Sacred Monuments in Switzerland

Former Premonstratensian abbey

Orpund

The former Gottstatt Premonstratensian abbey in Orpund, canton of Bern, Switzerland, was the only German-speaking abbey of the Premonstratensian order in its Burgundian circary. Its church still serves the local Reformed parish, and the complex stands on the River Zihl close to Biel/Bienne. What is Gottstatt Abbey? Count Rudolf I of Neuchâtel-Nidau founded the monastery in 1255 as a house foundation for his family. An earlier attempt in 1247, tied to the Swabian abbey of Weissenau, had failed. Canons arrived around 1260 from Bellelay, and Lac de Joux later acted as the mother house. The name Gottstatt grew out of the earlier place name Stadowe, where the community settled. What is its history? The abbey gathered church patronages in places such as Kappelen, Büttenberg, Sutz and Täuffelen. Its parish covered Orpund, Safnern and Scheuren. The abbey church dates from around 1300 and became the burial place of the Counts of Nidau. The last major building campaign took place under Abbot Konrad Meyer between 1504 and 1514. Bern took over the lordship in 1388. During the Reformation in 1528 the community was dissolved and its estates passed to the city. Until 1798 the buildings housed a bailiff's office, the so-called small bailiwick of Gottstatt. The church became the parish church of a new Reformed congregation. What can you see today? Much of the ensemble survives, including the church, cloister and chapter house. The site is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Heritage Sites (ISOS). The grounds are split: the northern part with the church belongs to the parish, while the southern wing is privately owned and can only be viewed from outside. The Reformed Church has bought back the former monastic buildings piece by piece since 1965. Plan Gottstatt as a short stop on a trip through the Seeland region. You can study the church exterior, the setting of the former monastery and the village of Orpund. The interior is mainly open during services and parish events, so check opening times with the Gottstatt parish in advance. Why visit? Gottstatt shows how a medieval noble foundation survived the change of confession and several centuries of new uses. For readers of Swiss history it is a rare Premonstratensian house in the German-speaking part of the country. The Zihl and the Nidau–Büren canal nearby also suit an easy walk or bike ride. Frequently asked questions Where is Gottstatt Abbey? In the municipality of Orpund, canton of Bern, on the River Zihl near Biel/Bienne. Who founded it, and when? Count Rudolf I of Neuchâtel-Nidau, in 1255, after a failed attempt in 1247. Is the church still in use? Yes. Since the Reformation it has been a parish church, now Reformed. Confirm visiting hours with the Gottstatt parish. Can I enter the whole complex? No. The northern part with the church belongs to the parish, while the southern wing is private property.

Ruine der ehemaligen Cluniazenserkirche und Nebenbauten

Rüeggisberg

The ruins of the former Cluniac church and outbuildings in Rüeggisberg mark the site of the earliest Cluniac priory in the German-speaking world. They stand in the hills of the Schwarzenburgerland in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, and rank among the region's key archaeological monuments. What was this place? Around 1075, the nobleman Lütold von Rümligen gave the church of St Martin at Rüeggisberg to the abbey of Cluny so that a monastery could be founded there. The first written record is a privilege issued by Pope Gregory VII on 9 December 1075. The priory is regarded as the first Cluniac house in the German-speaking area and probably the oldest monastery in the Bern region. Its church, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, went up in the late 11th century and follows the Cluny II architectural model. What happened to it? From 1244 the monastery was under Bern's protection. It grew steadily poorer, and in 1484 the city dissolved it and placed it under the collegiate chapter of Bern Minster. After the Reformation the church was pulled down. Only the north arm of the transept survived, and it was used as a barn. What can you see today? You can see the surviving walls of the church and monastic buildings, uncovered by excavations between 1938 and 1947. A small museum opened on the site in 1947. After restoration work, a new museum and an archaeological trail opened in September 2022. The site is protected at federal and cantonal level and owned by the canton of Bern. The municipality also hosts cultural events among the ruins. How do you get there? Rüeggisberg sits on the Längenberg ridge south of Bern. The ruins lie along a hiking route over the Längenberg and a stretch of the Camino de Santiago, so they combine well with a walk in the area. The coordinates are roughly 46.820 N, 7.437 E. Check the Rüeggisberg municipal website for museum opening hours and visiting rules before you travel. When is the best time to visit? Spring, summer and early autumn suit best, when the weather favours walking in the hills and the outdoor archaeological trail is fully accessible. Frequently asked questions Is it a working monastery? No. The priory was dissolved in 1484 and the church was demolished after the Reformation. Ruins and a museum remain. Who owns the site? The canton of Bern. It has federal and cantonal protection. Is it on a pilgrimage route? Yes, it is a stop on a stretch of the Camino de Santiago. What changed recently? A new museum and archaeological trail opened in September 2022 after restoration. Is it related to other Swiss monasteries such as Müstair or Orpund? No. Rüeggisberg is a separate Cluniac priory in the canton of Bern.

