Kloster in der Au

Au Convent (Kloster Au) in Einsiedeln is a Benedictine women's abbey in the Trachslau district, canton Schwyz, central Switzerland. Locals often call it simply the Frauenkloster Au. It is a separate community from the famous men's Einsiedeln Abbey in the town centre, though the two share a long history.

Where is Kloster Au?

The convent lies in Trachslau, within the municipality of Einsiedeln, southeast of the town centre (coordinates 47.115 N, 8.729 E). It is a working religious house rather than a museum, so what you can see depends on what the sisters make available to visitors. The surroundings are the rolling pastureland typical of canton Schwyz, farmland that supported the community for centuries.

How did the convent begin?

The roots lie in medieval groups known as Waldschwestern, or "forest sisters". These women lived in a manner similar to Beguines near Einsiedeln and are first documented in 1359. Their houses answered to the abbot of Einsiedeln, who issued statutes in 1403 to four communities: Alpegg, Hagenrüti, Vordere Au and Hintere Au.

During the Reformation era the sisters moved from Alpegg to Vordere Au, between 1526 and 1536. Only in the 17th and 18th centuries did the community gradually take the form of a Benedictine convent. In 1651 it was recorded as "Gottshaus bey allen Heiligen in der Auw". The sisters lived on alms and endowments, on crafts such as weaving and embroidery, and on farmland acquired around 1650.

What is there to see?

The buildings were rebuilt more than once. A fire destroyed the convent in 1684 and a new church was consecrated in 1687. A neo-Romanesque church followed in the 19th century. The present, modern convent church was consecrated in 1974. Perpetual adoration was introduced here in 1846.

Pastoral care has been provided by the monks of Einsiedeln Abbey from the start.

How has its status changed?

In 1983 the community joined the federation of Benedictine women's convents, and in 1984 it became an abbey. There were 21 sisters in 2004 and 13 in January 2017.

How do you combine a visit with Einsiedeln?

Au makes a good addition to a day in Einsiedeln. Start with the baroque Einsiedeln Abbey, one of Switzerland's major pilgrimage sites, then walk or drive to the quieter Trachslau district. The place also features on local walking routes, as Komoot listings show. Check service times and church access with the convent before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kloster Au the same as Einsiedeln Abbey?

No. Kloster Au is a separate Benedictine women's convent in Trachslau. The men's Einsiedeln Abbey stands in the town centre and provides pastoral care for the sisters.

How old is the community?

Its predecessors, the Waldschwestern, are first documented in 1359. They received statutes from the abbot in 1403, and the convent became an abbey in 1984.

When was the current church built?

The modern convent church was consecrated in 1974. Earlier churches included one consecrated in 1687 after the fire and a neo-Romanesque one from the 19th century.

Is it still an active convent?

Yes. In 2017 thirteen sisters lived there, following a life of prayer and work.