All religion museums to visit in Switzerland

Explore the diverse world of religious beliefs and practices at 30 religion museums in Switzerland. These museums offer insights into various faiths and their cultural significance.

Are you interested in the history and impact of religion? These are the top religion museums in Switzerland:

  1. Fraumünster Church1

    Fraumünster Church

     Zurich
    The Fraumünster Church in Zürich is a historical site with a rich past. It was originally built on the remains of an abbey for aristocratic women, which was founded in 853 by Louis the German for his daughter Hildegard. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the church's significance and is a testament to its long-standing presence in the city.
  2. Bourbaki Panorama2

    Bourbaki Panorama

     Lucerne
    The Bourbaki Panorama in Lucerne is a unique cultural attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. This panoramic circular painting, created by Edouard Castres, is not only a historical painting but also a museum and cultural center named after it. Recognized as a European cultural monument, the Bourbaki Panorama is a testament to the media history of the 19th century and a significant part of Lucerne's cultural heritage.
  3. Abbey Library3

    Abbey Library

     Sankt Gallen
    The Abbey Library of Saint Gall, established in the 8th century, is one of the oldest and most significant monastic libraries in the world. It was rebuilt in the 18th century in the Baroque Rococo style, adding a touch of elegance and grandeur to its historical significance. This library is a part of the Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a place of interest for tourists who appreciate history, architecture, and culture.
  4. Museum zu Allerheiligen4

    Museum zu Allerheiligen

     Schaffhausen
    The Museum zu Allerheiligen, located in the old town of Schaffhausen, is a significant cultural institution in the region. It is housed in the former Benedictine monastery of All Saints, adding a historical and architectural charm to the museum. The museum's location in the old town makes it easily accessible for tourists and provides a unique backdrop for the diverse collections it houses.
  5. Polish Museum - Rapperswil5

    Polish Museum - Rapperswil

     Rapperswil-Jona
    The Polish Museum in Rapperswil, Switzerland, is a cultural institution that was established on October 23, 1870. It is located in the town of Rapperswill in the canton of St. Gallen. The museum has been serving continuously since its establishment, except for two periods between 1927–1936 and 1952–1975.
  6. Königsfelden Monastery6

    Königsfelden Monastery

     Windisch
    Königsfelden Monastery, located in the municipality of Windisch in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland, is a former Franciscan double monastery. It was home to both a community of Poor Clare nuns and Franciscan friars, who lived in separate wings of the monastery.
  7. Museum Kleines Klingental7

    Museum Kleines Klingental

     Basel
    The Museum Kleines Klingental, located in Basel, is housed in the original building of the former Klingental nunnery, which dates back to 1274. The museum was established in 1938/39 and was initially known as the "City and Cathedral Museum". This historical setting provides a unique backdrop for the museum's exhibits, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  8. Henry Dunant Museum8

    Henry Dunant Museum

     Heiden
    The Henry Dunant Museum in Heiden, Switzerland, is a tribute to the life and work of Henry Dunant, a founding member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The museum provides an in-depth look into Dunant's humanitarian values and visions, his successes, and the challenges he faced.
  9. Talmuseum Engelberg9

    Talmuseum Engelberg

     Engelberg
    The Talmuseum Engelberg showcases a diverse collection that reflects the region's history and the rule of the Engelberg Abbey. The collection includes state and legal antiquities, objects of popular piety, and items related to living culture. Additionally, the museum features a collection on tourism and sports history, as well as a collection on the Alps and a relief of the Engelberg region at a scale of 1:10,000.
  10. Zwingli-Haus10

    Zwingli-Haus

     Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann
    The Zwingli-Haus, located in the village of Lisighaus within the municipality of Wildhaus-Alt Sankt Johann, is a wooden house of historical significance. It is known as the birthplace of Ulrich Zwingli, a prominent Protestant reformer. The house is situated in the Swiss canton of Saint-Gall, adding to its cultural and historical relevance.
  11. Salvation Army Heritage Centre11

    Salvation Army Heritage Centre

     Bern
    The Salvation Army Museum in Bern, Switzerland, was housed in the headquarters of the Salvation Army for Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary from 1999 to 2022. This museum was a significant part of the Salvation Army's heritage, showcasing its history and impact in these regions. It was a place where visitors could learn about the Salvation Army's origins, its founders, and its mission.
  12. International Museum of the Reformation12

    International Museum of the Reformation

     Geneva
    The International Museum of the Protestant Reformation is a cultural institution located in Geneva, Switzerland. It is dedicated to sharing the history of the Protestant Reformation, with a particular focus on the events that took place in Geneva. This city was one of the main centers of the Reformation movement and was home to John Calvin, a key figure in the Reformation, for a significant part of his life.
  13. Convent of St. John Müstair13

    Convent of St. John Müstair

     Münstertal
    The Benedictine abbey Sankt Johann in Müstair is a significant historical site, having been listed as a Swiss World Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983. This recognition highlights the abbey's historical and cultural importance, making it a noteworthy destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  14. Historical and Folklore Museum14

    Historical and Folklore Museum

     Sankt Gallen
    The Historical and Folklore Museum, also known as HVM, is a significant cultural institution located in the city park of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Opened in 1921, the museum is home to the most important cultural-historical collection in Northeast Switzerland, with a particular focus on the history of the city of St. Gallen.
  15. Bezirksmuseum Höfli15

