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About this place
Reformierte Kirche Richterswil is the Swiss Reformed parish church of Richterswil, a municipality in the canton of Zurich on the left shore of Lake Zurich. The building you see today dates from the early 20th century, yet the parish itself goes back to the Middle Ages.
What is the history of the church?
The first record is a church of St. Martin in 1265, then held by the lords of Wädenswil. Its dedication and parish area suggest an even earlier foundation. Until the Reformation in 1529 the parish included part of Wollerau, and until 1703 also Hütten.
The older church was altered several times: the choir and tower were reworked in 1472, and a new nave went up in 1717. In 1905 the former Reformed church was replaced by the building that stands today.
What can you see here?
The church sits in the village centre close to the lakefront, so it pairs easily with a stroll around Richterswil. Its bells are worth noting. The largest, weighing about 3,000 kg, was cast in 1873 by the Bodmer foundry of Neftenbach, while three smaller bells date from 1944 and come from Rüetschi in Aarau. The ring was featured in a Swiss radio series on church bells.
How do you get there?
Richterswil lies on the railway line along the lake's left shore, roughly 30 km from Zurich, and is reached by S-Bahn. The church is a short walk from the station. Coordinates: 47.2082 N, 8.7008 E. If you drive, check local car parks in the centre.
When should you visit?
Daytime is best. Opening hours and service times are published by the Reformed parish of Richterswil; outside services the interior may be closed. In spring and summer a visit combines nicely with a lakeside walk.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same church as the one in Wädenswil? No. Wädenswil has its own church built in 1764–1767. Richterswil is a separate parish, historically tied to the lords of Wädenswil.
When was the current building erected? In 1905, replacing an older Reformed church.
What denomination is it? Swiss Reformed. Richterswil's Catholic church was built only in 1914.
Is there an entrance fee? No fee is documented; check access times with the parish.
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