Reformierte Kirche Wädenswil

The Reformed Church (Reformierte Kirche) in Wädenswil is a Baroque Protestant church in a town on Lake Zurich, canton of Zurich. Built between 1764 and 1767, it is a wide, bright preaching hall linked to the Swiss master carpenter Hans Ulrich Grubenmann.

What is this building, and who made it?

The church replaced an older parish church first mentioned around 1270. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, Grubenmann, famous for timber bridges and roof frames, directed the work. The basic floor plan is attributed to Johann Jakob Haltiner, so Grubenmann's contribution lay chiefly in the structure. Engineering historians single out Wädenswil as a striking case of how the load-bearing frame and the shape of the interior work together.

What will you see inside?

A plain, spacious, light-filled hall designed so the whole congregation can hear the sermon. Look for the galleries, which seem to float in the space, and the ceiling with Rococo stucco. The exterior is austere, compact and geometric, with no showy additions.

Why visit?

• It is among the notable Grubenmann works in the canton of Zurich.
• The building is a protected monument.
• It stands in central Wädenswil, so it pairs easily with a walk through the town and along the lake.

How do you get there?

Wädenswil lies on the western shore of Lake Zurich, about 20 km from Zurich. The church is at 47.2285 N, 8.6718 E. The simplest route is the lakeside train line from Zurich, then a walk from the station into the centre.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church built? Between 1764 and 1767, according to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.

Who designed it? Hans Ulrich Grubenmann was the builder; the basic plan is attributed to Johann Jakob Haltiner.

Has it been restored? Yes. The exterior was restored in 1983-1984 and the interior in 1998-1999.

Is this the first church on the site? No. An earlier parish church was mentioned around 1270.