St. Nicholas parish church

St. Nicholas Parish Church (Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus) is the Catholic church of Hofstetten-Flüh, a municipality in the canton of Solothurn in north-western Switzerland, close to the border with Basel-Landschaft. Its records go back to the 14th century, and it has been rebuilt several times, most recently after a major fire.

How old is the church?

The first written mention dates from 1376. In the 15th century the church and the nearby St. John's chapel belonged to the Rotberg lordship, and in 1515 they passed to Solothurn. The benefice then went to Mariastein Abbey. Around 1500 the building was in poor repair, and the Basel monasteries of St. Peter and St. Alban were asked for help.

How did the building change over time?

• 1609 – the tower was pulled down and rebuilt. The work is credited to an unnamed master from Milan.
• 28 October 1616 – the church was consecrated.
• 1724 – mason Ruedi Dürring of Ettingen and carpenter Johann Matter of Witterswil built a new, larger nave, consecrated in October 1725.
• 1854 – the nave was extended to the west, and the choir was enlarged around the same time.
• 1962–63 – a full restoration removed the old altars, the pulpit and the Stations of the Cross. The choir was refitted with sculpture by Hugo Imfeld and stained glass based on designs by Paul Derron.

What happened in 2021?

On New Year's Eve 2021 an arson attack badly damaged the roof structure, wooden ceiling, organ, walls and windows. Restoration ran from 2021 to 2025 under the cantonal monuments and archaeology office. Flubacher Nyfeler Partner Architekten led the project, and the canton pledged a contribution of up to about CHF 140,000.

What will you see?

The church combines several eras: an early 17th-century tower, an 18th-century nave and an interior shaped largely by the 1960s restoration. It sits in a quiet village setting typical of the Leimental region. Check the parish website before visiting to confirm opening hours, as access may have changed after the renovation.

Frequently asked questions

Where is St. Nicholas church in Hofstetten-Flüh? In the municipality of Hofstetten-Flüh, canton Solothurn, near the Basel border.

How old is it? It is first recorded in 1376. The present tower dates from 1609 and the nave from 1724, lengthened in 1854.

Was it damaged by fire? Yes. An arson attack on New Year's Eve 2021 hit the roof, ceiling and organ, among other parts. Restoration continued until 2025.

Who designed the choir furnishings? Sculptor Hugo Imfeld; the stained glass follows designs by Paul Derron, as part of the 1962–63 restoration.