Sacred Monuments in Switzerland

Reformierte Kirche Unteraffoltern

Zürich

Reformierte Kirche Unteraffoltern is a small Baroque Protestant church in Zürich's Affoltern district (Kreis 11), set in the old quarter known as Unterdorf. Dating from the late 17th century, it ranks among the oldest public buildings in the north of the city. How did Affoltern get its church? For a long time, people in Affoltern belonged to the parish of neighbouring Höngg. They built their own church only in 1683, and the village became an independent parish at that point. The city council of Zürich held the right of patronage. The site was picked to lie roughly the same distance from Oberdorf and Unterdorf, the two halves of the former village. What will you see? The building is plain and modest, with little ornament; its Baroque character shows in a restrained, calm shape. The church and its surroundings appear in the inventory of protected gardens and grounds. Inside stands an organ built by Kuhn of Männedorf in 1983. The church also serves as the farewell hall for the adjoining Affoltern cemetery, so it is regularly used for funeral services. Is it the only Reformed church nearby? No. Affoltern also has a more modern church centre, Glaubten, dating from 1972. Both belong to the Zürich church district Kirchenkreis elf, which covers Affoltern and Seebach, the city's two northernmost districts. Do not confuse this church with the Catholic church of St. Katharina in the same district, which has a separate history. How do you get there? The church lies in northern Zürich, at about 47.4245 N, 8.5089 E. Public transport runs from the city centre to Affoltern, and Unterdorf is a short walk from there. The area is quiet and residential, with surviving patches of old village buildings, so a visit pairs well with a stroll through the district and past the cemetery. When should you visit? This is a working parish church, so access to the interior depends on services and events. You can see the exterior and surroundings at any time of year. If you want to see the interior or attend an organ concert, check the Affoltern Reformed parish announcements first. Frequently asked questions When was the church in Unteraffoltern built? In 1683. It ended Affoltern's dependence on the parish of Höngg. What style is it? A simple, small Baroque church without lavish decoration. Can you go inside? It is an active parish church and cemetery farewell hall, so access depends on the event schedule. The parish publishes current dates. What else is worth seeing nearby? Affoltern cemetery, remnants of the old village architecture in Unterdorf, and the more modern Glaubten church centre.

French Church

Bern

The French Church (Französische Kirche, Église française) in Bern is among the oldest surviving religious buildings in the city. It sits on Zeughausgasse in the Old Town and has served French-speaking Protestants since the 1600s. What is the French Church? It began in the late 1200s as the church of a Dominican friary. The order arrived in Bern in 1269, and the church was built when this area still lay outside the town walls. Today it is an active Reformed parish holding services in French. Many sources call it the oldest church in Bern. How did its fortunes change? During the Bernese Reformation the Dominicans were expelled and the friary buildings became a hospital. The street, once named after the order, was renamed "Beim Totentanz" in 1527. The name recalled the Dance of Death that Niklaus Manuel painted on the friars' cemetery wall in 1516–1517. The mural was lost in the 17th century. In the 1620s the church was handed to French-speaking Protestants, among them Huguenot refugees. Sources give either 1623 or 1625. The choir spent some time as a granary, and the friary buildings were pulled down in 1899. The nave received a new west front in 1753. What will you see inside and outside? The Gothic choir, dating from the 13th century and the oldest part of the building. The rood screen, painted in 1495 by the Master of the Carnation and his workshop. It is regarded as the church's most precious feature. The 18th-century west facade, noticeably different from the medieval structure. A bright, plain nave typical of a Reformed church. Pair a visit with a walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Zeughausgasse is a short street running from the station area toward the centre, so the church lies on the way to many other sights. How do you get there? From Bern main station it is a few minutes on foot toward the Old Town. Much of the centre is closed to general traffic, so arriving by train and walking is easiest. Opening hours depend on services and parish events, so check the parish website before you go. When should you visit? Daylight hours show the interior best, when light enters through the choir windows. The church also hosts concerts, a chance to hear a Gothic space with music. The Old Town is busiest in summer and during the Christmas season, so mornings are calmer. Frequently asked questions Was the French Church a Dominican church? Yes. It was built in the late 13th century for the Dominican friary and taken over by French-speaking Protestants after the Reformation. Why is it called "French"? Since the 17th century it has housed a French-speaking Reformed congregation, which included Huguenots. What is the most valuable thing inside? The rood screen painted in 1495 and the 13th-century Gothic choir. Where is it? On Zeughausgasse in Bern's Old Town, close to the main station.

Reformierte Kirche Kilchberg

Kilchberg

The Reformed Church in Kilchberg (Reformierte Kirche Kilchberg) crowns a hill in Kilchberg, a lakeside municipality in the canton of Zurich, just beyond the city limits. Together with the nearby castle it forms the tallest cluster of buildings in the village and serves as its landmark. A cemetery surrounds the church, and two famous writers are buried there. Where is it and how do you get there? Kilchberg sits on the left bank of Lake Zurich, south of the city, in the Horgen district. The church stands at about 47.317 N, 8.542 E in the upper part of the village, so expect a short uphill walk from the lower streets. Do not confuse it with Kilchberg in Basel-Landschaft, which has its own church, St. Martin. What will you see? The building is a plain village church of the Swiss Reformed tradition: a simple nave and a tower, with none of the decoration you would find in a Catholic church. The tower holds bells cast mostly in 1898 by the Rüetschi foundry in Aarau, a peal that Swiss radio SRF has featured in its programme on bells. The graveyard around the church is the main draw for visitors. Conrad Ferdinand Meyer, the nineteenth-century Swiss poet and novelist, is buried here; his former house in Kilchberg is now a local museum. Thomas Mann, the Nobel laureate, moved to Kilchberg in 1954 and died in 1955, and he lies in the family grave in the same cemetery. His son Golo Mann is listed on the municipal cemetery plan as well. Who is this stop for? It suits readers of German-language literature, walkers who want a quiet side trip from central Zurich, and anyone interested in modest Protestant church architecture. Access to the interior depends on the parish's opening times, so do not count on getting inside. The churchyard and surroundings can be visited during the day. When should you go? Spring, summer and early autumn are the most pleasant, when the climb to the hill pairs well with a lakeside stroll. Plan about an hour for the walk up, the graves and the area around the church. Frequently asked questions Is Thomas Mann buried at this church? Mann is buried in the Kilchberg cemetery. The exact plot is easiest to find on the cemetery plan published by the municipality. Who else is buried there? The cemetery holds the grave of Conrad Ferdinand Meyer and that of Golo Mann, Thomas Mann's son. Is this the same Kilchberg as the one in Basel-Landschaft? No. This church is in the canton of Zurich on Lake Zurich. The Basel-Landschaft village is a different place with its own St. Martin church. Is there an entrance fee? No, the churchyard and the grounds are open to everyone. The interior is open according to the parish schedule.