Saint John Abbey

Val Müstair

St. John's Benedictine Monastery in Müstair (Kloster St. Johann, Romansh Claustra Son Jon) sits in Val Müstair in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, right beside the South Tyrol border with Italy. It is one of the Alps' most important early medieval complexes and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. A small community of Benedictine nuns still lives here. Why visit? The draw is the Carolingian wall painting. Created around the year 800, the frescoes cover the church walls in horizontal bands holding roughly 135 biblical scenes. Art historians regard the cycle as the largest surviving one from the early Middle Ages. Very few places in Europe let you see paintings this old still in their original setting. How did the monastery begin? Tradition credits Charlemagne with founding it in 775. The story goes that he vowed to build a monastery after surviving a snowstorm while crossing the Umbrail Pass. That is legend rather than documented fact, but the dating of the frescoes to about 800 fits the period. Around the middle of the 12th century the community became a convent for women, as it remains today. How were the frescoes rediscovered? In 1894 the Swiss researchers Robert Durrer and Joseph Zemp found Carolingian paintings under several layers of later paint. Some pieces went to the Swiss National Museum in Zurich in 1908-09. The rest were uncovered between 1947 and 1951 with the help of the nuns. Since 1969 the Pro Kloster foundation has looked after conservation, with damp as the main threat to the paintings. What is there to see? The monastery church, with the Carolingian fresco cycle and later decorative layers. The monastery museum, housed in a residential and defensive tower more than a thousand years old. A new permanent exhibition, "Wege von und nach Müstair" (Paths from and to Müstair), opened in December 2024. The monastery buildings on the village's main street, Via Maistra 73. How to get there and when to go Müstair lies at the end of the valley, near Mals on the Italian side. The road from Zernez crosses the Ofen Pass, and PostBus services also run on this route. Museum hours differ by season: from May to October it is usually open 9:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00, and from November to April 10:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:30. Check muestair.ch for current times before you go. Guided tours of the church and museum run daily for groups of six or more. Frequently asked questions Is Müstair monastery a UNESCO site? Yes, the complex was inscribed in 1983. Did Charlemagne found it? Legend and tradition say so and give the year 775. The frescoes date from around 800. Do nuns still live there? Yes, a community of Benedictine sisters lives in the monastery. How long should I allow for a visit? Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours for the church and museum, a little longer with a guide.

Capuchin convent Wattwil

Ulisbach

Kloster St. Maria der Engel in Wattwil, listed here as "Capuchin convent Wattwil", sits near Ulisbach in the municipality of Wattwil, in the Toggenburg region of the canton of St. Gallen. It began as a house of Capuchin nuns rather than friars, and the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland calls it the best-preserved enclosed convent complex in the canton. What is this convent? Its roots go back to the late 13th century, when hermit men and women settled around Wattwil. The sisters lived in a cell on the Hünersedel hill, the brothers in a hermitage on the Pfanneregg. The sisters' house is first recorded in 1411, when the abbot of St. Gallen granted them the plot for their buildings as a fief. They followed the Franciscan Third Order rule until 1591, when the community became Capuchin. How did it end up at its present site? A fire destroyed the Pfanneregg convent in 1620. The sisters built the new convent the following year, and it still stands, under the protection of Iberg Castle. Strict enclosure was introduced in 1726 and perpetual adoration in 1771. Since 1847 the convent has been under the supervision of the Bishop of St. Gallen. Earlier, in 1525, a group of sisters converted to the Reformation, among them two biological sisters of Huldrych Zwingli. What will you see? A complex dating from 1621 with a high-baroque convent church. It appears in the Swiss inventory of cultural property and in the St. Gallen cantonal heritage records as a convent of 1620-21, successor to Pfanneregg. Interior restoration took place in the 1980s. A farm with a shop and a café operates on the grounds, and the Wikivoyage entry names the resident community as Fazenda da Esperança. How do you get there? The convent lies at roughly 47.30° N, 9.08° E on the edge of Wattwil. The town has rail links toward St. Gallen and Zurich, and you cover the last stretch on foot or by car. Check fazenda.ch for current opening times of the shop, café and visits. When should you visit? Toggenburg is most pleasant from late spring to autumn, when the weather suits walks across the surrounding hills. The convent pairs well with a visit to Iberg Castle, which sheltered the sisters for centuries, and with Wattwil's old centre. Frequently asked questions Is this a Capuchin friars' monastery? No. Historically Capuchin nuns lived here. "Kapuzinerkloster" is sometimes used loosely, but the proper name is Kloster St. Maria der Engel. When was the current building constructed? In 1621, a year after the fire at the earlier Pfanneregg convent. Can you enter the church? The church is high baroque. Access rules change, so ask the community through the contact on fazenda.ch. Is there a café? Yes, a farm café and a farm shop operate at the convent.

Pfafers Abbey

Pfäfers

Pfäfers Abbey (German: Kloster Pfäfers) is a former Benedictine monastery in the village of Pfäfers, canton of St. Gallen, perched above the Rhine valley a short distance from the spa town of Bad Ragaz. Its hilltop setting earned it the alternative name St. Pirminsberg, and its baroque buildings rank among eastern Switzerland's notable heritage sites. How did the abbey begin? The monastery was founded in the first half of the 8th century. Hermann of Reichenau's chronicle gives 731, with Reichenau as the mother house, while tradition credits the travelling bishop Pirmin. The first surviving written record dates from 762, and some sources give a founding window of 730–750. Why was it important? The abbey watched over the route across the Kunkels Pass towards the Italian-bound passes of Graubünden. After the bishopric of Chur, it was the leading religious centre of the old Chur-Raetia region. Wartenstein Castle was built in 1206 to protect it. What is the link to the Tamina Gorge? From 1382, the warm spring water in the Tamina Gorge was used as the Bad Pfäfers bathing establishment, tied to the monastery. The gorge lies below the abbey and remains one of the main draws around Bad Ragaz. What can you see? The monastery complex is baroque and dates from the 17th century. The abbey church was remodelled in baroque style in 1726 and fully restored in 2001-02. The site is listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national significance (class A). What happened after 1838? The Great Council of St. Gallen voted to secularise the abbey in November 1838. In the 1840s the canton turned the buildings into a psychiatric institution, later known as the St. Pirminsberg clinic. As a result, part of the complex works as a hospital site rather than a typical museum monastery. How do you get there? Pfäfers is a few kilometres from Bad Ragaz, which has a railway station on the Zurich-Chur line. From there, take a local bus or drive. Coordinates: 46.9906 N, 9.5021 E. Frequently asked questions When was Pfäfers Abbey founded? Around 731 according to the Reichenau chronicle; the first documented mention is from 762. Do monks still live there? No. The monastery was dissolved in 1838, and the buildings now house, among other things, a psychiatric clinic. Is the abbey connected to the Tamina Gorge? Yes. The monastery was tied to the baths at the warm spring in the gorge, in use since 1382. Is it worth combining with Bad Ragaz? Yes. The two are only a few kilometres apart, and the histories of the abbey and the spa are closely linked.

