Pfarrkirche Heilig Kreuz im Dorf

The Parish Church of the Holy Cross in Realp (Pfarrkirche Heilig Kreuz) is a neo-Gothic church in the highest village of the Urseren valley, in the canton of Uri. It sits beside the road to the Furka Pass, so many travellers pass it on the way between Andermatt and the Valais.

What is the history of the church?

The story starts with a Holy Cross chapel first recorded in the mid-15th century; sources give either 1445 or 1448. At that time it was a branch of the Andermatt parish. A chaplaincy was endowed here in 1518, and Capuchin friars have served it since 1735. They also ran a hospice for travellers in Realp until 1876. The village only gained its own parish in 1882, when the chapel became the parish church.

Who designed the present building?

The church you see today dates from 1879 to 1880 and was designed by architect Josef Spalt. Donations and the labour of local people paid for it. It was solemnly consecrated on 21 August 1881. The cantonal heritage inventory classifies it as neo-Gothic. The most recent major renovation took place in 1992.

What will you see?

This is a modest village church rather than a grand monument, so a visit takes a quarter of an hour or so. Look at the neo-Gothic silhouette with its prominent tower and at how the building sits within the mountain scenery. The interior is often open during the day, but check opening hours with the parish or the Andermatt tourist office.

How do you get to Realp?

Realp lies on the road to the Furka Pass, around 46.6° N, 8.5° E, a few kilometres from Andermatt. You can come by car or by train: the village has a station on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn line, and in summer historic steam trains also run from here on the Furka line. The church is in the village centre, within walking distance of the station.

When should you visit?

In summer Realp is a base for outings around the Furka and Oberalp areas; in winter it belongs to the Andermatt–Sedrun ski region. The church can be visited year-round, though winter road access over the pass is restricted, and the railway serves the Urseren valley.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church in Realp old? The current building dates from 1879–1880, but a place of worship has stood here since the 15th century.

Who was the architect? Josef Spalt.

Is there an entrance fee? Entry to a parish church is normally free, but please respect the rules of a place of worship.

How long does a visit take? Plan on 15 to 30 minutes, ideally combined with a stroll around the village.