St Ursula's Church

Berno

St Ursula's Church in Bern is a small Anglican church at Jubiläumsplatz 2 in the Kirchenfeld district, on the eastern bank of the Aare. It was built in the early 1900s for the city's English-speaking community and still serves as a parish of the Anglican Diocese in Europe. What is St Ursula's Church? Despite the name, this is not a Catholic church. Its architects were Eduard Rybi and Ernst Salchli, who designed Bern's synagogue the same year. Construction took only a few months, and the Bishop of Fulham, Thomas Wilkinson, consecrated the building on 20 September 1906. Among the guests were Ludwig Forrer, President of the Swiss Confederation, and the British minister Sir George Bonham. The church was planned to seat around one hundred people. The British-Berne Land Company donated the plot as it developed the Kirchenfeld area. Most of the building funds came from an American donor, Mrs Castleman of St Louis, who gave them as thanks after her adopted daughter recovered under the care of Professor Kocher. What will you see inside? The church is modest and intimate. Look for the heavy altar cross, given in 1881 and still in use, and the east window, dedicated in 1911 in memory of Cecil Bonham. The bell was cast in Aarau by the Rüetschi firm in 1918 and paid for by a dedicated bell fund. The organ was badly damaged in a fire on 22 September 1976, after a heater was left on following an evening service. A hall and parish house were added later. The 1959 works were finished in January 1960, and the hall was enlarged in 1992-94. How do you get to St Ursula's Church? From the old town it is about a 20-minute walk. By tram, take line 7 (towards Ostring) or line 8 (towards Saali) to Luisenstrasse, then walk about three minutes along Luisenstrasse. From Gümligen and Muri, line 6 also stops at Luisenstrasse. By car, leave the A6 at Ostring and head towards the centre. At Thunplatz turn right onto Kirchenfeldstrasse, and after about 300 metres the church is on your left. It is a blue parking zone: street parking is free on Sundays, while on weekdays you need a parking disc. When should you visit? Sunday is the best day. The main service is at 10:00 in English, and about 80 people or more attend most weeks. Outside service hours the church is not a standard sightseeing stop, so check the parish website for current opening arrangements. Frequently asked questions Is St Ursula's Church Catholic? No. It is an Anglican parish within the Diocese in Europe. What language are the services in? English. The main Sunday service starts at 10:00. When was the church built? In 1906, and it was consecrated on 20 September of that year. How do I get there from central Bern? Take tram 7 or 8 to Luisenstrasse, then walk about three minutes.

Veltheim church

Veltheim Church (the Reformed parish church of Veltheim, historically dedicated to St. Anne) stands in the Veltheim district of Winterthur, canton of Zurich. Churches have occupied this spot for roughly a thousand years, and the building you see today reflects the late medieval rebuilding. What is the history of the church? Excavations in 1977–1978 uncovered the earlier phases. The oldest was a rectangular hall church from about 900–1000. A Romanesque church of the 12th century followed, and around 1300 an early Gothic chancel was added. The 15th century brought major change. Early in the century the chancel was raised into a choir tower, and by mid-century the church had grown into a pilgrimage destination. A polygonal Gothic chancel was built in 1482, and a new tower with a gabled roof in 1498. Around 1500 the interior received frescoes by Hans Haggenberg. Who controlled the parish? In 1230 Count Hartmann IV of Kyburg took over the patronage together with the village. It later passed to the Habsburgs (1264) and to Töss monastery (1358). In 1525 the right went to the council of Zurich, shortly before the area turned to the Reformation. The village itself merged into Winterthur in 1922 and is now the city's fifth district. What can you see today? The main draw is the architecture itself: the late 15th-century tower, the Gothic chancel and the layered building history. Do not expect historic stained glass. Two panels from about 1482 and seven from the 17th century were sold to the Swiss National Museum in 1900 to pay for the 1899 renovation. For a detailed study, see Felicia Schmaedecke's volume in the series "Zürcher Archäologie" (issue 10, 2003). How do you get there? The church lies at roughly 47.5098 N, 8.7168 E, in the north-eastern part of Winterthur. The easiest way is public transport from the city centre to the Veltheim district, then a short walk. Check current timetables with the operator. Frequently asked questions Is this the same church as the one in Veltheim, canton Aargau? No. This church is in a district of Winterthur in the canton of Zurich. Veltheim AG is a separate municipality. How old is the church? Most of what survives comes from 15th-century rebuilding: the Gothic chancel of 1482 and the tower of 1498. The first church on the site dates to about 900–1000. Can I see the old stained glass? Not in the church. The panels were sold to the Swiss National Museum in 1900. Is it an active parish church? It is a Reformed church serving the Veltheim congregation. Check opening hours with the parish before visiting.

christ catholic collegiate church of St. Martin

Rheinfelden

The Collegiate Church of St. Martin (Stiftskirche St. Martin) in Rheinfelden, canton of Aargau, is a Christian Catholic (Old Catholic) church set in the historic old town on Kirchgasse, close to the Rhine. It stands on the Swiss bank, so do not confuse it with Rheinfelden (Baden) across the river in Germany. What is the history of the church? A church on this spot is first mentioned in 1146, and its first cleric is recorded in 1170. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland places the parish church as early as the 11th century, probably as a proprietary church of the Counts of Rheinfelden. In 1228, with the bishop of Basel's approval, a secular collegiate chapter dedicated to St. Martin was founded here. It was led by a provost, a dean and a scholaster, who ran the school. The choir was consecrated in 1352 and the nave finished roughly thirty years later; both still carry the stamp of early mendicant-order architecture. Between 1769 and 1772 the church was thoroughly renovated and given a Baroque makeover. Why is it an Old Catholic church? The chapter was dissolved in 1870, when only three canons remained. In 1873 the parish joined the Christian Catholic Church, and in 1876 Switzerland's first Christian Catholic bishop was consecrated in St. Martin's. That makes the building a landmark in the history of Swiss Old Catholicism. What will you see? A medieval choir and nave combined with 18th-century Baroque interior work. The church has been restored using modern methods under federal and cantonal heritage supervision: the exterior in 1978-1980 and the interior in 1986-1992. It is listed in the Aargau heritage inventory (DSI-RHE010). As a working parish church, it is easiest to visit outside services, so check opening times with the parish. How do you get there? The church lies in Rheinfelden's old town (around 47.554 N, 7.793 E), a short walk from the Rhine embankment. From Rheinfelden railway station you can walk through the town centre. If you drive, park outside the core and continue on foot through the old streets. When should you visit? Combine the visit with a stroll through the old town and along the river. Spring and summer give the longest days, and Rheinfelden works well as a half-day trip from Basel. To hear the church bells, time your visit with a service. Frequently asked questions Is this the same church as the one in German Rheinfelden? No. St. Martin's is in Swiss Rheinfelden in Aargau, not in Rheinfelden (Baden) in Germany. How old is the building? The choir was consecrated in 1352, the nave followed about three decades later, and the Baroque interior dates from 1769-1772. Why is it called a collegiate church? From 1228 to 1870 a chapter of canons served here, a college of clergy, hence the name Stiftskirche. Is the church still in use? Yes, it is the parish church of the Christian Catholic community. Interior visits depend on opening hours and services.