Capuchin Convent St. Clare

Stans

The Capuchin Convent of St. Clare (Kloster St. Klara) in Stans is a monastery complex in the middle of the capital of Nidwalden, a canton in central Switzerland. Capuchin nuns lived here for more than four centuries, and the buildings are protected heritage. It sits at 46.9556 N, 8.3655 E. How did the convent begin? The community was founded in 1614, with its first superiors coming from Lucerne. Two sisters from Stans, Clara and Katharina Gut, lobbied the Nidwalden authorities for a women's monastery. Clara entered in 1615, took vows in 1617 and in 1622 became the first Nidwalden woman to lead the house, serving until 1625. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland names Kaspar Leuw as the patron who drove the building project. What is there to see? The nuns moved into the convent in 1624 and its church was consecrated in 1625. Over the following centuries the complex was extended and renovated again and again, so it layers several periods. It stands in the historic centre, and most visitors take it in from the outside while strolling through Stans. Who lived here? Around 1760 the convent housed 65 sisters. Numbers fell steadily, and in recent years only eight remained. Since 1958 the convent has belonged to the St. Clare Federation of Capuchin monasteries. What is its status today? The complex grew too large for the small community and upkeep became a burden. In 2023 the Stiftung Kloster St. Klara Stans was set up to preserve the listed buildings in the centre of Stans and secure the sisters' new home. Media reports said the sisters would move to the Zentrum St. Anna in Lucerne at the end of 2023. Check in advance whether and how the site is open to visitors. Frequently asked questions When was St. Clare's convent in Stans founded? In 1614. The sisters occupied the building in 1624 and the church was consecrated in 1625. Is the convent a protected monument? Yes, the buildings in central Stans are heritage-listed. Do the sisters still live there? The community planned to move to Lucerne at the end of 2023, and a foundation now looks after the buildings. How do I get there? Stans lies roughly 15 km from Lucerne. The convent is in the town centre, within walking distance of public transport stops.

Visitand convent, Saint-Esprit church and garden chapels

Fribourg

The Visitation convent with the Saint-Esprit church and garden chapels in Fribourg, Switzerland, is a Baroque religious complex at Rue de Morat 16, in the heart of the old town. Its centrepiece is a central-plan church shaped like a Greek cross, and behind the cloister walls lies a garden dotted with small oratories. How did the Visitation sisters end up in Fribourg? The sisters arrived in 1635 from Besançon, escaping the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War. At first they were lodged in a building outside the town walls, then moved to a patrician house on Rue de Morat. The community has lived on the site ever since. The order itself dates to 1610 and was founded by St Francis de Sales and St Jane de Chantal; paintings of both hang at a side altar. What is there to see inside the church? The church and its outbuildings are credited to the architect Jean-François Reyff (Hans Franz Reyff in German-language sources). Sources disagree on construction dates, giving either 1653–1656 or 1653–1663. The building blends Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance features. A Baroque façade faces the street, and an oak door sits beneath a sculpted Visitation group by Reyff. The interior follows a Greek-cross plan, with the order's coat of arms set into the floor. A dome topped by a lantern on classical columns rises above Gothic star vaults. Niches hold statues of apostles and saints from the 17th to 19th centuries. Reyff made the high altar tabernacle in 1656, and the railings date from 1680. The organ was built by Aloys Mooser in 1826. The nuns' choir lies to the left, so part of the interior stays closed to visitors. What about the garden chapels? According to the Swiss inventory of cultural property (KGS no. 02092), four oratories stand in the garden on the Sarine side. They include Notre-Dame-des-Ermites, rebuilt in the early 19th century, and Notre-Dame-de-Compassion from 1720. A Holy Family chapel from 1837 and a Nazareth chapel from the early 19th century complete the group. The garden served as the sisters' place of prayer and daily life, so it lies within the enclosure and is not a public park. How do you get there, and when should you visit? The convent sits in Fribourg's old town, a short walk from St Nicholas Cathedral, and you can reach it on foot from the railway station through the centre. The city's tourism page lists no opening hours or admission details, so confirm them by phone (+41 26 347 23 40) or at fribourg.la-visitation.org. The church is an active place of worship, so keep quiet and dress modestly. Frequently asked questions Can I enter the garden with the chapels? The garden belongs to the enclosed part of the convent. The heritage inventory describes the chapels, but they are not a standard stop for visitors. Who designed the church? Jean-François Reyff, also known as Hans Franz Reyff, who also made the sculpture above the entrance and the tabernacle. Is there an entrance fee? The city's page gives no information on fees. Ask the convent directly. How long should I plan for a visit? Around 20–30 minutes is enough for the church, ideally combined with a walk through the old town.

