Reformierte Kirche Fluntern

Reformed Church Fluntern (Neue Kirche Fluntern) in Zürich is a Protestant church completed in 1920 on a terrace of the Zürichberg hillside. Its front tower is the landmark of the Fluntern district, and the neoclassical building is one of the most prominent churches on this side of the city.

Which church is this?

Fluntern became a parish in its own right in 1893. As the district grew, an architectural competition was held in 1913 and drew 92 entries; the winners were Curjel & Moser. The church was consecrated on 21 March 1920. It is the "new" church of the district and a separate building from the older Alte Kirche Fluntern nearby. Originally it seated 1,237 people.

What does the exterior look like?

The facade is classical in style, with a tower at the front and a portico carried by Ionic columns. The main entrance is reached by a flight of steps rising from Gloriastrasse, while the church itself faces Gellertstrasse. Six bells from the H. Rüetschi foundry in Aarau were raised into the tower in May 1920.

What is inside?

The interior is a three-aisled hall with Corinthian columns, tall round-arched windows and a coffered ceiling decorated with rosettes. Galleries run around the pulpit wall. The marble communion table is the work of August Suter, who also designed the stained glass, executed by Otto Berbig. Paintings by Paul Bodmer decorate the vestibule.

What about the organ?

The original pneumatic organ was built by Carl Theodor Kuhn in 1920. It was rebuilt by Kuhn in 1942, then by Max Maag in 1968 (62 stops), and revised by Norbert Stengele in 1999. Concerts are the best way to hear it; check the parish calendar for dates.

Has the church been restored?

Yes. The interior was remodelled and restored in 1954, and further renovation followed in three stages in 1998, 2001 and 2005.

How do I get there and when should I go?

Fluntern lies on the eastern slope of the Zürichberg, close to the zoo and the university campuses, so the church fits neatly into a walk through the area. A public transport stop in the district is named Kirche Fluntern; check the ZVV timetable for current lines. Visit during the day for the exterior and the view up the stairway, and plan around a service or concert if you want to see the interior, since access depends on the parish schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as Alte Kirche Fluntern? No. This is the Neue Kirche of 1920, a separate building in the same district.

Who designed it? Curjel & Moser, who won the 1913 competition out of 92 entries.

How many bells does the tower have? Six, cast by H. Rüetschi in Aarau and installed in May 1920.

Can I go inside? The interior is open during services, concerts and parish events. Confirm opening times with the parish before your visit.