Pfarrkirche St. Johannes

The Parish Church of St. John (Pfarrkirche St. Johannes) in Oberiberg is a Roman Catholic church in a village at roughly 1,085 m above sea level in the canton of Schwyz, central Switzerland. It belongs to the Diocese of Chur and the Innerschwyz deanery and is dedicated to John the Baptist. Some sources spell the name St. Johann. Where is the church? Oberiberg has about 885 residents and lies between Schwyz and Einsiedeln, inside the Hoch-Ybrig holiday region. The church stands at around 47.042 N, 8.786 E, in the village itself, and serves as a landmark of the settlement. What is its history? The site has medieval roots. Accounts mention a chapel here as early as the 14th century, and the first church was consecrated in 1481, the same year the parish broke away from Schwyz. Priests from the Schwyz community held services there at first. In the second half of the 17th century the building was enlarged as the population grew. The present church was inaugurated in October 1876. The dispute over where to place the new church contributed to the split of the old Iberg municipality: in 1884 it divided into Oberiberg and Unteriberg, and each village built its own church. W. Kälin published a study of the building in 1984, and H. Eichhorn covered the local parishes in 2003. What else is there to see nearby? Oberiberg works well as a mountain base. The hiking network totals about 170 km, with mountain-bike and e-bike routes as well. By the Minsterbach stream you will find a Vita-Parcours fitness trail and two picnic spots with fire pits. In winter the Hoch-Ybrig ski area runs 13 lifts and roughly 50 km of pistes. The name Iberg (Ybrig) is usually read as "the mountain where yews grow" and first appears in a document from 1350. The land belonged to Einsiedeln Abbey from the 11th century. When should you visit? This is a working parish church, so plan a visit outside service times. A stop in the village fits easily into a summer hike or a ski day. At this altitude the weather can change quickly, so pack warm layers outside high summer. Frequently asked questions Who is the Oberiberg church dedicated to? John the Baptist. Documents call it St. Johannes or St. Johann. When was the current church built? It was inaugurated in October 1876. The first church on the site was consecrated in 1481. Why does the village have its own parish and municipality? The parish separated from Schwyz in 1481. The Iberg municipality split in 1884 into Oberiberg and Unteriberg after a quarrel over the site of the new church. Can you hike in the area? Yes. Hoch-Ybrig offers about 170 km of trails, cycling routes and downhill skiing in winter.

St. Konrad (Zürich)

Zürich

St. Konrad in Zürich is the Roman Catholic parish church of Albisrieden, a residential district on the western side of the city. Built in the 1950s, it stands as a good example of postwar church architecture and rewards a visit if you want to see Zürich beyond the old town and the lakefront. Where is St. Konrad? The church sits in Albisrieden, part of Kreis 9 (District 9) of the City of Zürich. Albisrieden was a separate farming village until it was merged into the city in the twentieth century. Today it is a quiet neighbourhood with its own distinct local centre, which makes the church a natural stop on a walk through a less touristy corner of Zürich. When was it built, and by whom? Construction took place in the mid-1950s. Wikipedia gives 1953 to 1955, while the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates the work to 1954 to 1955; the sources differ only on the starting year. The plans were drawn by the architects Ferdinand Pfammatter and Walter Rieger. Pfammatter was one of Switzerland's better-known church designers of his generation, so the building is of interest to anyone following twentieth-century sacred architecture. What is the parish like today? St. Konrad belongs to the Diocese of Chur, in the Deanery of Stadt Zürich. A 2024 job advertisement from the parish describes a modern, open city parish of roughly 5,500 members, with about 40 groups and associations run by volunteers. It is a living congregation rather than a museum, so the interior serves first of all for services and community gatherings. A church foundation, the Kirchenstiftung St. Konrad, was set up in 2020 to support worship and pastoral work in the parish area. How to plan a visit Check the parish website for current service and opening times before you go. A visit fits easily into a stroll around Albisrieden, which has compact streets, the historic core of the former village and good public transport links to the rest of the city. Keep voices low and dress appropriately for a place of worship. Frequently asked questions When was St. Konrad built? Between 1953 and 1955 according to Wikipedia; the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland says 1954 to 1955. Who designed the church? The architects Ferdinand Pfammatter and Walter Rieger. Which district is it in? Albisrieden, in Kreis 9 of Zürich. Which diocese does the parish belong to? The Diocese of Chur, Deanery of Stadt Zürich.

Temple

Val-de-Ruz

The Reformed Church (Temple) in Fontaines sits in the village of Fontaines, now part of the Val-de-Ruz municipality in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. It is a Protestant place of worship with deep roots: a parish already existed here in 1228. Where is it and how do you find it? The church stands in Fontaines at roughly 47.044 N, 6.901 E, in the Val-de-Ruz valley between Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds. The name "Reformed Church" is generic in this area. Val-de-Ruz was formed in 2013 by merging more than a dozen former communes, and many of its villages have their own temple. This one belongs to Fontaines, not to neighbouring Cernier, Dombresson or Boudevilliers. You can reach the valley by car from Neuchâtel, and local buses link the villages. What is its history? The Fontaines parish is recorded from 1228. Back then it also covered Cernier, Fontainemelon and Les Hauts-Geneveys, which had branch churches under it. Before the Reformation the church was dedicated to Saint Maurice. It was rebuilt in the early 16th century, and the tower dates from the 17th. Patronage rested with the priory of Môtiers until 1517, when it passed to the chapter of Valangin. Parish borders shifted over time. Cernier and Fontainemelon split off in 1875, Les Hauts-Geneveys in 1961. Since 1961 Fontaines has belonged to the Valangin-Boudevilliers parish. A Catholic chapel also served the village from 1850 to 1909. What else is there to see in Fontaines? The village has a rich past. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was known for clocks and automata, notably those of the Maillardet family. Traces of a Roman villa have turned up here, and the first communal house dates from 1694. Fontaines was a district seat from 1848 to 1877. In the 20th century it developed watchmaking, parquet flooring, printing and a cement works, and after 1945 it grew into a quiet residential village, with 912 inhabitants in 2000. When should you visit? Protestant churches in Switzerland are often open mainly during services and events, so check dates with the Valangin-Boudevilliers parish. The Val-de-Ruz area suits walking and cycling, and the Vue-des-Alpes pass (1,283 m), which the former Fontaines territory reached, offers wide views. Frequently asked questions Is this the same temple as in other Val-de-Ruz villages? No. Val-de-Ruz is a municipality of many villages, each with its own church. This one is in Fontaines. Which parish does it belong to? Since 1961, the Valangin-Boudevilliers parish. How old is the church? The parish is recorded in 1228, the building was rebuilt in the early 16th century, and the tower dates from the 17th. Who was the patron saint before the Reformation? Saint Maurice.