Engelberg Abbey

Engelberg

Engelberg Abbey (Kloster Engelberg) is a working Benedictine monastery in the town of Engelberg, in the canton of Obwalden, central Switzerland. It sits at the head of an Alpine valley and has served as a centre of prayer, learning and craft since the twelfth century. What is the abbey's history? According to the annals cited by the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, monastic life began here in 1120 in a foundation endowed by the nobleman Konrad von Sellenbüren. The first abbot was Adelhelm, and the founding monks came from Muri. In 1124 Pope Callixtus II confirmed the community's endowment. Under Abbot Frowin (1147 to about 1178) a renowned scriptorium flourished, and the library still holds manuscripts from that era, including an illuminated Bible. The abbey joined the Swiss Benedictine Congregation in 1604 and spent the following decades seeking independence from the diocesan bishop. It belonged to the Diocese of Constance until 1814 and has come under the Diocese of Chur since then. Its patrons are Mary (feast on 15 August) and Nicholas of Myra (6 December). What can you see here? The present Baroque complex was built in 1730 to 1737, after a great fire in 1729. The abbey church, with its lavish Baroque and Rococo interior, is the centrepiece. Guided visits include the monastery library and the music library; check kloster-engelberg.ch for current tour times. The monks also run a school, a carpentry workshop, a vineyard and a garden. A highlight is the show dairy, where you watch cheese being made through a viewing window. Several hundred visitors come through on a typical day, and the finished cheeses are sold in the shop. How do you get there, and when should you go? Engelberg lies roughly 35 km south of Lucerne. The easiest way is the regional train from Lucerne, then a short walk through the village from the station to the abbey. The site stands at about 1,000 m above sea level, so summers are fresh and winters snowy. The interiors can be visited all year, and the abbey pairs well with a trip up Mount Titlis or a valley walk. It is an active monastery, so keep quiet during services and dress modestly. Frequently asked questions Is Engelberg Abbey still active? Yes. A Benedictine community lives here, and the monastery runs a school and its own workshops. When was the monastery founded? Monastic life began in 1120 through the endowment of Konrad von Sellenbüren. The current buildings date from 1730 to 1737, after a fire. Can you visit the library and the dairy? Yes. The libraries open on guided tours, and the show dairy welcomes visitors on a regular schedule. Check the abbey's official website for current hours. Do you need to book a visit? The church and the dairy usually need no reservation. For the libraries, ask about tour dates before you arrive, especially in high season.

Kloster in der Au

Einsiedeln

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.

Zisterzienserinnenabtei Magdenau

Wolfertswil

Magdenau Cistercian Abbey (Zisterzienserinnenabtei Magdenau) stands near Wolfertswil, in the municipality of Degersheim in the canton of St. Gallen. It is a living convent of nuns who follow the Rule of St. Benedict, and one of the oldest Cistercian women's communities in eastern Switzerland. The complex is protected as a cultural property. What is the history of the abbey? The story starts in the 13th century. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, a community of beguines settled in St. Gallen in 1228. In 1244 it moved to Magdenau, after Rudolf Giel von Glattburg and his wife Gertrud donated patronage rights over the church of St. Verena along with nearby farms. The bishop of Constance bound the women to the Benedictine rule and Cistercian statutes. The St. Gallen cantonal archaeology service gives 1247 as the start of membership in the Cistercian order, and historical sources describe a link with Wettingen Abbey from 1261 at the latest. The convent buildings, laid out in the typical Cistercian manner, were consecrated in 1278. After Wettingen was dissolved in 1841, oversight passed in 1854 to Mehrerau Abbey near Bregenz. In 2007 the convent counted 16 sisters. What can you see here? Seventeenth-century buildings. The monastery received its baroque character in that century. Look for the panelled rooms with ornate stoves and the emblem cycle in the guesthouse. The guesthouse (Gästehaus). It is listed in the Swiss federal inventory of cultural property (KGS) and described as a 17th-century building on medieval foundations. The convent church. The present church was built in 1952-1953 on the site of the old one, so its interior is modern rather than baroque. Keep in mind that this is a working convent. Check visiting arrangements on kloster-magdenau.ch before you travel. Where is it and how do you get there? The abbey lies at roughly 47.402 N, 9.171 E, in the hilly countryside of the Toggenburg region, within Degersheim. The postal address is Wolfertswil. A car from St. Gallen or Wil is the simplest option. By public transport, set Degersheim or Wolfertswil as your destination and check local bus connections in the SBB timetable. When should you visit? A daytime visit in fair weather works best, as you can pair the abbey with a walk through the surrounding hills. Respect the quiet and the sisters' daily prayer rhythm, which shapes life in the convent. Frequently asked questions Is Magdenau still an active convent? Yes. A community of Cistercian nuns lives here by the Rule of St. Benedict today. When was the abbey founded? The community moved to Magdenau in 1244. Membership in the Cistercian order is dated to 1247 or 1250, and the monastery was consecrated in 1278. Is the church medieval? No. The current convent church was built in 1952-1953 in place of an older one. Where can I check visiting hours? On the convent's official website, kloster-magdenau.ch. Because it is a working convent, access rules can vary.

