Kirche Josef Horgen

Kirche Josef in Horgen is the Catholic parish church of St. Joseph (St. Josef) in the lakeside town of Horgen on Lake Zurich, canton of Zurich. Built in the 1930s, it is the home of the town's Catholic community and a reminder of how Catholics put down roots in a historically Protestant region.

What is the history of the church?

Horgen's first Catholic church dated from 1872. After about sixty years the parish decided in 1933 to replace it, and the new church was built in 1934. What you see today is therefore an interwar building. The nave and choir are attributed to the Zurich architect Anton Higi. The church was renovated in 1978, and in 2016 the parish planned a further round of work: a redesign of the interior and a full renovation, for which the Catholic canton-level synod granted a contribution of roughly CHF 222,750.

What can you see?

The church follows a basilica layout with a separate choir, typical of Swiss church architecture in the first half of the twentieth century: a compact volume with restrained decoration. The most unusual feature is the small Museum im Kirchturm, a museum inside the bell tower. It displays objects from both churches, the old one (1872 to 1933) and the new one (built 1934, renovated 1978). The museum was refurbished in 2020 and admission is free. It opens on only a few days a year, so check the Horgen municipal website or the parish before you go.

Who looks after the building?

Since 2001 the church and the rectory have been held by the foundation Stiftung St. Josef Horgen. It makes the buildings available to the parish priest appointed by the bishop, so that worship and pastoral work can continue in the parish.

How do you get there?

Horgen sits on the western shore of Lake Zurich, a short distance from central Zurich. You can reach it by S-Bahn along the lake or by ferry from the opposite shore. Most sights in town are within walking distance. Outside services, access to the church depends on opening hours; Sunday Mass is the easiest time to step inside.

When should you visit?

Choose a day when the tower museum is open, so you see both the church and the exhibition. A walk through Horgen pairs well with a trip on the lake, especially in the warmer months.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? The tower museum is free. The church is a working place of worship, so plan your visit around services.

When was the current church built? In 1934, replacing an older church from 1872. It was renovated in 1978.

Who designed it? The nave and choir were designed by the Zurich architect Anton Higi.

Is the museum open all year? No. It opens only on a few set dates each year, published by the municipality and the parish.