Ev. ref. Kirche Laufen am Rheinfall

Dachsen

Ev. ref. Kirche Laufen am Rheinfall is the Reformed parish church of Laufen, beside Laufen Castle and the largest waterfall in Central Europe. It belongs to the municipality of Laufen-Uhwiesen in the canton of Zurich, a short walk from Dachsen station. Where does the church stand? The church occupies a rocky spur above the Rhine next to the castle. The Swiss ISOS inventory of heritage sites describes the spot as a walled castle complex and church precinct with a late Gothic church. That setting makes the building part of one of Switzerland's best-known landscapes. You can hear the Rheinfall from the grounds, and the views over the water are the main reason most visitors come. What is its history? The earliest record of the church of St Hilarius at Laufen dates from 1155, when it belonged to the bishops of Constance and served as the centre of a large parish. The historian H. Kläui links its founding to the 8th century under King Pepin the Short, though this remains a hypothesis. Patronage passed to Zurich only in 1806, although the city had held the lower jurisdiction over Laufen since 1544. The Reformation ended the church's Catholic use, and today it serves a Reformed congregation. The building has been altered and extended several times, with the latest major renovation in the early 2000s. Neighbouring Uhwiesen has long belonged to the Laufen parish; its filial chapel is documented from the late 15th century. How do you get there? The easiest route is by train to Dachsen, a station opened in 1857 with the Rheinfallbahn line. From there the castle and church are a short walk away. By car, Laufen is reached from the Schaffhausen or Winterthur side, but car parks fill quickly in season. From Neuhausen on the north bank, you can cross to the south bank on foot near the falls. What else is nearby? Laufen Castle, around which the settlement grew, now with a restaurant and viewpoints. Viewing platforms right beside the falls. Boat trips on the basin below the falls, departing near the castle. The chapel in nearby Uhwiesen. When should you visit? The falls are mightiest in late spring and early summer, when Alpine snowmelt swells the Rhine. The castle area is crowded on summer days, so mornings and late afternoons are calmer. The church is usually open for services and parish events, and its exterior can be seen at any time. The surrounding greenery makes it a good stop on a walk along the Rhine. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee for the church? No. Viewing the building from outside is free. Some attractions at the falls, such as boat trips and certain viewing terraces, are paid. Is this the same church as the one in Neuhausen? No. Neuhausen, across the river, has a different Reformed church, built in 1910-1911. The Laufen church is much older and lies on the Zurich side. Who is the patron saint of the old parish church? St Hilarius is considered the patron of the parish church standing southwest of the castle. How long should I plan? The church and castle grounds take about half an hour. With the terraces above the falls and a walk along the Rhine, plan two to three hours.

Spitzkirche Magdalena

Rheinau

Spitzkirche Magdalena in Rheinau is a small chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene, set on the Musikinsel in the Swiss canton of Zürich, in a bend of the Rhine right beside the famous abbey. Its nickname, "Spitzkirche" (pointed church), comes from its position: the building stands on a tip of land that juts into the river. What is the Spitzkirche? It is a late Gothic chapel from the end of the 16th century. Accounts date its construction to 1587–1588, under Abbot Theobald Werlin von Greiffenberg, when Rheinau was still a working Benedictine monastery. The Swiss federal ISOS inventory lists it among the town's notable sites, next to the Baroque abbey church of 1705–1711. The chapel has a single nave ending in a rounded choir, with late Gothic tracery in its windows. A small roof turret with an open bell house, added in a 1903 renovation, rises above the roof. How has the chapel changed over time? In 1761 a late Baroque grotto, modelled on one at Zwiefalten Abbey, was added to the choir. It was taken out during a renovation in 1931. After the abbey was dissolved in 1862, the chapel served Reformed patients of the cantonal psychiatric hospital, which occupied the former monastery buildings from 1867. Major restoration followed in 1991–1992, and the interior paintings were restored in 2016. Since 2001 a foundation, Stiftung St. Magdalena zu Rheinau, has looked after the chapel's ecumenical use. What will you see? The setting is the main draw. From the promontory you look across a broad sweep of the Rhine, with riverside meadows and the rooftops of the town behind you. It is a favourite subject for photographers, especially around sunrise and sunset. The interior is usually open for events, since the chapel now hosts weddings and concerts. How do you fit it into a visit? The chapel pairs naturally with a walk around Rheinau. The abbey and the island are close together, so one outing covers both the late Gothic chapel and the large Baroque abbey church. The coordinates are roughly 47.6427 N, 8.6115 E. Do not confuse it with the German village of Rheinau: this chapel is on the Swiss bank of the Rhine. Frequently asked questions Is the Spitzkirche the abbey church of Rheinau? No. The abbey church is a separate Baroque building from the early 18th century. The Spitzkirche is a much older and smaller Magdalene chapel on the island. When was it built? In 1587–1588, under Abbot Theobald Werlin von Greiffenberg. Are events held inside? Yes. The chapel is used for weddings and concerts, and the St. Magdalena foundation, set up in 2001, oversees its ecumenical use. What does "Spitzkirche" mean? Literally "pointed church". It refers to the sharp spit of land, reaching into the Rhine, on which the chapel stands. What happened to the Baroque grotto? It was added by the choir in 1761 and removed during the 1931 renovation.

