Things to do in Zurich

Grossmünster Zurich: twin towers, tower climb and Reformation history

The twin towers of the Grossmünster are regarded as Zurich’s best-known landmark. The Protestant Reformed church is, with the Fraumünster and St. Peter, one of the city’s most famous churches.

Address
Zwingliplatz 7, 8001 Zürich
From Zürich HB
882 m (straight line), through the Old Town
Tower
187 steps to a platform at 50 m
Visitor information
Opening times and tower days
The twin towers of the Grossmünster above the Limmat in Zurich
The Grossmünster above the Limmat. Photo: “Grossmünster and Limmat River, Zurich, 20250330 1239 7931.jpg” by Jakub Hałun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.

What to see

One of the two towers, the Karlsturm, can be climbed: 187 steep steps lead to a platform at 50 m with views over the city and the lake – in fine weather as far as the Glarus Alps. On the way up you pass the "Dance of Death" cycle by the Zurich-born street-art pioneer Harald Naegeli. The statue of Charlemagne on the south tower is a copy; the original seated figure is kept in the crypt.

The crypt is the oldest part of the church, with 14th/15th-century murals of the martyrdom of Felix and Regula, Zurich’s patron saints. The artist Sigmar Polke designed new windows for the church after winning a 2005/2006 competition – seven windows in the west contain slices of agate. Three choir windows by Augusto Giacometti (1933) tell the Christmas story. The late-12th-century cloister has a garden of historic ornamental plants inspired by the naturalist Conrad Gessner, who is buried there. The north and south portals have bronze doors by Otto Münch (1935 and 1950).

A short history

  • Construction of the present church began around 1100 and was completed around 1220/30.
  • According to legend, Charlemagne founded the church at the graves of Felix and Regula; the church itself says the legend is not historically secured.
  • In 1519 the Zurich council appointed Huldrych Zwingli as people’s priest at the Grossmünster; from here he led the Swiss-German Reformation.
  • After a fire in 1763 destroyed the tall wooden steeples, the towers received their present neo-Gothic tops, completed in 1787.

Tips for your visit

  • There is no lift to the tower – it is 187 steps. Only a limited number of people can be on the tower at once, so an ascent cannot be guaranteed. Check the tower days on the visitor information page before you go.
  • The crypt is closed on rainy days to protect the murals.
  • Photos for private use only; no flash or tripod. Large suitcases, backpacks and trolleys may not be taken into the church.
  • Self-guided tour in English with the free app "Altstadtkirchen Zürich" (bring headphones).
  • Wheelchair access: ground floor only; gallery, choir, tower and crypt are not accessible.
  • Renovation works run from January 2025 to 2029; church and tower stay open.

Getting there from Zürich HB

  • Zürich Tourism lists the Grossmünster at 882 m from the main station (straight-line distance); the walk leads through the Old Town.
  • By tram: stop "Helmhaus". Alternatively a 10-minute walk from Stadelhofen station.