Reformierte Kirche Langnau am Albis

The Reformed Church in Langnau am Albis is an early 18th-century Baroque church in the municipality of Langnau am Albis, canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It still serves the local Protestant Reformed congregation.

When was the church built?

Langnau originally belonged to the parish of Thalwil. Around 1700 residents began pushing for their own parish, which would also mean their own school. Construction ran from 1709 to 1711, and the church was consecrated on Ascension Day 1711 together with the new parsonage. A commemorative booklet by P. Trüeb marked the 250th anniversary in 1961.

What does it look like?

It is a plain Baroque hall church: a single nave ending in a polygonal chancel. There is no conventional tower. Instead, a large roof turret on the north side carries a slender pointed spire. Two bells hang in the turret, along with the tower clock.

The chancel windows were redone in an abstract style in 1999, a modern contrast to the modest historic shell. The most recent renovation took place in 2008.

What is inside, and what about music?

Reformed interiors are restrained, with no lavish altars; the focus is on preaching and music. Since 1973 the church has had an organ by the Mühleisen workshop of Strasbourg, with 19 stops, two manuals and pedals. Its predecessor, built by Kuhn in 1925, had 13 stops. It is worth checking the parish programme for concerts.

How do you get there?

Langnau am Albis lies in the Sihl valley south of Zurich, at the foot of the Albis ridge. From Zurich, take the S-Bahn towards the Sihl valley and walk a short distance to the village centre. The church stands at roughly 47.288 N, 8.535 E.

When should you visit?

This is a working church, so the easiest way inside is during services and parish events. Opening hours outside these times are not published in our sources, so ask the parish before you go. The exterior can be seen at any time, and a visit combines well with a walk in the Albis hills.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Reformed Church in Langnau am Albis built? Construction took place between 1709 and 1711, with consecration in 1711.

Does the church have a tower? No. It has a large roof turret with a pointed spire, holding two bells and a clock.

What organ does the church have? A 1973 instrument by Mühleisen of Strasbourg with 19 stops, two manuals and pedal.

When was it last renovated? The last renovation was in 2008, and the chancel windows were redesigned in 1999.