Merligen church

Merligen church is the Reformed village church of Merligen, a lakeside settlement on Lake Thun in the municipality of Sigriswil, canton of Bern. It sits on a rocky spur above the water and has served as a local landmark since the 1930s.

What is this church and when was it built?

The church dates from 1937, when it was built as a branch church of the Reformed parish of Sigriswil. That makes it young for a region where many lakeside churches go back to the Middle Ages. The parish's mother church in Sigriswil, dedicated to St Gall, is far older. It is mentioned in 1222–1223, and the present building was put up in 1678–1679. One parish still looks after both churches today.

Why does Merligen have its own church?

For a long time Merligen was hard to reach by land. A road from Gunten only arrived in 1873, and until then the lake was the main route in and out. Better transport brought tourism: hotels, guesthouses, retirement homes, a lakeside promenade and a lido. A growing village gained its own place of worship rather than relying on Sigriswil, which lies higher up the slope.

What will you see?

The setting is the main draw. Perched above the lake, the church is visible from the shore and from the boats that cross Lake Thun, and the area around it opens onto views of the water and the mountains behind. It makes an easy short walk, and it pairs well with a stroll along the promenade.

Details about the architect and the interior are not widely published in visitor guides, so treat this as a scenic village landmark rather than a heavily decorated monument.

How do you get there?

Merligen lies on the northern shore of Lake Thun, between Thun and Interlaken. The church stands at roughly 46.699 N, 7.738 E. You can reach the village by car along the lake road, by public transport, or by boat on Lake Thun. From the village centre the church is a short walk.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn is the liveliest period, when boats, the lido and the promenade are in operation. The lake views are rewarding in every season. If you want to go inside, check the notices of the Sigriswil parish first, since this is a working church.

Frequently asked questions

When was Merligen church built? In 1937, as a branch church of the Sigriswil parish.

What denomination is it? It is Swiss Reformed (Protestant) and belongs to the Sigriswil parish.

Is it a medieval monument? No. The older church is St Gall's in Sigriswil, first mentioned in the early 13th century. The Merligen building is a 20th-century church.

Can I go inside? It is an active church and opening is arranged by the parish. Check current information from the Sigriswil parish before visiting.

What else is there to see in Merligen? The lakeside promenade, the lido and the boat landing on Lake Thun.