Lengnau synagogue

The Synagogue in Lengnau is a historic house of worship in the municipality of Lengnau, in the Swiss canton of Aargau. Built in the mid-19th century, it recalls a time when this small village in the Surbtal valley was one of only two places in the Swiss Confederation where Jews were legally allowed to live.

Where is the Lengnau synagogue?

Lengnau lies in northern Switzerland, in the canton of Aargau, in the valley of the Surb river. The synagogue stands in the village itself and still stands out in its streetscape. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, the 1847 building continues to shape the look of the village centre.

How was the current synagogue built?

The local Jewish community put up the first synagogue in Lengnau in 1750. As the congregation grew, it became too modest, so a new one was built between 1845 and 1847. The design came from the Zurich architect Ferdinand Stadler, who also planned the interior furnishings. The consecration took place on 6 August 1847.

What does the interior look like?

The interior has three aisles. Women's galleries run along the sides, and preserved painted architectural decoration covers the walls and vaults. The exterior was restored in 1983–1984 and the interior in 1995–1998, so both the original layout and Stadler's decoration have survived.

Why Lengnau?

Jewish merchants are documented in the area from 1622. From 1776, Jews in the Confederation were permitted to settle only in two villages: Lengnau and neighbouring Endingen. The community grew so large that in 1850, according to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, 525 of Lengnau's 1,761 inhabitants were Jewish. The synagogue was therefore the heart of local religious and community life.

Good to know before you visit

• The building is listed in the heritage inventory of the canton of Aargau.
• Pair the visit with nearby Endingen, which also has a 19th-century synagogue, and with other traces of Jewish history in the Surbtal.
• Check access rules for the interior (dates, tickets, groups) before you travel, as they may change.
• It is a place of worship and remembrance, so dress and behave quietly and respectfully.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Lengnau synagogue built? The current building dates from 1845–1847 and was consecrated on 6 August 1847. An earlier synagogue had been built in 1750.

Who designed it? Ferdinand Stadler of Zurich designed the building and its interior furnishings.

Why did Jews live specifically in Lengnau and Endingen? From 1776 they could settle in the Confederation only in these two villages, so large, strong communities formed there.

Is the interior preserved in its original form? Largely, yes. It has three aisles, women's galleries and painted architecture, and was thoroughly restored in 1995–1998.

How do I get to Lengnau? The village is in the Surbtal valley in Aargau, not far from Baden and Zurich. Check current connections in the Swiss public transport timetable.