Former Franciscan cloister

Werthenstein

The former Franciscan monastery in Werthenstein (Kloster Werthenstein) sits on the banks of the Emme in the canton of Lucerne. For centuries it anchored one of central Switzerland's best-known pilgrimage sites. The village of Werthenstein itself grew up around the pilgrimage, and the monastery and pilgrimage church still define it. What is the history of the site? Local legend tells of a gold washer who heard angelic singing by the Emme around 1500. Reports of healings spread, and a first chapel with three altars was consecrated in 1520. During the Reformation a Pietà arrived from Fribach in the canton of Bern, and it became the focus of devotion. In 1607 the Lucerne council ordered a new church, consecrated in 1616. Federal records give 1630 as the monastery's founding year, and in 1636 it passed to the Franciscans of Lucerne. A spring found in 1634, later called the Gnadenbrünneli ("little spring of grace"), added to the draw. At its peak in the 17th and early 18th centuries, accounts speak of up to 80,000 pilgrims a year, though that figure is not firmly documented. How did the monastery come to an end? In 1798 the authorities banned the admission of novices. In 1826 the stone vault of the church nave collapsed. The Lucerne government dissolved the community in 1838 and the furnishings were auctioned off. The church continued as a parish church, and from 1909 the Missionaries of the Holy Family used the former monastery inn. Renovations from 1953 gave the complex its present look. What can you see today? The pilgrimage church and the former monastery buildings in the Emme valley. The site is listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property, so it counts as a monument of regional importance. Its riverside setting makes it easy to pair a visit with a walk in the surroundings. When should you visit? Pick a day with decent weather so you can walk around the buildings as well as look inside the church. Because the church serves a parish, check interior access with the parish or local tourism office before you go. Frequently asked questions Is it still a working monastery? No. The Franciscan community was dissolved in 1838. The church is used as a parish church. When was the monastery founded? The federal cultural property inventory gives 1630 as the founding year and 1636 as the handover to the Lucerne Franciscans. Why did pilgrims come to Werthenstein? They came for the veneration of the Pietà, stories of healings and the spring discovered in 1634. Where is Werthenstein? In the canton of Lucerne, on the Emme river in the Entlebuch region.

Baldegger Schwestern

Baldegg

Baldegg Convent (Kloster Baldegg) sits in Baldegg, part of the municipality of Hochdorf in the canton of Lucerne, in the Seetal region of Switzerland. It is the mother house of the Baldegg Sisters (Baldegger Schwestern) and a notable example of modern religious architecture. What is Kloster Baldegg? The convent is the home of a teaching congregation founded in 1830 by Josef Leonz Blum, chaplain of Hochdorf, and Joseph Widmer, both students of the theologian Johann Michael Sailer. The teaching sisters of Ribeauvillé served as the model. Blum co-owned the late-medieval Baldegg castle and used a support association to acquire the buildings for the first community. It is regarded as the first Swiss congregation of teaching sisters. Nursing joined its work in 1866, and missions in Africa and Asia began in 1921. What is there to see? The highlight is the modern mother house designed by Marcel Breuer, the Hungarian-born architect who taught at Harvard and also designed furniture. The sisters first held a competition but turned down the winning entry. On the advice of Lucerne's cantonal building director, they then approached Breuer. The building was finished in the early 1970s, built by local firms. The brief asked for a place that was beautiful, practical, modest, free of luxury and ecological. The result is an exposed-concrete building with a flat roof, set on a green meadow with plenty of open space. For the sisters it meant single rooms for the first time. The institute church is a plain hall seating about 500, lit through roof windows. Breuer also designed interior details such as candle holders shaped like rockets. Fittings and structure remain largely in their original state. How do I get there? The complex lies in the Seetal near Lake Baldegg (Baldeggersee). Baldegg Kloster railway station serves the site, so the train is the easy option. You can also drive from Hochdorf. Who is it for? Fans of twentieth-century and brutalist architecture, anyone interested in religious orders, and walkers exploring the lake shore. Combine a visit with a stroll around Baldeggersee. Frequently asked questions Who designed the convent in Baldegg? Marcel Breuer designed the present mother house, after the sisters rejected a competition winner. When was the congregation founded? In 1830, by Josef Leonz Blum and Joseph Widmer. How many sisters live there? There were 1,060 in the 1960s and about 140 today. Is there a railway station at Baldegg? Yes, Baldegg Kloster station is next to the convent.

