St Peter's Catholic Church

St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rümlang is a modernist parish church on the southern edge of Rümlang, a municipality in the canton of Zurich, just a short hop from Zurich Airport. Completed at the turn of the 1970s, it is regarded as a notable piece of post-war church architecture and appears in the canton's heritage inventory as an object of supra-local importance.

What makes this church special?

The architect was Bernhard Weis (1921–2006), and the building went up in 1969–1970 for the Catholic parish of Rümlang. Weis combined three functions in a single structure: the church itself, the rectory and the parish centre. The complex stands alone on a gentle rise south of the village core, in the Rümelbach quarter.

The Zurich heritage inventory highlights its sculptural, almost carved massing and notes a likeness to Le Corbusier's chapel at Ronchamp. For anyone interested in mid-century modern architecture, that is the main reason to visit.

Why is there no bell tower?

A tower was part of the original plan but was never built. As a result, St. Peter's is one of the few churches in the canton of Zurich without bells, and its silhouette stays compact, without the usual vertical landmark.

What can you see inside?

The original interior was created by the sculptor Alfred Huber, and the inventory recommends keeping it intact. A new organ was dedicated here on 11 December 2005, so the church also hosts concerts alongside parish services.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

Rümlang lies north of Zurich in the city's wider urban area. The easiest route is the S-Bahn to Rümlang station, then a walk through the village towards Rümelbach. This is a working parish church, so plan your visit outside service times and check the Catholic parish of Rümlang for current schedules. The exterior can be admired at any hour, and the low afternoon sun brings out the building's shape best.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed St. Peter's in Rümlang? Bernhard Weis, with construction in 1969–1970.

Does the church have a bell tower? No. The planned tower was never built, so the church has no bells.

Is it a listed building? It is recorded in the Zurich canton heritage inventory as an object of supra-local significance.

Is anything else housed in the building? Yes, the rectory and the parish centre share the same complex.