Fischingen Abbey

Fischingen Abbey (Kloster Fischingen) stands in the village of Fischingen in the canton of Thurgau, north-eastern Switzerland, on the upper Murg, a tributary of the Thur. It is a working Benedictine monastery with a Baroque church and the celebrated chapel of Saint Idda, set in the quiet hill country of the Tannzapfenland.

How did Fischingen Abbey begin?

The monastery was founded shortly before 1138 by Ulrich II, Bishop of Constance. Its first abbot, Waltram, had the church built. The house also had a practical role: sheltering pilgrims on the road from Constance to Einsiedeln.

In 1526 the abbot and the few remaining monks turned Protestant and monastic life lapsed, but the Catholic cantons later restored it. In 1848 Thurgau suppressed all its monasteries, and the buildings went on to serve as an orphanage and children's home. The Benedictines returned in 1977 and set up a priory. Since 1982 the east and south wings have held an education centre that takes guests on courses.

What is there to see?

The abbey church. The present church dates from 1687 and was funded by the Reding von Biberegg family. It has a colourful choir screen and an impressive organ above the monks' choir.

The Idda Chapel. Built between 1705 and 1708, this is Fischingen's greatest treasure. Its tall dome is counted among the finest centrally planned buildings around Lake Constance. Inside is the altar-tomb of Idda, a hermit who died around 1200 and whose grave has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Abbot Heinrich Schüchti promoted her cult and in 1496 commissioned a late Gothic tomb for her. Church and chapel were renovated in 2006.

Monastic life today. The small community works in pastoral care and teaching and runs a carpentry workshop. Free public tours are offered, along with private tours on request. Check kloster-fischingen.ch for dates.

How do you get to Fischingen?

Take the train to Wil or Sirnach, then a PostBus to the terminus "Kloster Fischingen". The Way of St James also passes through the area, linking Fischingen with Dussnang, so the abbey fits neatly into a day's walk.

FAQ

When was Fischingen Abbey founded? Shortly before 1138. It was dissolved in 1848, and Benedictines returned in 1977.

Is the monastery still active? Yes. A small Benedictine community lives here, and part of the complex is an education centre.

Who was Saint Idda? A hermit who died around 1200. Her tomb in the chapel still attracts pilgrims.

Can you take a guided tour? Yes, there are free public tours and private tours on request.