    Bezirksmuseum Höfli

     Bad Zurzach
    The Museum Höfli, also known as Bezirksmuseum «Höfli» Bad Zurzach, is a museum situated in Bad Zurzach in the canton of Aargau. It is housed in a former canon's house, the St. Fulgentiushof or Höfli, near the Verenamünster. The museum is managed and maintained by the Historical Association of the District of Bad Zurzach.
  16. Museum Gais16

    Museum Gais

     Gais
    Museum Gais, situated in Gais, Switzerland, is home to a collection that has been recognized as a cultural asset of regional importance by the Swiss government. This classification signifies the museum's significant contribution to the region's cultural heritage, making it a noteworthy destination for those interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the area.
  17. Ritterhaus Bubikon17

    Ritterhaus Bubikon

     Bubikon
    Bubikon Castle, also known as Bubikon Commandery, is a significant historical site located in the municipality of Bubikon in the Swiss Canton of Zürich. This former medieval monastery of the Knights Hospitaller is a Swiss heritage site of national significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
  18. Nyon Castle18

    Nyon Castle

     Nyon
    Nyon Castle, situated in the Swiss city of Nyon, has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. This historical site has been occupied for centuries, making it a significant landmark in the region. Visitors can explore the castle and its surroundings to get a glimpse of the past and learn about the various civilizations that have left their mark here.
  19. Jewish Museum of Switzerland19

    Jewish Museum of Switzerland

     Basel
    The Jewish Museum of Switzerland, located in Basel, serves as the national museum for Jewish religious and everyday history of Switzerland. It provides a comprehensive overview of Jewish life and culture in the country, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum's collection includes ritual objects, art, and everyday items from Judaism, offering visitors a unique insight into the rich and diverse history of the Jewish community in Switzerland.
  20. St. George's Abbey, Stein am Rhein20

    St. George's Abbey, Stein am Rhein

     Stein am Rhein
    In the 15th century, St. George's Abbey underwent a complete reconstruction. Today, it stands as a significant example of late Gothic architecture in the region. Visitors can appreciate the architectural details and the historical context that led to the creation of this impressive structure.
  21. Historic Museum Thurgau21

    Historic Museum Thurgau

     Frauenfeld
    The Historic Museum Thurgau is the history museum of the Swiss canton of Thurgau. It manages a collection of over 52,000 objects, regularly organizes exhibitions, conducts research, and disseminates cantonal history to a wide audience. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of Thurgau.
  22. Waldegg Castle22

    Waldegg Castle

     Feldbrunnen-St. Niklaus
    Waldegg Castle, located near Solothurn in the municipality of Feldbrunnen-St. Niklaus of the Canton of Solothurn, is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. This historical monument offers a glimpse into the rich history of Switzerland and is a significant attraction for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  23. Swiss National Museum23

    Swiss National Museum

     Schwyz
    The Forum of Swiss History Schwyz is a historical museum located in Schwyz. It is part of the museum group of the Swiss National Museum, offering visitors a deep dive into the country's rich history. The museum was opened in 1995 in the former granary and arsenal, a building dating back to 1711, located in the town center of Schwyz.
  24. Musée Jurassien d'Art et d'Histoire24

    Musée Jurassien d'Art et d'Histoire

     Delémont
    The Musée jurassien d'art et d'histoire, located in Delémont, Canton of Jura, Switzerland, serves as a museum of art and a hub for public learning. This institution provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region through its diverse collections and exhibits.
  25. Museum of the Leventina25

    Museum of the Leventina

     Giornico
    The Museo di Leventina is situated in the picturesque town of Giornico, nestled in the Valle Leventina of the Swiss canton of Ticino. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
  26. Sensler Museum26

    Sensler Museum

     Tafers
    The Sensler Museum, located in Tafers, Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, is a cultural and historical museum dedicated to the Sense district. It is a significant institution that collects and preserves cultural heritage, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of the region's history and culture.
  27. Museum Bruder Klaus Sachseln27

    Museum Bruder Klaus Sachseln

     Sachseln
    The Museum Bruder Klaus Sachseln in Sachseln, Switzerland, is dedicated to the Swiss national saint Niklaus von Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus. This museum offers a unique insight into the life and influence of this significant figure, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Swiss history and culture.
  28. 28

    Hexenmuseum Schweiz

     Gränichen
    The Hexenmuseum Schweiz, located in the Liebegg Castle in Gränichen AG, is a private museum that provides a comprehensive look into the witch trials that took place in Switzerland and Europe. It also explores their impact on the present day. This museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into a significant part of history that has shaped societal perceptions and beliefs.
  29. 29

    Sammlung Friedhof am Hörnli

     Riehen
    The Sammlung Friedhof Hörnli is a museum situated in the municipality of Riehen, close to Basel. It exhibits a collection of significant objects that represent the Swiss and Basel burial culture. This museum provides a unique insight into the customs and traditions of Swiss funerary practices.
  30. 30

    Ittingen Charterhouse

     Warth-Weiningen
    The Ittingen Charterhouse, located near Warth in the Canton of Thurgau, Switzerland, is a former Carthusian monastery. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the rich history and culture of the region.