Kirche Oberhasli

Kirche Oberhasli is a Reformed branch church in the village of Oberhasli, part of the municipality of Niederhasli in the canton of Zurich (Dielsdorf district), roughly 15 km north of central Zurich. It sits on a rise and anchors the village centre, and it keeps Romanesque fabric that has become rare in the region.

What kind of church is it?

It belongs to the Reformed congregation as a filial church of the parish in Niederhasli. Do not confuse it with Oberhasli in the canton of Bern, in the Haslital valley. This one lies in the Glatt valley area, north of Zurich.

The Zurich cantonal inventory of heritage objects of supra-local importance lists the church. Under the inventory sheet, listing records a presumption of protection rather than formal protection, and the heritage office advises contacting it early about any building plans.

What will you see?

The main highlight is the 12th-century nave. According to the inventory, it is one of the few religious buildings in the canton where considerable parts of the Romanesque structure survive in the upper walls. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates the Oberhasli chapel to the 12th century and notes that it was given a Baroque makeover in 1619.

From outside, the setting is what stands out. The church dominates the village, so it is easy to spot on a walk. It is a modest village church rather than an all-day attraction, and it works well as a stop on a stroll through Niederhasli and its hamlets.

What is the historical background?

Church history in Niederhasli municipality runs deep. The chapel of St Bartholomew in Niederhasli split from Bülach in 1188 and appears as a parish church in 1275. Two other churches in the municipality are worth knowing: the late Gothic Reformed church in Niederhasli (rebuilt 1462 to 1469 after destruction in 1443 during the Old Zurich War, given its present form in 1703), and the Catholic St Christophorus church of 1925, regarded as the oldest post-Reformation Catholic church built new in the Dielsdorf district. Together they show how religious life in the area changed over the centuries.

How do you get there?

The coordinates are 47.46545 N, 8.49821 E. Reach Niederhasli from Zurich by public transport or by car; check current connections on sbb.ch or the ZVV app. From there the walk through the village is short, and the elevated position makes the church easy to find.

When should you visit?

The exterior can be viewed year-round, and daylight in clear weather is best. The interior is usually open during services and parish events, so check hours with the Reformed parish of Niederhasli.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirche Oberhasli in the canton of Bern?

No. This church is in Oberhasli near Niederhasli in the canton of Zurich. The Haslital valley in Bern is a different area.

How old is the church?

The nave dates from the 12th century and retains substantial Romanesque walls. The chapel was given Baroque features in 1619.

Is the church protected?

It is on the cantonal inventory of objects of supra-local importance, which establishes a presumption of protection rather than formal protection.

Can I combine the visit with other churches?

Yes. Niederhasli also has the Reformed church, shaped in 1703, and the Catholic St Christophorus church from 1925.