Wasserkirche Zurich
Historic 13th-century church on the Limmat River, featuring stunning stained glass, a crypt, and rotating art installations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free concerts await!
Wasserkirche Zurich
Best Time
Free concerts await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 13th-century church on the Limmat River, featuring stunning stained glass, a crypt, and rotating art installations.
"A place with a very interesting history, and a free entry. What more could one possibly ask for?"
Bring your translation app
Most exhibit texts are in German. An A4 handout is available for English speakers, but an app helps! :iphone:
Check for free concerts
Friday lunchtimes often feature free live music. A great way to experience the church's acoustics! :musical_note:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Augusto Giacometti Stained Glass
Main Nave
Stunning Gothic stained-glass windows that offer a vibrant contrast to the church's solemn architecture.
The Crypt & Martyrstone
Crypt
Explore the ancient crypt where Zurich's patron saints are said to have been martyred. Discover the 'Martyrstone'.
Temporary Art Installations
Interior
Experience unique, often surprising, art installations like the 'Noah's Ark' ship that can fill the church.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Info Lacking
Art Installations & Concerts
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your translation app
Most exhibit texts are in German. An A4 handout is available for English speakers, but an app helps! :iphone:
Check for free concerts
Friday lunchtimes often feature free live music. A great way to experience the church's acoustics! :musical_note:
Look for temporary art
The church frequently hosts unique art installations, adding an element of surprise to your visit. :art:
Explore the crypt
Discover the historical crypt and the legendary 'Martyrstone' for a deeper dive into Zurich's past. :old_key:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your translation app
Most exhibit texts are in German. An A4 handout is available for English speakers, but an app helps! :iphone:
Check for free concerts
Friday lunchtimes often feature free live music. A great way to experience the church's acoustics! :musical_note:
Look for temporary art
The church frequently hosts unique art installations, adding an element of surprise to your visit. :art:
Explore the crypt
Discover the historical crypt and the legendary 'Martyrstone' for a deeper dive into Zurich's past. :old_key:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Wasserkirche's free entry and rich historical significance, particularly its crypt and the stunning stained-glass windows. However, the lack of English text for exhibits is a common drawback, with information often limited to a basic handout. The church also impresses with its temporary art installations and free Friday concerts, offering dynamic cultural experiences.
"A place with a very interesting history, and a free entry. What more could one possibly ask for? Well, texts of the exhibit in English as well as German would be nice. There is not a single word in English in the whole church, except for the audios, which tell you the story of the saints and 3 other Zurich's legends. If you want at least some info in English, you can ask the person at the desk, and they will give you an A4 paper, with like a 10th of what the exhibit talks about, but at least something."
Emi
"You see this view everywhere before you even arrive in Zürich—it’s on postcards, travel blogs, and probably the cover of every guidebook. So when you finally stand on the bridge and see it with your own eyes, it feels both familiar and a little surreal. It's the picture you know you have to get.
And it doesn't disappoint. The Grossmünster's twin towers are just as imposing in real life, standing guard over the Limmat River. The whole scene, with the old buildings and the gentle arch of the Münsterbrücke, is exactly as advertised: the perfect, historic European city view.
This view is beautiful, essential, and exactly what you expect. It's the anchor of the city's image. But the real stories often hide in the places you don't see on the postcards."
Chieh-Sheng Chang
"Wasserkirche: A Place of History, Art, and Surprises
The Wasserkirche, or "Water Church," is one of Zurich’s most fascinating, yet often overlooked, landmarks. Originally built on an island in the Limmat River, this medieval church has a rich history dating back to the 10th century.
Legend has it that the city's patron saints, Felix, Regula, and Exuoerantius were executed on this very spot by Decius, a roman captain. In the crypt you'll find the "Martyrstone".
One of its artistic highlights is certainly the striking stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti, These masterpieces beautifully contrast with the church’s otherwise solemn Gothic architecture.