Stiftskirche Olsberg

Olsberg

Stiftskirche Olsberg is the Baroque church of a former Cistercian nunnery in the village of Olsberg, in the Swiss canton of Aargau, a short drive east of Basel. It ranks among the region's most significant religious monuments: it appears in Switzerland's inventory of cultural property as a site of national importance (category A) and is protected in its entirety. What is the history of the church? Cistercian nuns settled here in the 13th century. The community moved to Olsberg around 1236 from an earlier home at Hortus Dei near Untersteckholz, having received papal Cistercian privileges in 1234. The first church went up with the move. A second building replaced it in the mid-14th century, and its walls were absorbed into the church you see today. A major fire in 1427 devastated the complex, and the church was reconsecrated in 1434. The convent was plundered in the peasant uprising of 1525 and suffered again during the Thirty Years' War, between 1632 and 1635. The canton of Aargau dissolved it in 1805. What can you see? The church owes its present look mainly to the Baroque era. Abbess Maria Franziska von Eptingen, in office from 1670, shaped much of the interior and brought relics of Saint Victor here in 1688. The marbled wooden ceiling and grisaille frescoes date from 1662. In 1715 the church received a new west front with a bell tower, and the choir screen separating the nuns from the congregation was removed. The altars and tabernacle were added in the mid-18th century. The other convent buildings stand alongside. The conventual wing keeps a cloister of fifteen late-Gothic vaulted bays, and the parsonage dates from 1742. The interior was restored in 1986 and the exterior renovated in 2013. How is the site used today? After 1805 the buildings housed a girls' school, later a boys' home run by the Pestalozzi foundation. Since 2017 the former monastery has been home to Schulheim Stift Olsberg, a special-needs school. The church remains in use as a parish church, so visits are best planned outside service times. How do you get there? Olsberg lies in the Violenbach valley near Rheinfelden and the German border, roughly 20 km from Basel. A car is the easiest option; from Rheinfelden you can also use regional transport. The church stands northwest of the village centre, within the former convent grounds. Frequently asked questions Is the church a protected monument? Yes. It is listed as a category A object of national significance, with cantonal protection in Aargau since 1963 and federal protection since 1967. How old is the building? Its walls go back to the mid-14th century, but the Baroque character comes from 17th- and 18th-century alterations, above all the 1715 facade. Is this the same Olsberg as the one in Germany or in Basel-Landschaft? No. This church is in the canton of Aargau. Places with the same name exist in Germany and in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. What is housed in the convent buildings now? Since 2017 a special-needs school, Schulheim Stift Olsberg, which is why the grounds beyond the church mainly serve the school.

Reformierte Kirche Scuol

Scuol

The Reformed Church (San Geer) in Scuol is a late Gothic church on the Munt Baselgia hill, above the old quarter of Scuol in the Lower Engadine, canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It is listed in the Swiss federal inventory of cultural property of national significance (KGS no. 3248) and counts among the town's most important landmarks. Where is it and how do you get there? The church stands on Chant Baselgia street, at roughly 46.795 N, 10.299 E, overlooking the village houses. From the centre it is a short uphill walk of a few minutes along lanes lined with sgraffito-decorated facades. Scuol-Tarasp has a Rhaetian Railway station and local buses serve the centre, so you can reach it without a car. What is the history of the church? People settled the church hill long before the building existed: excavations in 1965-1968 uncovered Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement remains. The village itself first appears in records around 1095 as Schulles. The present church was built in 1516 by the master builder Bernhard of Poschiavo and consecrated that same year. The tower was raised in 1562. The Reformation reached Scuol in 1530, so the building has served a Protestant congregation for nearly five centuries. In 1679 the first Romansh Bible in the Vallader idiom was printed in the village by Jachen Dorta. What will you see? The church is a fine example of late Gothic architecture in Graubünden: a plain nave with a tall tower rising above the rooftops. Inside is an organ dating from 1792. The building was renovated in 1933 and thoroughly restored in 1970-1972. The terrace in front gives wide views over the Inn valley and the surrounding Engadine mountains. When should you visit? The hill is accessible all year. In summer it is a natural stop on a walk through the old town; in winter it pairs well with a day on the slopes or at the Bogn Engiadina spa. The interior can be closed outside services and events, so check opening times with the Scuol tourist office if you want to go in. Frequently asked questions Is the church in Scuol a listed monument? Yes. It is in the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national significance as KGS no. 3248. When was the present building constructed? In 1516, in late Gothic style. The tower was heightened in 1562. What language is spoken in Scuol? Romansh in the Vallader variety is widely spoken alongside German. The first Bible in that idiom was printed in Scuol in 1679. Is there an entrance fee? Walking up the hill and viewing the exterior is free.

Church of Saints Peter and Paul

Berno

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Bern (Peter-und-Paul-Kirche) stands at Rathausgasse 2, right beside the Town Hall in the Old Town. It is the parish church of Bern's Christian Catholic community and the cathedral of the Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland, listed as a cultural property of national significance. Why was a Catholic church built in Bern in the 19th century? After the Reformation, Bern's Catholics had no church of their own for generations. They heard Mass in the choir of the Minster until 1803, then in the French Church on Zeughausgasse from 1804. Work on a new church began in 1858 on the site of the former St. Johannsen granary, which itself stood over the ruins of a mint destroyed by fire in 1787. It was the first Catholic church built in the city since the Reformation. The designers were H. Marchal and Pierre-Joseph Edmond Deperthes, with Emmanuel Müller supervising construction. The first Mass took place on 13 November 1864. How did it become a Christian Catholic cathedral? After the First Vatican Council, a group of Swiss Catholics rejected the new dogmas and formed the Christian Catholic (Old Catholic) Church. In 1875 the building became the parish church of Bern's Old Catholic congregation. Today it also serves as the seat of the church's bishop in Switzerland. What will you see? The architecture is Romanesque in form with the influence of French Gothic cathedrals, a noticeable contrast to the plainer Protestant churches that dominate Bern. The bell tower and south façade were renovated in 1965-67, with further restoration since. Seen from the street, the church fits neatly into the Old Town and makes an easy stop on a walk past the Town Hall. How do you get there? The church is in Bern's pedestrian-friendly Old Town on Rathausgasse, a few steps from the Town Hall and a walk from the main railway station. There is no reason to bring a car. When should you visit? It is a working church, so check opening hours and service times on the parish website, christkath-bern.ch. Keep quiet during services and avoid photographing the interior while one is on. Frequently asked questions Is it a Roman Catholic cathedral? No. It belongs to the Christian Catholic (Old Catholic) Church of Switzerland, although it was originally built as a Catholic church. When was it built? Construction started in 1858 and the first Mass was held on 13 November 1864. Is this the same as Bern Minster? No. The Minster is a late Gothic Protestant cathedral; St. Peter and Paul is a separate, much younger church by the Town Hall. Where can I find opening hours? On the parish website, christkath-bern.ch.

