Reformierte Kirche (1734–1736)

The Reformed Church of Laupen (building of 1734–1736) is the Protestant parish church of Laupen, a small town in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It sits in the lower Sense valley, close to where the Sense flows into the Saane, and replaced an older chapel on the same ground. It makes an easy stop alongside Laupen Castle and the old town.

What is the history of the church?

The present building was constructed anew between 1734 and 1736. Its predecessor was a chapel dedicated to St Pancras and St Catherine, first recorded in 1356 as a branch of the Neuenegg parish. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland notes that the chapel was rebuilt in 1479. After Bern adopted the Reformation, Laupen became an independent parish in 1528, together with neighbouring Kriechenwil. The church was renovated again in 1947–1948.

What can you see inside?

The oldest furnishing is a Renaissance pulpit from around 1660, older than the church itself and carried over from the earlier interior. Twentieth-century stained glass adds colour: one window by Adolf Kreuzer shows Rudolf von Erlach, the Bernese commander tied to Laupen's history, and another from 1949 is by Paul Zehnder. The setting is plain and typically Reformed rather than ornate.

Why combine it with the rest of Laupen?

Laupen has just over 3,000 residents and a compact medieval layout. Laupen Castle rises above the Sense and once served as the seat of the Bernese district administration. In 1339 the area saw the Laupen War, in which Bern defeated Fribourg and its allies, with the decisive battle fought at Bramberg. The church is a natural starting point for a walk past these sites.

How do you get there?

Laupen lies roughly 17 km west of Bern. The church is in the town centre at about 46.903 N, 7.241 E, a short walk from the station or the car park. Regional train and bus services run from Bern; check sbb.ch for current timetables.

When should you visit?

The exterior and surroundings can be enjoyed year-round. The interior is usually open around services and parish events, so ask the local Reformed parish about access. Spring and early autumn suit a longer walk along the Sense and Saane.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church in Laupen built?

The current building dates from 1734–1736 and was renovated in 1947–1948.

What stood here before?

A chapel of St Pancras and St Catherine, documented from 1356 and rebuilt in 1479.

What is the most notable feature inside?

The Renaissance pulpit of about 1660 and the stained-glass windows by Adolf Kreuzer and Paul Zehnder.

Is it still in use?

Yes. It is the parish church of Laupen's Reformed congregation, an independent parish since the Reformation.