St. Peter and Paul parish church

St. Peter and Paul parish church in Erschwil is a Catholic church in a small village in the canton of Solothurn, north-western Switzerland. It stands at Schmelzistrasse 3 in the Lüssel valley, in the Thierstein district. The canton lists it among its protected buildings, and its best-known feature is a historic organ built in 1788.

What is the history of the church?

The dedication to Peter and Paul goes back a long way. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, the church was incorporated into Beinwil Abbey in 1219. The monastery held estates and tithe rights in the village under the protection of the Lords of Thierstein. Solothurn took over the village and that protection in 1522, and Erschwil belonged to the Thierstein bailiwick until 1798.

The villagers adopted the Reformation between 1529 and 1533, but the community later returned to Catholicism. Until 1531, and again from then until 1822, Erschwil shared a parish with neighbouring Büsserach. Since 1822 the village has had its own parish, and the church remains the focus of religious life here.

Why do music lovers visit the organ?

The most valuable item inside is an instrument made in 1788 by Johann Jacob Brosy, an organ builder from Basel. It was built in Mulhouse in Alsace, sold in 1834 to Dornach near Mulhouse, and finally bought for Erschwil in 1861. The Solothurn heritage office covers it in its ADSO publications (2003 and 2012 volumes). An association, Amici dell'organo Brosy di Erschwil, looks after the instrument and promotes concerts. Check the parish or municipal announcements for organ recitals before you go.

What else is there to see in Erschwil?

The village stretches along both banks of the Lüssel and was first recorded in 1147 as Hergiswilre. From the 15th to the early 18th century, bog iron ore was smelted here, and in 1512 the first blast furnace on Solothurn territory went up. The name Schmelzistrasse, the street of the church, recalls that industry.

St. Joseph's chapel dates from the 17th century and sits on the old Passwang road. The Lange Brücke was built around 1730 and the schoolhouse in 1746. With about 930 residents in 2000, the village is easy to walk through, and a stop at the church fits into a short stroll.

How do you get to Erschwil?

The village lies roughly 25 km south of Basel, in the Lüssel valley leading toward the Passwang and the Solothurn Jura. The church is at about 47.374 N, 7.541 E. You can drive up the valley from Laufen and Breitenbach, or use regional public transport towards Laufental and Balsthal. Check current timetables before travelling.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer and early autumn are best, when the Passwang area is good for hiking and you can combine the church with a walk along the valley. The interior is not always open outside services and concerts, so ask the parish or check mass times.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the church? At Schmelzistrasse 3 in Erschwil, canton of Solothurn.

Is it a protected monument? Yes, it appears on the cantonal list of protected objects and in publications of the Solothurn heritage office.

What is special about the organ? It is a 1788 instrument by Johann Jacob Brosy, in Erschwil since 1861.

How old is the dedication to Peter and Paul? Sources mention it already in 1219, when the church was incorporated into Beinwil Abbey.