St. Peter Church (Kirche St. Peter)

Overview

St. Peter Church is a historic Roman Catholic church in Zurich, known for its iconic clock tower with the world's largest clock face. It offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Zurich.

One of Zurich's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the city's rich history and architecture.

Religious Historical Observation Deck

Location

Address

St. Peterhofstatt 1, Zurich

Neighborhood: Old Town (Altstadt)

Coordinates

47.372100, 8.540300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (church), CHF 6 (tower climb)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-June, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and better panoramic views

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1-2 hours

Full Experience

Half-day (including visit to nearby attractions)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild, occasionally rainy

• Cherry blossoms in nearby gardens

summer

Warm, occasionally hot

• Longer opening hours for the tower

autumn

Cool, crisp air

• Fall colors in the city

winter

Cold, possible snow

• Christmas markets around the church

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance for the tower
Comfortable shoes recommended for climbing
Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Camera ID

seasonal

Warm coat in winter Umbrella in spring/fall Sunglasses in summer

not allowed

Large backpacks inside the church Food and drinks in the tower

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (climbing 297 steps to the tower)

• Not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia

Medical facilities: First aid available at the visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard)

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Typical Costs

entry Free (church), CHF 6 (tower climb)

parking CHF 3-4 per hour

food CHF 15-30 (cafe)

souvenirs CHF 5-20

Dress Code

Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered in the church), Comfortable, layered clothing for changing weather, Sturdy, comfortable shoes for climbing the tower, Revealing clothing inside the church, High heels on the tower steps

Booking Tips

• At least a few days in advance for peak seasons
• Official website or trusted online ticket sellers
• 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available for the tower climb

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Zurich Tourism App

Size: 35 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide for the church, Ticket booking for the tower

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, café

Charging Stations: Visitor center only

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Distance: 13 km

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

Train

CHF 6.80 25 minutes

Taxi

CHF 70-90 25 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 1 km

Walking

Free 15 minutes

Tram

CHF 3.60 10 minutes

Taxi

CHF 15-20 5 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Symbol of Zurich, historic significance, and breathtaking views

Historical Significance: One of the oldest churches in Zurich, witness to many historic events

Insider Tips

Early morning visits offer the best light and fewer crowds
The church bell rings every 15 minutes, a great photo soundbite
Local cafes offer great views of the church

Local Recommendations

• Try a coffee at the nearby Café Henrici
• Ask for a local guide to share stories about the church
• Visit the Lindenhof park nearby for more views

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hallo

thank_you Danke

where_is Wo ist

how_much Wie viel kostet das?

beautiful Schön

ticket Eintrittskarte

Guide Languages: German, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Clock tower observation deck

Best Time: Golden hour (sunrise or sunset)

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the panoramic view

Result: Stunning cityscape and lake views

#ZurichViews #SwissTower #StPeterChurch

Church entrance with clock tower

Best Time: Daytime with clear skies

Tips: Low-angle shots to emphasize the tower’s height

Result: Iconic architectural shot

#ZurichArchitecture #HistoricChurch

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, observation deck, church interior (respectful photography)

prohibited areas Tower stairs (no photos while climbing)

flash photography Not allowed inside the church

commercial photography Permit required for professional shoots

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed on observation deck, not inside church

selfie sticks Allowed with caution

Nearby Attractions

Zurich Town Hall

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Historic Building

Lindenhof

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Park

Bahnhofstrasse

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Shopping Street

Reviews

4.7

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book tickets in advance"
"Visit early for fewer crowds"
"Great views from the tower"

Contact Information

+41 44 252 50 00

info@zuerich.com

www.zuerich.com

Social Media

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