St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Benken (SG)

St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Benken (St. Peter und Paul) is the parish church of Benken in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, set in the Linth plain below the Benkner Büchel hill. Locals call it the "Unterkirch", the lower church. Its main appeal is age and history: this is one of the oldest church sites in the Gaster district. What is the history of the church? The dedication to Saints Peter and Paul, paired with St. George's in neighbouring Kaltbrunn (the "Oberkirch"), is read by historians as a sign of a settlement linked to Reichenau Abbey. In the 11th century the Counts of Lenzburg gave the Benken estate and its church to the convent of Schänis, which held it until the Helvetic Revolution. Benken also holds an early medieval puzzle. Charters of 741 and 744 were issued at a monastery called Babinchova, where Meinrad taught around 824. Its location is still unknown, and excavations at the parish church in 1983–1984 did not find the hoped-for trace. The original parish also covered Kaltbrunn, Gommiswald, Rieden and Maseltrangen, which split off gradually between the 10th century and 1789. After the Reformation of 1529, Benken returned to the Catholic faith under pressure from Schwyz. Where is it and how do you get there? The church stands in Benken (SG) at 47.199 N, 9.006 E, between Lake Zurich and the Walensee, close to Uznach and Kaltbrunn. Do not confuse it with Benken in the canton of Zurich, a different municipality entirely. Reach it by car or regional bus from Uznach; the walk across the flat Linth plain is easy. What else is nearby? On the Benkner Büchel stands the pilgrimage church of Maria Bildstein. A wayside shrine dates from 1519, a chapel followed in 1848, and the present church was built in 1966. Combine the climb with a visit to the parish church. The valley landscape itself was reshaped by the Linth correction (1807–1823) and later land improvement (1941–1964). Frequently asked questions Is the church in Benken Catholic? Yes, it serves the Catholic parish of Benken in the canton of St. Gallen. Why is it called "Unterkirch"? The name sets it apart from St. George's in Kaltbrunn, known as the "Oberkirch". Was there a medieval monastery in Benken? Eighth-century sources mention a monastery called Babinchova, but its site remains unknown. Is this the same as Benken near Zurich? No. They are two separate places in different cantons.

Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul reformed church

Cossonay

The Reformed church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Cossonay, known locally as the Temple de Cossonay, is among the oldest places of worship in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It stands in the historic heart of the town, and its slender spire can be spotted from far around. What is this church and who built it? The church is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Its first written record dates to 1096, when the lord of Cossonay handed the village church to the Benedictine monastery of Romainmôtier. In 1224 it passed to the Benedictines of Lutry, who set up a priory here in the later 13th century. After Bern took over Vaud in 1536 the building became Protestant, which is why people call it a "temple". What will you see? The real draw is the layering of centuries. The three-aisled nave dates from the 11th to 12th century and shows Cluniac influence. The choir was added in the 13th century. The bell tower, begun at Easter 1407, dominates the town skyline. The porch is a 20th-century addition. Excavations in 1909-1911 and again in 1971-1973 uncovered earlier buildings beneath the floor. The oldest was a single-nave church from the 8th century, followed in the 9th century by a church with a three-apse choir. Few churches in the region have such a well-documented story reaching back to the early Middle Ages. Is it a protected monument? Yes. The church has been a cantonal historic monument since 1901. Restorations took place in 1856-1860, 1913-1914 and 1921-1923. The Swiss ISOS inventory of historic townscapes lists the church and the former priory among the medieval features that survive in Cossonay. How do you find it? The church sits in the centre of Cossonay, at roughly 46.614 N, 6.509 E, north-west of Lausanne. It pairs naturally with a stroll through the old town, whose fabric goes back to the Middle Ages. A major fire in the late 14th century destroyed much of the town and its archives, so rebuilding shaped what you see today. Frequently asked questions How old is the church in Cossonay? Archaeology points to a first building in the 8th century. Written sources mention the church from 1096. Is it a listed monument? Yes, it has had cantonal monument status since 1901. When was the tower built? Work on the tower began at Easter 1407. It is crowned with a spire that is visible across the surrounding area. Is it a Catholic church? In this region "Temple" means a Protestant church. Since the Reformation, introduced by Bern in 1536, the building has served the Reformed community. What period is the nave from? The three-aisled nave is from the 11th to 12th century, and the choir from the 13th.

St Peter's Catholic Church

Rümlang

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.

Fahr Monastery, Monastery Church

Würenlos

Fahr Monastery Church in Würenlos is the Baroque church of a Benedictine nunnery on the Limmat river. The convent sits in a small exclave of the canton of Aargau that is entirely surrounded by the canton of Zurich, and since 2008 it has been assigned by agreement to the municipality of Würenlos. Who founded Fahr, and when? In 1130 the nobleman Lütold II of Regensberg handed his estate at Fahr to Einsiedeln Abbey, with the condition that a women's Benedictine house be established there. Fahr remains a priory under the abbot of Einsiedeln. Excavations have uncovered traces of the first church from the founding years. How did the church take its present shape? Early 15th century: the church was enlarged, and most of the nave and choir walls date from this phase. Mid-17th century: a vaulted nuns' choir was added. From 1689: the tower was rebuilt. 1703: Brother Johann Moosbrugger turned the old east choir into a sacristy and confessional chapel. 1743–1748: under Provost Joseph von Roll and Prioress Victoria Rusconi, the church was remodelled in Baroque style. What is there to see? The Baroque works added two side apses. The marble altars, pulpit and chancel screen came from the workshop of A. and G. M. Rossi of Arzo. F. A. Rebsamen painted the frescoes in the gallery, while the brothers Giuseppe and Giovanni Antonio Torricelli decorated the walls, the vault and the inner faces of the cemetery enclosure. The interior was repainted in 1895–1897 by Fritz Kunz and Leonhard Thoma, who followed the original scheme, and Hans A. Fischer restored the cemetery paintings in the 1960s. Can you visit? The cloister interior is closed to visitors. From outside you can take in the whole complex, including the provost's courtyard with its walled, symmetrical garden and the traditional monastic gardens. The convent runs a shop and a restaurant, and the sisters farm the surrounding land. Check kloster-fahr.ch for current opening hours and offers. Frequently asked questions Who founded Fahr Convent? Lütold II of Regensberg, who gave the land to Einsiedeln Abbey in 1130 on condition that a Benedictine nunnery be set up. Which canton is Fahr in? Aargau, although the site is an exclave ringed by the canton of Zurich. It belongs administratively to Würenlos. When was the Baroque decoration created? Between 1743 and 1748, when the marble altars and frescoes were made. Do nuns still live there? Yes. A Benedictine community continues here as a priory of Einsiedeln; in 2007 it had 28 sisters.

