Mosques In Switzerland: A Guide To Islamic Centers

A view of the diversity of mosques reflects a blend of Swiss and Islamic architecture.

Switzerland’s mosques reflect a blend of Swiss and Islamic architectural styles, highlighting the country’s cultural diversity. Serving as places of worship and community, these mosques include historic sites like the Mahmud Mosque in Zurich, the country’s first, and modern centres like the Geneva Mosque, the largest in Switzerland. They offer religious services, educational programs, and community events, fostering intercultural dialogue and inclusivity. Many mosques welcome visitors, providing insights into Islamic traditions and Swiss multicultural values.

Top 10 Mosques In Switzerland

Explore the most prominent mosques in Switzerland, each showcasing unique architecture and fostering a vibrant community.

1. Geneva Mosque

Switzerland’s largest mosque, Geneva Mosque is one of the major religious sites.

Photo: MHM55 / Wikimedia Commons

The Geneva Mosque, or Grande Mosquée de Genève, is the largest mosque in Switzerland, established in 1978 with funding from Saudi Arabia. Located in the Petit-Saconnex district, it features a contemporary design with a prominent dome and a single minaret. The mosque serves as a central place of worship for Geneva’s Muslim community and provides regular prayer services, religious education, and cultural events. Open days allow visitors to learn about Islamic traditions and the mosque’s role within the local community. The Geneva Mosque promotes interfaith understanding, making it a significant cultural landmark in Switzerland.

Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Location: Rue de Vermont 20, Geneva

2. Mahmud Mosque

 Mahmud Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Switzerland, with a rich cultural history.

Photo: Khairul Onggon / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Mahmud Mosque, established in 1963 in Zurich, is Switzerland’s first mosque and was built by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Located in Zurich’s Forchstrasse area, its architecture combines traditional and modern elements, reflecting simplicity and modesty. The mosque serves as a place of worship and a hub for cultural and educational activities, including community events, religious classes, and open days. Mahmud Mosque actively promotes interfaith dialogue and regularly welcomes visitors, offering insights into the history and practices of Islam in Switzerland. It holds historical significance as the earliest established mosque in the country, supporting cultural understanding and inclusivity.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Forchstrasse 323, Zurich

3. Petit-Saconnex Mosque

A historic mosque in Switzerland, a key religious centre, serving the city’s Muslim community.

Photo: Zeynep Tekin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Petit-Saconnex Mosque in Geneva is a key religious and cultural center, serving the city’s Muslim community. The mosque features a blend of Islamic architectural elements with modern design, creating a welcoming space for worship and gatherings. It provides daily prayer services, and Quranic education, and hosts a range of cultural events for the local community. Known for promoting interfaith dialogue, the mosque welcomes visitors and frequently organizes open days and educational programs to encourage cultural exchange. Petit-Saconnex Mosque plays an active role in community engagement, fostering mutual understanding within Geneva’s multicultural landscape.

Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Chemin Colladon 34, Geneva

4. Lausanne Mosque

Lausanne Mosque is a key mosque in Switzerland for worship and cultural exchange.

Photo: Olivier Bruchez / Wikimedia Commons

The Lausanne Mosque is a prominent religious centre in Lausanne, serving the local Muslim community with daily prayer services, educational programs, and community events. Known for its open and welcoming environment, the mosque regularly hosts open days, inviting visitors to learn about Islamic traditions and its role within the local community. Architecturally, it combines modern Swiss design with Islamic motifs, making it a unique and recognizable landmark in Lausanne. The mosque plays a significant role in fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity, supporting interfaith initiatives and community engagement across the region.

Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Avenue de Morges 91, Lausanne

5. Dar Assalam Mosque

Dar Assalam Mosque, is an important cultural and religious centre in Bern, Switzerland.

Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Dar Assalam Mosque in Bern serves as an important religious and cultural center for the local Muslim community. The mosque provides regular prayer services, Quranic studies, and educational programs, and it actively promotes interfaith dialogue to foster cultural understanding. Its architecture combines Islamic and Swiss elements, symbolizing Bern’s multicultural environment. Open to visitors, Dar Assalam Mosque hosts community events and open days, allowing people of all backgrounds to learn about Islamic traditions and engage with the local Muslim community. The mosque plays a key role in supporting inclusivity and intercultural exchange in Bern.

