over ownership and upkeep of the church on Sihlhaldenstrasse and related properties, including the rectory. The church continues to serve the Catholic community of the Thalwil-Rüschlikon church district.

When should you visit?

Daytime outside service hours is best. This is a working church, so keep quiet and dress modestly. Check the parish website for current Mass times. A visit pairs easily with a walk along the lake.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same church as Felix und Regula in Zurich? No. Zurich has its own church with this dedication. The Thalwil church is a separate building, completed in 1899.

When was the tower added? In 1924, according to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.

What is the highlight of the church? Its five bells from 1959, said to be the lowest-pitched peal in the canton of Zurich.

Is the church open to visitors? It is an active Catholic church, so plan your visit around services.