St. Gallenberg Monastery

Oberbüren

St. Gallenberg Monastery in Oberbüren (canton of St. Gallen) is a former Benedictine convent, also called Kloster Glattburg. It sits where the Glatt flows into the Thur, in a green river valley in eastern Switzerland. The complex pairs a converted castle with a late 18th-century Baroque church. What is the history of the monastery? In the Middle Ages the Glattburg castle was a fief of the Abbey of St. Gallen. It passed to the Reding von Biberegg family in 1621, and in 1649 the abbey bought it back and had it renovated. The monastic story began in 1754 at Libingen, where the priest Joseph Helg founded Switzerland's first community of Perpetual Adoration. The sisters adopted the Rule of St. Benedict in 1761. In 1781 they moved to Glattburg, where the castle was converted into a convent and a church and guesthouse were added. Prioress Maria Gertrud Wieler led the move. Construction ran from August 1780 to August 1784. The community was raised to the rank of abbey in 1984. The sisters also ran a school of household and manual skills for girls until 1968. During the evacuation of 1798–1799, the chronicler Wiborada Zislin helped keep the convent from being occupied by French troops. What can you see here? The main highlight is the church interior, described as a unified late-Baroque work of art. It was built by Simon and Georg Schratt, painted by Franz Anton Weiss and carved by Johannes Wirthensohn. The national cultural property inventory (entry KGS 08208) also lists the Immaculata chapel, built around 1780–81 to a design by Simon Schratt, with a dome fresco attributed to Weiss. The site lies away from the main roads among fields and wooded hills, making it a quiet stop on a day out around Wil and St. Gallen. Is the monastery still inhabited? Not permanently. Press reports say the five Benedictine sisters are moving for a three-year trial period to St. Lazarus convent in Seedorf, canton of Uri. The reasons given are staffing, upkeep and renovation costs the community can no longer carry. The future of the buildings is open, so check current access rules with the Diocese of St. Gallen or the Oberbüren municipality before visiting. How do you get to Oberbüren? Oberbüren lies on the rail line between Wil and Uzwil, with services toward St. Gallen. From the village you can walk or cycle along the Thur to the monastery. By car, take the A1 motorway to the Wil or Uzwil exit. The site's coordinates are 47.4610 N, 9.1565 E. Frequently asked questions Who founded the sisters' community? The priest Joseph Helg, in 1754 at Libingen. The sisters moved to Glattburg in 1781. When were the present monastery and church built? Construction ran from August 1780 to August 1784, with living quarters ready from November 1781. What makes the church special? Its coherent late-Baroque interior by the Schratts, Franz Anton Weiss and Johannes Wirthensohn. Can I visit the monastery? Access rules are changing as the sisters leave. Ask the Oberbüren municipality or the Diocese of St. Gallen before you travel.

Kloster Ingenbohl

Brunnen

Kloster Ingenbohl in Brunnen is the mother house of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, set on a hillside in the municipality of Ingenbohl just above Brunnen, canton of Schwyz. The grounds hold a convent church, a park and the sisters' cemetery, making it an easy, quiet walk near Lake Lucerne and a key site of Catholic central Switzerland. What is Kloster Ingenbohl? The congregation dates to 1856 and grew out of the work of the Capuchin Theodosius Florentini and Maria Theresia Scherer. Its roots lie in an auxiliary hospital in Chur, where Scherer served as superior. In 1856 a bishop's decision split the earlier institute into two congregations and named Ingenbohl the mother house of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross. Scherer became first Superior General in 1857 and led the community until she died in 1888. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1995, and the Deutsche Biographie records her burial in the crypt of the convent church. Today the institute is an international Franciscan-oriented community under papal law, with roughly 2,600 sisters in 18 countries. In 2025 the convent hosted an exhibition for the 200th anniversary of Scherer's birth. What can you see on the convent hill? The best way to explore is the Klosterweg, a 1.12 km monastery trail that takes about 50 minutes. It is easy, has nine stations, starts at Haus Maria Theresia (Schönenbuchstrasse 2) and ends in the convent park. Stops include: the convent church, the Theresianum with its "Himmelsleiter" (stairway to heaven), a Lourdes grotto, the sisters' cemetery, a photo view of the parish church of St. Leonhard. QR codes at the stations link to extra texts and videos, and a trail brochure is available as a PDF. The Hügel Café is the place to rest. How do you get to Kloster Ingenbohl? From Brunnen SBB station it is about a 10-minute walk (old cantonal road, Kirchweg, Klosterstrasse). Auto AG Schwyz buses stop at "Ingenbohl, Klosterstrasse". By car, leave the A4 at Brunnen and follow Schwyzerstrasse and Klosterstrasse; visitor parking is signposted from Klosterstrasse. Can you go inside? The trail's official page lists no fixed opening hours. Guided visits are arranged on request by calling 041 825 20 00, and more information is at kloster-ingenbohl.ch. This is a working religious house, so keep voices low and respect the sisters who live here. Frequently asked questions Who founded Kloster Ingenbohl? The Capuchin Theodosius Florentini and Maria Theresia Scherer. The institute took its present form in 1856, with Scherer as its first Superior General. Where is Maria Theresia Scherer buried? According to the Deutsche Biographie, in the crypt of the convent church at Ingenbohl. She died in 1888 and was beatified in 1995. How long does the walk around the convent hill take? The Klosterweg is 1.12 km and takes about 50 minutes. It is easy and suitable for families. Do you need to book? Not to walk the grounds, but guided visits must be arranged by phone.

Curative education school Schulzentrum Maria Opferung

Zug

Maria Opferung Convent in Zug is a listed Capuchin nuns' complex standing above the old town of Zug, Switzerland. The Schulzentrum Maria Opferung, a special-education school, operates at this site today, but for a visitor the draw is the building itself and four centuries of history. What is Maria Opferung? It is a former convent of Capuchin sisters. According to a note in the Zurlauben archive, the community was founded in 1591 under Verena Huwiler. A reform followed in 1611, with a visitor appointed from Muri Abbey. The convent building dates to 1608, and its oldest parts to around 1580. The Canton of Zug points out that the convent has shaped education in the city for centuries. The Institute Maria Opferung ran schooling here, and its legacy lives on in museum holdings: Museum Burg Zug catalogued the movable contents of the former convent and institute. Of more than 22,000 registered objects, about 2,350 units entered the museum collection, which together tell a story of religious, cultural and educational life in Zug. What will you see? The building is under heritage protection. It grew and was remodelled over four centuries, and removal of old plaster revealed different building phases: rubble-stone masonry with stone frames, and half-timbered sections with wooden frames. Sources date the windows and shutters to 1743-44. In 2018-2019 the facades on all four main sides were renovated because the plaster had stopped bonding to the wall. The new plaster follows the layers found on the building from 1900-1910. Restorers also treated the shutters, window frames, plinth, doors and roof soffit. Hegglin Cozza Architekten of Zug planned the work, and Anke Köth led it for the cantonal heritage office. The project won a silver medal at the Swiss Prize for Plaster and Paint. The cantonal government contributed CHF 650,000 from the lottery fund toward the restoration, with the aim of opening the convent to the people of Zug in the future. How do you get there? The complex sits on the slope above the old town, at about 47.163 N, 8.521 E. From central Zug you can walk up from the Altstadt side, and the building fits neatly into a stroll through the historic quarter. When should you visit? You view the site from outside, so choose daylight and fair weather, when the facades and the texture of the restored plaster show best. The school grounds are not a ticketed attraction, so respect the work of the institution. Frequently asked questions Do sisters still live at Maria Opferung? The sources we rely on describe it as a former Capuchin convent and institute. Today the Schulzentrum Maria Opferung special-education school operates in the area. What century is the building from? The convent dates to 1608 and its earliest parts to around 1580. Is the convent a listed monument? Yes. The building is heritage-protected, and its facades were restored in 2018-2019. Where can I see objects from the convent? Part of the institute's holdings went to Museum Burg Zug, which catalogued the movable contents of the former convent.