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: Hafnerstrasse 10, Bern

6. Lugano Mosque

A silhouette view of the Lugano mosque is one of the sacred mosques in Switzerland.

Photo: akirEVarga / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Lugano Mosque, located in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region, combines Mediterranean and Islamic architectural styles, making it a unique landmark. It serves as an important community centre, offering regular prayer services, religious education, and various cultural events to support the local Muslim population. The mosque is open to visitors and encourages intercultural exchange, providing insights into Islamic traditions and fostering understanding within the wider Lugano community. Through its welcoming approach and community activities, Lugano Mosque plays a significant role in promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity, reflecting the diverse heritage of Switzerland’s southern region.

Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Location: Via Monte Boglia, Lugano

7. Badr Mosque

 The mosques in Switzerland include Badr Mosque in Lausanne community.

Photo: ناصح 1000 / Wikimedia Commons

Badr Mosque in Lausanne is a key religious and cultural site, serving the local Muslim community with daily prayer services, Quran classes, and community events. Featuring simple, modern architecture, the mosque provides an inclusive space that welcomes people of all backgrounds. It actively promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding by hosting interfaith events and open days, allowing visitors to learn about Islamic practices and engage with the community. Badr Mosque’s role in Lausanne extends beyond worship, fostering community cohesion and supporting dialogue within the city’s diverse population.

Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Rue de l’Industrie 59, Lausanne

8. Islamic Cultural Foundation

A view of the historic collection of Islamic Art stored in the foundation in Switzerland.

Photo: Khalili Collections / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Islamic Cultural Foundation, or Basel Mosque, in Basel serves as both a religious center and cultural hub for the Muslim community. It provides regular prayer services, educational programs, and community events aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and cultural diversity. The mosque’s modern architecture reflects a blend of Swiss and Islamic design, creating an inclusive space for worship and cultural exchange. Open days and guided tours allow visitors to learn about Islam and the mosque’s role within Swiss society. Basel Mosque is recognized for promoting mutual understanding and engagement within Basel’s multicultural community.

Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Feldbergstrasse 37, Basel

9. Al Huda Mosque

One of the mosques in Switzerland with a focus on education and community.

Photo: Grutness / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Al Huda Mosque in Zurich is a prominent center for worship and education, providing daily prayers, Quranic studies, and community classes for the local Muslim population. The mosque’s architecture merges Swiss and Islamic design, offering a welcoming environment that promotes cultural exchange. Al Huda Mosque actively engages with the broader Zurich community by hosting open days and inviting visitors to learn about Islamic traditions, fostering interfaith understanding. Through these initiatives, the mosque strengthens connections between Zurich’s Muslim residents and the wider population, supporting inclusivity and mutual respect within the city’s diverse cultural landscape.

Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Roswiesenstrasse 140, Zurich

10. Abu Bakr Mosque, St. Gallen

One of the significant mosques in Switzerland, known for community outreach.

Photo: Atlantios / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Abu Bakr Mosque in St. Gallen serves as a vital religious and cultural centre, offering daily prayer services, religious education, and community events for the local Muslim population. Known for its active community outreach, the mosque collaborates with local organizations to foster cultural understanding and social cohesion within St. Gallen’s diverse society. It frequently hosts open days and events that welcome visitors to learn about Islamic practices and engage with the community. Through these initiatives, Abu Bakr Mosque supports interfaith dialogue and inclusivity, strengthening its role as a prominent hub for community connection in St. Gallen.

Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Location: Zürcherstrasse 229, St. Gallen

Mosques in Switzerland represent a fascinating blend of Islamic heritage and Swiss cultural values, offering visitors insights into the country’s religious diversity and architectural beauty. From historic mosques like the Mahmud Mosque in Zurich to modern cultural centres like the Geneva Mosque, each mosque serves as a hub for worship, community, and interfaith understanding. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore these inspiring sites.

Cover Photo: Antonio Pires / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many mosques in Switzerland welcome non-Muslim visitors, particularly on open days or through guided tours.
Modest clothing is recommended; women may be required to cover their hair in certain mosques.
Visiting outside of prayer times is ideal for a quieter experience and more thorough exploration.
Most mosques do not charge entry fees, though donations are often appreciated to support community activities.
Photography policies vary by mosque, so it’s best to ask permission before taking photos.

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