Territorial Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln

Einsiedeln Abbey (Kloster Einsiedeln) is a Benedictine monastery in the town of Einsiedeln, canton of Schwyz, and one of Switzerland's most important pilgrimage destinations. It is a territorial abbey answering directly to the Holy See, and it is home to the famous Black Madonna.

How did the abbey begin?

Tradition says the monk Meinrad lived here as a hermit in the ninth century and died in 861. A Benedictine monastery was founded on the site of his hermitage in 934, with the backing of Emperor Otto I. From the 13th century the statue of the Virgin in the chapel drew growing devotion, and pilgrims began arriving from across Europe. A community of several dozen monks still lives here and looks after the monastery library.

What will you see?

• The Chapel of Grace (Gnadenkapelle) – a black, octagonal chapel standing inside the church near the entrance to the nave. The present building dates from the early 19th century, after its predecessor was destroyed in 1798.
• The Black Madonna – a late Gothic statue from the 15th century. Its dark colour is attributed to centuries of candle smoke. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the chapel each year.
• The Baroque abbey church – built in the first half of the 18th century (sources give roughly 1719 to 1735) to a design by Kaspar Moosbrugger. The richly decorated interior, with frescoes and stucco, impresses even those who are not here for religious reasons.
• The monastery library – guided visits run at set times, and tours also open rooms normally closed to the public.
• The square in front of the abbey – with its grand facade and the Marian fountain, a favourite photo spot.

When should you visit?

The church is open daily from early morning until evening (usually from 6:00 on weekdays and 7:00 on Sundays), and entry is free. Hours change around services, so check the abbey's website before you go. The Salve Regina is sung in the chapel every afternoon. Crowds peak around Marian feasts and church celebrations; weekdays outside the main season are calmer. A guided tour costs extra and takes about an hour.

How do you get there?

Einsiedeln lies about 40 km from Zurich. The train is the easiest option, and the abbey is a few minutes' walk from the station along the main street. The town also sits on the Way of St James (Via Jacobi), so you will meet walking pilgrims here.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the church free? Yes, the church is free to visit. Guided tours of the monastery cost extra.

Can I visit during a service? Yes, but during liturgy visitors should stay quiet and limit sightseeing. The Chapel of Grace is then a place of prayer.

How long should I plan? About an hour covers the church and chapel. With a guided tour, the library and a walk through town, plan half a day.

Is this the same as Kloster Au in Einsiedeln? No. Kloster Au is a separate convent for women in the same town. The abbey described here is the men's Benedictine monastery.