Temple

La Sagne

Temple de La Sagne is the Reformed Protestant church of the village of La Sagne, in the canton of Neuchâtel in the Swiss Jura. A late Gothic building, it stands in the heart of the village, in a high valley between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Les Ponts-de-Martel. How old is the church? A chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine is first recorded in La Sagne in 1351, when it was a branch of the church at Le Locle. La Sagne became its own parish in 1499, and the present building dates from 1521 and 1526. It replaced an earlier medieval chapel on the same spot. The village itself appears in written records as early as 1332. After the county of Neuchâtel turned to the Reformation, the church became a Protestant place of worship. That is why it is called a "temple", the usual word for a Reformed church in French-speaking Switzerland. What will you see? The architecture is late Gothic, and the vaulted choir is the most admired part. The building is a protected heritage monument of the canton. As in most Reformed churches, the interior is plain, so a visit is about architecture and atmosphere rather than a rich art collection. Nearby is the village's local history museum, founded in 1880 and reopened in 1982. It makes a good companion stop, covering the valley's lace-making, later watchmaking, cattle farming, cheese and peat cutting. How do you get to La Sagne? The village lies at roughly 47.05 N, 6.82 E. A railway has linked it with La Chaux-de-Fonds and Les Ponts-de-Martel since 1889 (electrified in 1950), so the easiest way is a train from La Chaux-de-Fonds. By car, local roads run through the valley. The church is in the village centre, so there is no further walk once you arrive. When should you go? The area suits any season. In summer it is hiking country across Jura pastures and peat bogs; in winter the valley is snowy and very quiet. Combine the church with a stroll through the village. Check opening hours for the interior with the local parish, since this is a working church rather than a museum. What else is worth knowing about La Sagne? About a thousand people live here: 997 in 2000, against 1,195 in 1750 and around 1,800 in 1850. Until 1848 La Sagne was a mairie, a local administrative unit. Marshland was drained for farming from 1659, and the first water mill is recorded in the 14th century. The royalist uprising of 1856 against the canton's new republican government began in La Sagne. Frequently asked questions Is Temple de La Sagne very old? Yes. The current building dates from 1521 and 1526, and a chapel on the site is documented from 1351. What architectural style is it? Late Gothic, with a vaulted choir as its best-known feature. Is it a Catholic church? No. It is a Reformed (Protestant) church of the La Sagne parish. Is there anything else to see in La Sagne? Yes: the village history museum, founded in 1880, plus the surrounding Neuchâtel Jura pastures and peat bogs.

Abbey of Fischingen

Fischingen

Kloster Fischingen is a Benedictine monastery in the village of Fischingen, canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. Founded shortly before 1138, it is one of the oldest religious communities in eastern Switzerland and a pilgrimage site centred on the tomb of Saint Idda of Toggenburg. What is the history of the monastery? The founder was Bishop Ulrich II of Constance, who settled monks from Petershausen Abbey in Constance. The first abbot, Waltram (1138–1146), built the church along with separate quarters for monks, nuns and guests. Records indicate that the women's community vanished in the 13th century. The convent was never large, and the Reformation halted monastic life for several years; in 1526 Abbot Heinrich Stoll converted to Protestantism and married. The abbey was dissolved in 1848. Benedictines returned in 1977 as a priory, and the community still lives here. What can you see? The highlight is the Baroque abbey church of 1687, donated by the Reding von Biberegg family. Next to it stands the Idda Chapel, built 1705–1708, with a tomb altar that pilgrims have visited for centuries. The church, cloister and sacristy are listed in the Thurgau heritage register. Church and chapel were renovated in 2006. Who was Saint Idda? Idda of Toggenburg (also called Ida) is a figure of tradition with no contemporary documents behind her. The first biography dates from 1481. According to the legend, after a fall from a castle window she lived as a recluse near Fischingen and was buried there. Veneration is recorded before 1410, and her feast falls on 3 November. The Swiss National Museum's blog takes a sceptical view of the legend, which makes for interesting background reading. When should you visit? Visit the church and chapel during the day, outside service times. Spring and summer suit walks in the Thurgau hills, including the Thurgauer Tannzapfenweg loop that starts and ends in Fischingen. November has a pilgrimage character because of Idda's feast. Check opening hours and guided tours at kloster-fischingen.ch. How do you get there? Fischingen lies in the Murg valley in the south of Thurgau, between Winterthur and St. Gallen. The easiest way is by car or by bus from Wil and nearby railway stations. Hiking trails start right in the village. Frequently asked questions When was Fischingen monastery founded? Shortly before 1138, on the initiative of Bishop Ulrich II of Constance. Do monks still live there? Yes. After the abbey was dissolved in 1848, Benedictines came back in 1977 as a priory. Where is Saint Idda's tomb? In the Idda Chapel beside the abbey church, built 1705–1708. It remains a pilgrimage destination. Is the monastery a protected monument? Yes, the church, cloister and sacristy are listed in the Thurgau heritage inventory.

Nydegg Church

Bern

Nydeggkirche (Nydegg Church) is a Swiss Reformed church in Bern, standing at the eastern edge of the Old Town beside the Nydegg Bridge over the River Aare. This late Gothic sandstone building is one of the oldest churches in the city, set on the hill where Bern's story began. What is the history of the church? The church was built between 1341 and 1346 and was originally Catholic. After the Reformation it passed to the Reformed congregation, and it remains an evangelical-reformed parish church today. The site is older still: it was once the location of the Zähringen town castle, Nydegg, which gave the hill its name. The interior was redesigned in the early 1950s, so the layout you see today is much younger than the Gothic shell. The organ was restored between about 1991 and 1996, and the church occasionally hosts classical concerts. What else is nearby? The church sits at the foot of the Nydegg Bridge, built from 1840 to 1844 to plans by engineer Joseph Ferry. When completed, its central arch was the largest natural-stone arch in Europe. From the bridge and the streets around the church you get views over the Aare loop and the lower parts of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, while the steep lane of Nydeggstalden drops toward the river. How do I get to Nydeggkirche? The church is at Nydeggbrücke, 3011 Bern, on the eastern end of the Old Town. From the Zytglogge clock tower, follow the main Old Town axis east along Gerechtigkeitsgasse and Junkerngasse to the bridge. The walk from the centre takes around a quarter of an hour. When can I visit, and is it free? Admission is free. Regular opening hours are not published in the sources we checked, so confirm on the parish website nydegg.ch or contact the parish office ([email protected], +41 31 352 04 43) before you go. Combine the visit with a stroll through the Old Town and across the Nydegg Bridge. Frequently asked questions Is Nydeggkirche still an active church? Yes, it serves the Reformed parish. When was it built? In the 14th century, between 1341 and 1346. Do I need a ticket? No, entry is free. What stood on the site before the church? The Zähringen castle of Nydegg, which gave the hill its name.

Kapelle St. Josef

Alpnachstad

Chapel St. Joseph in Alpnachstad is a small chapel built in 1702 in the hamlet of Alpnachstad, part of the municipality of Alpnach in the canton of Obwalden. The hamlet sits on Lake Alpnach, an arm of Lake Lucerne, at the foot of Mount Pilatus. The chapel makes a quiet stop on a walk through a place that was a key lake crossing and cargo point in central Switzerland. What is this chapel? The chapel dates from 1702 and is recorded in the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland under the entry for Alpnachstad. Swiss archives also hold plans and documentation on it from 1991. It is a local landmark rather than a ticketed attraction, so treat it as a stop along a stroll through the hamlet instead of a destination with set visiting hours. What else is there to see in Alpnachstad? For centuries the hamlet lived off transport. Residents held the rights to ferry traffic on the lake and ran the service as a cooperative: nine rights existed in 1424 and five in 1668. A transshipment house (Sust) was built in 1578 and replaced in 1784 by a new one designed by master builder Jakob Singer. It was pulled down after the Brünig railway opened in 1889, which also ended the ferry service. From the mid-19th century visitors arrived by steamship to climb Pilatus. From 1863 the Hotel Pilatus in the hamlet organised excursions up the mountain, even by sedan chair. In 1889 the Pilatus cog railway opened, and it still starts here. Its valley station is now Alpnachstad's main draw. How do you get there? Alpnachstad lies on the Brünig line between Lucerne and Interlaken, and boats from Lucerne call at the Pilatus railway landing. The hamlet is small, so the chapel is a short walk from the station. By car, follow the road from Lucerne towards Alpnach and look for parking near the valley station. When is the best time to visit? Summer is busiest. The cog railway usually runs from May to November, and the lake draws windsurfers. A trail around Lake Alpnach takes about four hours on foot, and the chapel fits neatly into that walk or a trip up the mountain. Frequently asked questions When was the chapel built? In 1702, according to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland. Is the chapel the main reason to visit Alpnachstad? Usually not. Most visitors come for the Pilatus cog railway, and the chapel is an add-on to a walk. How do I get here from Lucerne? By Brünig line train or by boat on the lake. Driving towards Alpnach is also straightforward. What else is nearby? The Pilatus cog railway, the shore of Lake Alpnach and the walking trail around the lake.

Kyburg reformed church

Kyburg

Kyburg Reformed Church (Reformierte Kirche Kyburg) is the parish church of the small village of Kyburg in the canton of Zurich. Since 2016 the village has been part of the municipality of Illnau-Effretikon. The church stands beside the famous Kyburg Castle, yet it is a separate building with its own story: it has served the local congregation for centuries rather than castle visitors. What can you see at Kyburg church? The present nave dates from 1695. Heinrich Bleuler led the construction, working from plans drawn up in Zurich, the authority that held the parish patronage. It is a wide, single-space hall closed by a three-sided choir, a layout typical of Protestant church building of the period, when the congregation gathered around the preached word. The tower is older than the nave. Built in 1556, it was left standing when the church was rebuilt, so two phases of the village's history are visible side by side. Locally it is known as the Käsbissenturm. A west porch was added around 1850. In 1912 the architects Pfleghard & Haefeli redesigned the choir, and Wilhelm Hartung decorated it with paintings in the Heimatstil style. The most recent thorough restoration took place in 1987-88 under Peter Hartung. What is the parish history? The church belongs to the former political municipality of Kyburg. From the Reformation onward it formed its own parish together with Brünggen, Ettenhausen and part of Billikon. Earlier, the castle settlement had a chapel of St Catherine, recorded in 1370 as a branch of the parish of Illnau. The right of patronage passed to Zurich, while the tithe went to the Allerheiligen monastery in Schaffhausen and, after its dissolution, to the canton of Schaffhausen. How do you get to the church? The church is in the centre of Kyburg village (coordinates 47.458 N, 8.744 E), right next to the castle. The village is small, so the walk from the castle takes only a few minutes. It is easy to combine both visits in one stroll. When can you visit? This is a working parish church, so opening hours depend on services and parish arrangements. Check the Kirchgemeinde Kyburg before you go, and keep the interior quiet during services. Frequently asked questions Is the church the same as the castle chapel? No. The chapel inside Kyburg Castle is known for its medieval wall paintings, while the Reformed church is a separate parish church in the village. How old is the church? The nave was built in 1695 and the tower is older, from 1556. The porch was added around 1850 and the choir was redesigned in 1912. Is there an entrance fee? It is an active parish church and visiting arrangements are set by the parish, which publishes current information as Kirchgemeinde Kyburg. Which municipality does Kyburg belong to? Since 2016 it has belonged to Illnau-Effretikon in the canton of Zurich. Before that Kyburg was an independent municipality in the Pfäffikon district.

Tell's Chapel

Sisikon

Tell's Chapel (Tellskapelle) on Lake Uri sits right on the shore at Sisikon in the canton of Uri, on the eastern side of the Urnersee, the southern arm of Lake Lucerne. It is among the best-known sites tied to Switzerland's national legend of William Tell. What does the chapel commemorate? Tradition says this is where Tell leapt from the boat of the bailiff Gessler and escaped during a storm. A small chapel was built on the rocky ledge by the water to mark the spot. Legend gives the year 1388, but historians cannot trace the source of that date. What is documented is a mention in Heinrich Brennwald's chronicle from 1508 to 1516. The chapel has long been dedicated to Saint Sebastian. How did it change over time? A brotherhood founded in 1561 held a memorial service here every year on the Friday after Ascension, remembering Tell as well as Werner Stauffacher and Arnold von Melchtal, two of the Rütli oath figures. Around 1589-1590 the chapel was enlarged or rebuilt and decorated with a fresco cycle about Tell's life. The present building was finished in 1879, and by 1882 the Basel history painter Ernst Stückelberg had filled the interior with four frescoes. In 1884 the Uri cantonal parliament raised the yearly pilgrimage to a solemn national procession, still held in the early 2000s. What will you see? The chapel is small and open at the front, so the paintings can be seen from outside as well as inside. They show the key scenes of the legend: the Rütli oath, the shot at the apple, Tell's leap from the boat, and Gessler's death in the Hohle Gasse sunken lane. The view stretches across the lake. The Rütli meadow, regarded as the cradle of the Confederation, lies on the opposite side of the bay about 4.3 km away. For photos, the water's edge gives the best angle, with the chapel set against the mountains. How do you get there? The chapel stands between Sisikon and Flüelen. From the Axenstrasse, which follows the lake, a short walk leads down to the shore. Public access is from the hotel above the chapel on that road. Sisikon and Flüelen can be reached by regional transport from Altdorf or Lucerne, and then on foot or by car along the lake. When should you visit? A stop takes about 20-30 minutes, so it pairs well with a boat trip on the Urnersee or a walk in the area. Late spring through autumn is the most pleasant time, with calm water and clear views. Services in honour of Tell follow the old date after Ascension. Frequently asked questions Is the chapel historically authentic? The Tell story is a tradition rather than a documented fact. The chapel itself has stood for several centuries and appears in an early 16th-century chronicle. The date 1388 has no confirmed source. Who painted the frescoes? The four frescoes seen today were completed by 1882 by Ernst Stückelberg of Basel. An earlier cycle about Tell's life dates from around 1589-1590. Is it the same as Tell's Chapel in Bürglen? No. Bürglen, Tell's home village in the legend, has its own separate chapel from 1582. The Sisikon chapel marks the escape from the boat. Is there an entrance fee? The sources we used mention no charge for viewing the chapel. Access is a short walk down from the Axenstrasse to the shore.