St. Peter's Church (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is St. Peter's Church?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Children may enjoy Europe’s largest clock and a guided tower climb, but narrow spiral stairs, no play area, and limited interactive displays mean parents must supervise closely.
Positives:
- Free entry to main church: Entry to the nave and clock view costs nothing.
- Hands-on history: Kids learn by watching the huge clock and examining carved details.
Challenges:
- Narrow tower stairs: 150 spiral steps can feel tight and steep for young children.
- Restrooms off-site: Public toilets and baby-changing room are in the adjacent Lavaterhaus up two floors by elevator.
What is St. Peter's Church?
- A 9th-century parish church that combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural layers
- A clock tower that displays Europe’s largest clock face, measuring 8.7 meters across
- A civic landmark whose tower served as Zurich’s fire-watch post until 1911
What is so special about St. Peter's Church for with kids?
- See Europe’s largest church clock up close.
- Climb the tower for panoramic city views.
- Interactive clock lesson keeps kids engaged.
- Free entry to the nave and interior details.
- Short walk in Old Town adds an alley hunt.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for kids to spot the giant clock, explore carvings, and climb the tower with breaks.
Kids-Friendly Activities in St. Peter's Church
Clock Lesson:
Show kids the 8.7 m clock face and explain its role as Zurich’s fire watch until 1911.
Tip: Visit on the hour for the chime and photograph the tower from Thermegasse alley.
Family Tower Climb:
Climb about 150 spiral steps to the belfry for a family view over the city.
Tip: Buy the family ticket at Lavaterhaus and supervise young children on narrow stairs.
Nave Exploration:
Walk the Romanesque nave to spot 15th-century choir chairs and acanthus carvings.
Tip: Let kids count pews and point out the 1598 baptismal font for a mini scavenger hunt.
Alley Treasure Hunt:
Explore St.-Peter-Hofstatt and Schlüsselgasse for hidden courtyards around the church.
Tip: Turn it into a game by ticking off courtyards on a simple checklist.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St. Peter's Church
- Buy tickets in advance: Purchase family climb tickets at Lavaterhaus to skip peak-time lines.
- Time it with bell chimes: Plan your climb on the hour to let kids experience the clock bells.
Reviews of St. Peter's Church
Sukesh Sathyamoorthy
St Peter’s Church is well known for having the largest clock face in Europe, which is easy to spot while walking through Old Town. Entry is free, so visiting is very easy with no hassle. Inside, the church feels calm, quiet, and comforting, a nice break from the busy streets outside. The interior is simple and peaceful rather than ornate, which adds to the overall serene atmosphere. A good place t...
Paula E
Impressive place, the clock is huge. Take a moment to sit in front of it and enjoy the view.
Paul Toh
Church is temporarily closed but still beautiful to see from the outside.
DR RB. Sudha
Wonderful sight,many such churches in zurich however different ambience and structure,enjoyed the visit 🪄
Chieh-Sheng Chang
You'll see plenty of churches in Zürich, but this one has a special "wow" factor if you know how to find it. My advice: don't just snap a picture from the main square. The real magic happens when you get lost in the narrow side alleys around it, like the Schlüsselgasse. You're walking down this quiet little street, and suddenly you look up—the tower is just looming right over you. They say it's t...
When is the best time to visit St. Peter's Church (Zurich, Switzerland)?
In summer, time your visit for the 5 pm carillon bells or 6 pm organ recital. In winter, arrive before 4 pm closing and bundle kids as the tower can get cold.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family tower climb ticket | CHF 20 |
| Votive candle donation | CHF 3 |
| Total Estimated | CHF 23 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of St. Peter's Church
Address: St. Peterhofstatt 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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About St. Peter's Church
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+41 44 250 66 3310 BEST nearby Activities
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