Reformierte Kirche Grüningen

Reformierte Kirche Grüningen is the Reformed parish church of Grüningen, a medieval small town in the canton of Zurich (Hinwil district). It sits on a hilltop spur right beside the castle, and together the two form the best-known silhouette in the area.

Where is the church and why visit?

The church stands inside the castle complex next to Schloss Grüningen. The Swiss inventory of historic town sites (ISOS) describes the group of castle, church and medieval town as an ensemble set in an unspoilt position. The castle courtyard offers the best view of the church, while the spur looks out over the roofs of the Städtli and the surrounding fields.

What is its history?

Grüningen received its own parish in 1610. The ISOS register dates the church building to 1783 and the former parsonage to 1678. A fire damaged the church in 1970. The canton of Zurich restored it in 2012 for CHF 280,000 and in 2013 handed the church and tower wing to the local Reformed parish free of charge; the parish must keep it for church use only.

What else is there to see in Grüningen?

• Grüningen Castle – seat of the Zurich bailiwick from 1408 to 1798. The reformer Konrad Grebel was imprisoned here in 1525–1526. Today it houses the Schlossmuseum.
• Stedtligasse – the old town's main street, lined with the historic inns Zum Bären and Hirschen.
• Museums – besides the castle museum, a tin figure museum (Zinnfigurenmuseum) and a beekeeping museum (Imkereimuseum).
• Wakkerpreis – in 1976 the town won this award from the Swiss Heritage Society for protecting its townscape.

How do you get there?

There is no train service; the Wetzikon–Meilen railway ran through the old town from 1903 to 1950. Take a VZO bus: line 845 (Uster – Oetwil am See) or 867 (Wetzikon – Oetwil am See). By car, local roads link Grüningen with Dürnten, Bubikon, Oetwil am See, Gossau and Wetzikon. The church lies at the upper edge of the town, by the castle.

When should you go?

The town is best explored by day in dry weather; the walk from Stedtligasse up to the castle is short. Service times and interior access are published by the Grüningen Reformed parish.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church still in use? Yes. It belongs to the Reformed parish of Grüningen and is used for church purposes only.

Is it next to the castle? Yes, it stands within the castle complex beside Schloss Grüningen.

Can I get there by train? No. The easiest way is VZO bus 845 or 867.

What else is nearby? The castle with its museum, Stedtligasse, and the tin figure and beekeeping museums.