Kloster Werd

Eschenz

Kloster Werd is a Franciscan monastery on the island of Werd in the Rhine, right beside Eschenz in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. The island sits in the Untersee, the lower part of Lake Constance, and makes an easy half-day outing that mixes religious history, archaeology and a short walk over the water. What is Kloster Werd? A chapel and monastery buildings occupy the small island. The Franciscans have leased Werd from Einsiedeln Abbey since 1957 and have lived here as a community since 1967. The island itself has belonged to Einsiedeln, together with a house and chapel, since 958. Why does Werd matter historically? The place is tied to Saint Otmar, who is said to have died here in exile in 759. His remains were moved to St. Gallen in 769. The chapel in his memory was remodelled several times in the Middle Ages and restored in 1962–1963 and again in 1998–1999. A relic of Otmar arrived in 1767, which gave pilgrimage a clear boost. From the late Middle Ages until 1738 the island parsonage doubled as the parish house of Eschenz. What else is on the island? Werd is also a significant archaeological site. Digs between 1931 and 1935 uncovered Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age finds, and from the 1st century AD a Roman timber bridge crossed the Rhine here. Since 2011 the Insel Werd site has been part of the UNESCO listing "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps". How do you get there? From Eschenz you walk to the island along a wooden footbridge about 150 metres long. Eschenz lies on the Rhine near Stein am Rhein, so a train or car journey followed by a short stroll from the village brings you to the monastery. One to two hours is enough for a visit, and the Rhine bank path makes a pleasant addition. When should you visit? Late spring to early autumn suits walks by the water best. As this is a working monastery and place of worship, keep voices low and check for service times. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee for Werd island? The sources consulted mention no ticket for the walk across the footbridge or around the island. Check the monastery's own site for current details. Who lives in the monastery? Franciscans, who have leased the island from Einsiedeln Abbey since 1957 and formed a convent since 1967. Who is the chapel dedicated to? Saint Otmar, the first abbot of St. Gallen, who died on the island in 759. Is the site a World Heritage property? Yes. The Insel Werd archaeological site has belonged since 2011 to the UNESCO listing of prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps.

Kloster St. Georgen zu Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein

Kloster St. Georgen in Stein am Rhein is a former Benedictine abbey on the Rhine in the canton of Schaffhausen, now open to visitors as the Museum Kloster Sankt Georgen. It sits in one of northern Switzerland's best-preserved medieval towns, close to the German border. What is the history of the abbey? According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, Duke Burchard III of Swabia and his wife Hadwig founded a religious house around 970 on the Hohentwiel hill near Singen. King Henry II moved it to Stein am Rhein in 1007 and endowed it generously. From the 11th to the 13th century, the abbot of St. Georgen ranked among the most powerful figures in the region between Konstanz and Schaffhausen. The Reformation ended monastic life here. The abbey was dissolved on 5 July 1525. Its last abbot, David von Winkelsheim, is linked to the Festsaal of 1516, considered one of the most significant painted interiors of the early modern era north of the Alps. What can you see inside? The buildings are arranged around an inner courtyard, and the layout still shows the split between the abbot's ceremonial rooms and the living quarters. The museum presents the abbot's apartments, including the richly decorated Festsaal, along with objects from monastic and town life. It is a good place to grasp how religious and political power worked in the region before the Reformation. Who owns and runs it? In 1926 the former monastery passed from private hands to the Gottfried Keller Foundation, and since 1945 the complex has belonged to the Swiss Confederation. The foundation operates the museum, which is listed among the museums linked to the Federal Office of Culture. When should you visit? The museum is seasonal: April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 18:00. Check current hours and prices on the museum's website before you go, as they can change. Combine the visit with a walk through the old town of Stein am Rhein, which the abbey adjoins, and along the Rhine bank. Frequently asked questions Is the monastery still active? No. The community was dissolved in 1525 during the Reformation, and the buildings now house a museum. Who founded it? Burchard III of Swabia and Hadwig founded the original house around 970 on the Hohentwiel. In 1007 King Henry II relocated it to Stein am Rhein. What is the highlight of the collection? The Festsaal of 1516, associated with the last abbot, David von Winkelsheim, is regarded as the key attraction. When is the museum open? From April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 18:00.

