Wasserkirche 🇨🇭

You will find the historic Wasserkirche, or "water church," nestled right along the Limmat River between Zurich’s famous Grossmünster and Fraumünster. Originally built on a small island in the 10th century and fully reconstructed in 1486, this captivating building carries a rich, layered history. When you visit, you can explore a site deeply tied to local heritage.

According to medieval tradition, it stands on the execution site of Saints Felix and Regula, with early cult meetings centered around a stone that you can see inside the church crypt. Over the centuries, the site transformed dramatically. Identified as a place of idolatry during the Reformation, it was secularized to open as Zurich’s very first public library in 1634, later helping to spark the foundation of the University of Zürich.

After later serving as a crop storage room, 1940s excavations restored it once again for church services under the Evangelical-Reformed State Church. Adjacent to the main church, you can also admire the Helmhaus extension, a former court of criminal justice rebuilt in stonework in 1791. Recognized as a Class A cultural property of national importance, this unique riverside landmark offers you an incredible glimpse into Zurich's fascinating evolution.

What to see at Wasserkirche

• Location on the Limmat River between the Grossmünster and Fraumünster
• The historic crypt containing an ancient cult meeting stone
• Traditional execution site of Saints Felix and Regula
• The connected Helmhaus extension, a 1791 stonework hall
• Class A Swiss cultural property of national importance

Visiting tips

Be sure to view the historic stone in the church crypt, which according to medieval tradition marks the site linked to Saints Felix and Regula.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Wasserkirche is easy to reach on Zurich’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Zürich Opera House and Kunsthaus Zürich. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Zurich travel guide.