Yet, what makes the Wasserkirche truly special is its ever-changing exhibitions and installations. Walk in on any given day, and you might find something unexpected—like Noah’s Ark suddenly docked inside! This massive wooden structure, a temporary one, takes you even closer to the staineglass windows above.
Whether you're drawn to its historical significance, its artistic treasures, or its ability to surprise, the Wasserkirche is always worth a detour. (Check opening times)"
The Zurich Insider
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wasserkirche is centrally located on the Limmat River. It's easily accessible by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby. Many visitors also walk from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) through the charming Old Town. +1
Absolutely! Wasserkirche is a short walk from Grossmünster and the Old Town (Altstadt), making it easy to combine with other sightseeing. +1
Yes, the Zurich Card covers public transport, so you can use trams and buses to reach Wasserkirche. It also offers free entry to many museums.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Wasserkirche itself is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for exploring Zurich.
Opening hours can vary, especially with temporary exhibitions. It's best to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.
While there aren't always formal guided tours, you can often get an A4 handout with information in English at the desk. For a more immersive experience, consider the audio guides if available.
Yes, the crypt is accessible and is a key historical part of the church. It's where you can find the legendary 'Martyrstone'.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside, but it's always respectful to check for any specific signage or ask staff. Be mindful of ongoing services or exhibitions.
The stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti are a must-photograph. The exterior view from across the Limmat River, with the church and surrounding old buildings, is also iconic.
Yes, photos of the temporary art installations are usually permitted and encouraged, as they are a significant part of the current experience.
🎫 🎶 Music & Events
Wasserkirche hosts 'Solo am Mittag' on Friday lunchtimes, featuring free concerts with diverse musical acts.
The concerts vary weekly, offering different genres like saxophone, electronic music, and surprise performances, providing a diverse musical experience.
No, the 'Solo am Mittag' concerts are free to attend, so no booking is required. Just arrive and enjoy the music.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the primary exhibit texts are in German, the free Friday lunchtime concerts can be a fun and engaging experience for kids, offering a lively break. Consider bringing a small notebook for children to sketch what they see, turning the visit into a creative activity.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Old Town and enjoying the free Friday concerts for a full day of affordable exploration. The Zurich Card, if purchased, also covers public transport to reach the church, further enhancing budget-friendly travel.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
Admire the exquisite stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti and keep an eye out for the ever-changing contemporary art installations that bring a modern artistic dialogue to this historic space.
+1 The free Friday concerts also add a layer of cultural appreciation. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Rich Tapestry of History
The church played a crucial role during the Reformation in Zurich, and its architecture reflects this period, though it's not as grand as the nearby Grossmünster. Despite its more modest size, the Wasserkirche holds a unique place in the city's spiritual and historical narrative.
Today, the Wasserkirche continues to serve as a place of worship and a venue for cultural events, blending its ancient past with contemporary artistic expressions. Its enduring presence on the Limmat River makes it a constant reminder of Zurich's deep historical roots.
Artistic Expressions Within Sacred Walls
Beyond its permanent artistic treasures, the Wasserkirche is renowned for its dynamic temporary exhibitions and installations. Visitors might encounter anything from a striking wooden ship structure, symbolizing journeys and migration, to immersive digital art experiences that explore spirituality and consciousness.
+1 These evolving displays ensure that each visit can offer a new and unexpected perspective, making the church a living canvas.The church also hosts 'Solo am Mittag', a series of free lunchtime concerts every Friday. These performances, featuring a variety of musical styles, transform the sacred space into a vibrant venue for artistic appreciation, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience music in a unique setting.
Navigating Information and Accessibility
Despite the language barrier for some texts, the crypt and the stained-glass windows are universally appreciated and don't require extensive reading to be admired. The church's location on the Limmat River also makes it easily accessible by foot or public transport, aligning with the budget-friendly travel tips often shared for Zurich.
For those interested in the free Friday concerts, they offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the church's atmosphere and acoustics without any cost. Checking the schedule in advance is recommended to catch specific performances.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit