St. Otmar Pilgrimage Chapel

St. Otmar Pilgrimage Chapel sits on Werd island in Eschenz, canton Thurgau, right where Lake Constance narrows into the Rhine. It is among the oldest places of worship in north-eastern Switzerland and has drawn pilgrims for centuries because of one man: Abbot Otmar.

Who was St. Otmar, and why is the chapel here?

Otmar was the founding abbot of the monastery of St. Gallen. After losing his post through political intrigue he was banished to Werd, where he died in 759. His remains were carried to St. Gallen ten years later, and the empty grave on the island became a destination for the devout. The chapel dates from somewhere between the 9th and 11th centuries and keeps his memory alive. By 958 the island, with its house and chapel, belonged to Einsiedeln Abbey.

What is there to see?

The chapel was reshaped several times during the Middle Ages. Excavations in 1961–1963 uncovered the remains of a solid building from Otmar's era, which ties the site to his stay. The interior is regarded as culturally and historically outstanding, and the building appears in Thurgau's heritage inventory. Restoration work took place in 1962–1963 and again in 1998–1999.

Pilgrimage here is still alive. A relic of Otmar reached Werd in 1767, giving the tradition a strong boost. Franciscans have leased the island from Einsiedeln since 1957 and have formed a convent there since 1967.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

Werd lies in the Rhine just upstream of Stein am Rhein and belongs to Eschenz. You walk to it from the Eschenz side. A well-known hiking route links Werd with Öhningen on the German shore, so the chapel fits neatly into a full day along the water. To catch the chapel in use, come on a Wednesday: a pilgrimage service is held at 8:00 a.m.

Frequently asked questions

Is the chapel on Werd island? Yes. It stands on Werd, which is part of the municipality of Eschenz in Thurgau.

How old is it? Sources place it in the 9th to 11th centuries. Otmar himself died on the island in 759.

Is it still in use? Yes. A pilgrimage service takes place every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., and Franciscans live on the island.

Is Werd part of Stein am Rhein? No. It belongs to Eschenz, though it lies close to Stein am Rhein, upstream of the town.

When was it restored? In 1962–1963 and 1998–1999.