St. Joseph's Convent for Women

St. Joseph's Convent for Women (Frauenkloster St. Josef) stands in the Muotathal valley in the canton of Schwyz, central Switzerland. It is a Franciscan community of sisters with roots in the late 13th century, and two buildings tell its story: a medieval one that now serves as a chapel and a Baroque convent from the late 1600s.

What is the history of the convent?

The community was founded in 1288 on the banks of the Muota river as a house of sisters in the Franciscan tradition. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland describes it as a tertiary convent, meaning sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, which owned land in the valley during the late Middle Ages. Floodwater from a mountain torrent repeatedly threatened the buildings, so in 1687 the nuns moved into a newly built convent of St. Joseph.

Around 1590, Maria Ursula Christen came from Lucerne to a house emptied by plague and Reformation-era unrest. She served as superior until 1598, taught the growing community the Third Order rule and organised daily convent life.

What is there to see?

The old convent is the highlight. It is the only surviving Romanesque church building in the former territory of Schwyz, and today it works as a chapel for quiet prayer. Between the old and new convents stands the Russian Cross (Russenkreuz), a memorial to the fighting of 1799, when Russian and French troops clashed in the valley.

The convent is still a religious house, so treat the surroundings as a place of prayer: keep your voice down and stay off private grounds. The available sources give no rules for visiting the interiors, so ask the parish or Muotathal municipality before you go.

How do you get there?

By car, take the A4 motorway and follow signs towards Schwyz and Muotathal. Parking is near the Muota school. By public transport, ride to the Muotathal Post stop. The old buildings, the chapel and the parish church lie in the sunny Wil district of the valley.

How long should you plan?

A short loop through Wil past the chapel, parish church and convent covers about 1.3 km of easy walking and takes roughly 30 minutes. The route follows roads and is not signposted, so keep a map handy on your phone.

Frequently asked questions

When was St. Joseph's Convent in Muotathal founded?

In 1288 on the Muota river. The current convent building dates from 1687.

Does the old convent still exist?

Yes. It is the only Romanesque church building left in the former territory of Schwyz and serves as a chapel.

How long does a walk around the area take?

About 30 minutes on an easy 1.3 km loop.

Can I get there without a car?

Yes. Take public transport to Muotathal Post and walk to the Wil district.