Historical data on the church in Wimmis

We are happy to provide you with some highlights from our public castle and church tours here. If you would like to find out more, why not visit us in person on a public or individual tour?

Further information can be found here

The church in Wimmis is dedicated to St Martin (late Gothic style).

Its origins go back to the early Christian era. Saint St Columban - Irish wandering monk, one of the first missionaries in the Bernese Oberland around the year 540 - 615

The church was completely renovated between 1961 and 1963 and the foundations of the previous church were discovered during excavations:

Around 600 - 700 AD: First church in the shape of a cross

Enlargement of the chapel around 900 AD: Due to the progressive Chrsitianisation and the increase in population, the first chapel was converted into a hall church.

994: First written mention in a deed of assignment of church property to Selz Monastery in Alsace by Emperor Otto III.

End of the 10th century: expansion to a three-aisled basilica

Other churches were also realised at this time.

These are the 12 locations of the thousand-year-old churches around Lake Thun:

• Aeschi
• Amsoldingen
• Einigen
• Frutigen
• Hilterfingen
• Leissigen
• Scherzligen
• Sigriswil
• Schlosskirche Spiez
• Thierachern
• Thun 
• Wimmis

A visit is really worthwhile.

Queen Berta of Burgundy - wife of Rudolf II of Hochburgund is considered a patron and patroness.

1334: Destruction by the lords of Bern

During disputes between Bern and the Weissenburgs (supported by Duke Leopold of Habsburg), the church is destroyed and rebuilt as a simple hall church. The present form was created.

In 1951, the tower was rebuilt with a belfry and 4 new bells from a company in Aargau.

Details of the 4 bells being blessed in the picture:

‘A strong fortress is our God, a good defence and weapons’ (tone F / 980 kg.)
‘Christ is my life and death my gain’ (tone AS / 610 kg.)
‘I live, you shall live too’ (tone B / 410 kg. )
‘All that has breath, praise the Lord’ (tone C / 300 kg.)

Sundial from the 17th/18th century: South side of the tower

Inside the church, you can see that the current state was created during the extensive renovations from 1961 to 1964. The new ceiling, the new floor, the new gallery and the organ with all its details can be marvelled at.

Baptismal font from 1552 (late Gothic) with the coat of arms of Pastor Andreas Wolf and Kastlan Ludwig von Büren

Pulpit: there is a similar one in the church of Reutigen

Renovation in 2008: Frescoes - St Verena / Crucifixion of Christ on the gallery / Lamentation on the west side (Christ on the throne visual)

First pew from the year 1649

Historical grave slabs from 1680 on the walls

A further renovation took place in 1927: 

Stained glass window in the choir - St Martin / on the left the reformer Haller / on the right Queen Berta of Burgundy (can be viewed in the church)

1931 Integration of the coats of arms of the Wimmis burgher families 

and here the 3 reformers:

We thank you for your interest and your visit and will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.