Former Ittingen Charterhouse

Warth-Weiningen

Former Ittingen Charterhouse (Kartause Ittingen) stands in Warth-Weiningen in the Swiss canton of Thurgau. The old Carthusian monastery now works as a museum complex, a hotel and a working farm, so it suits a day trip as well as an overnight stay. What is the history of Kartause Ittingen? A knightly castle was built on this spot in 1079. In 1152 three descendants of the lords of Ittingen founded an Augustinian canons' house here, answerable to the abbey of St. Gallen. The Carthusians arrived in 1461 and shaped the place for centuries. Their legacy includes a colourful Baroque church and fourteen monks' cells, where each brother lived in his own small dwelling. The monastery was dissolved in the 19th century, and in 1977 the Kartause Ittingen Foundation took it over and carried out a multi-year restoration. What is there to see? Baroque monastery church – the most lavish interior in the complex. Ittinger Museum – an exhibition on the monastery's history and the Carthusian way of life, with guided tours on selected dates. Thurgau Art Museum (Kunstmuseum des Kantons Thurgau) – the canton's art museum shares the same walls. Monks' cells and cloister – they show the daily rhythm of an order built around silence and solitude. The estate – its own cheese dairy (roughly six cheeses, plus yoghurt, butter and cream), vineyard and vegetable garden. Can you eat and stay here? Yes. The former monastery houses a hotel and restaurant, and produce from the estate reaches the tables and the shop. The foundation also runs the site as a social enterprise: around 60 people with special needs work in the hotel. It makes a good base for exploring Thurgau and the Lake Constance region. How do you get there? Kartause Ittingen lies in the municipality of Warth-Weiningen, north-east of Frauenfeld, at about 47.584 N, 8.867 E. You can drive (there is parking at the complex) or use public transport from Frauenfeld; check connections on the SBB journey planner. When is the best time to visit? The grounds and garden are open to visit year-round, but spring to autumn is the most pleasant, when the garden is in growth and the fields and vineyard are good for a walk. Check kartause.ch for museum hours and tour dates. Frequently asked questions Do monks still live at Ittingen? No. Monastic life ended in the 19th century, and a foundation runs the site today. How many museums are there? Two: the Ittinger Museum on the monastery's history and the Thurgau Art Museum. Can I stay overnight? Yes, the monastery has a hotel with a restaurant. Can I buy local products? Yes, the estate produces cheese, wine and vegetables from its own operation.

Abbey of Saint Gall

St. Gallen

The Abbey of St Gall (German: Stiftsbezirk St. Gallen) is the former monastic precinct at the heart of St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It combines a cathedral, the old convent buildings with a famous library, an archive and the squares between them. How did the abbey begin? Tradition holds that the Irish monk Gallus settled here as a hermit around 612. The monastery itself took shape in the 8th century and grew into one of Europe's key centres of learning, with a scriptorium, a school and a large collection of books. The abbot's territory lasted until secularisation in 1805. The Diocese of St. Gallen was created in 1847, and the former abbey church became its cathedral. What can you see? The cathedral. A Baroque church built as part of the 1755–1768 redevelopment of the whole complex. The interior is bright, with rich stucco and ceiling paintings. The Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek). The main draw. Its Baroque hall, designed by Peter Thumb, was finished shortly before his death in 1767. The library holds over 170,000 volumes, among them about 2,100 medieval manuscripts. Highlights include the Plan of St Gall from around 820, the oldest known architectural drawing on parchment, the manuscript of the Nibelungenlied (Cod. Sang. 857) and the Abrogans, one of the earliest Latin-German glossaries. The library and archive collections joined UNESCO's Memory of the World register in 2017. An Egyptian mummy in the library's exhibition area, an unexpected companion to the books. The precinct itself. The convent buildings surround a square you can cross on foot between cathedral and library. How does a library visit work? To protect the historic floor, visitors in the Baroque hall wear felt overshoes provided at the entrance. Because the manuscripts are fragile, they appear in rotating themed exhibitions rather than all at once. Getting there The precinct sits in the old town, within walking distance of St. Gallen main station. The city has direct rail links with Zurich and towns around Lake Constance, and the centre is easiest to explore on foot. When to visit The complex works in any season, and the indoor sights suit rainy days. Check opening hours and ticket prices on stiftsbezirk.ch before you go, since the library may close for exhibitions and events. Frequently asked questions Is the Abbey of St Gall a UNESCO site? Yes, it was inscribed in 1983, covering the whole monastic complex including the library and archive. Who founded it? Tradition links its origins to the Irish monk Gallus and his hermitage around 612. The abbey was organised as a monastery in the 8th century. Can I take photos in the library? The library sets its own rules, which can change, so ask at the ticket desk or check the official website. How long should I plan? About two hours covers the library and cathedral, and a short stroll through the old town fills half a day comfortably.

Former St. Urban's Abbey

St. Urban

Former St. Urban's Abbey in the village of St. Urban, canton of Lucerne, is among the finest Baroque monastic complexes in Switzerland. Cistercian monks lived here for more than 650 years; after the abbey was suppressed, the buildings housed a psychiatric hospital. When and why was the abbey founded? Two noble families, the barons of Langenstein and of Kapfenberg, endowed the monastery in 1194 on land they owned outright. Its mother house was Lützel. The first monks settled in the Rot valley in 1195, having previously kept a small cell at Kleinroth, now part of Langenthal. Over the 13th and 14th centuries St. Urban gathered estates well beyond its home area and held its own jurisdiction, which made it something of a miniature lordship. What makes the architecture special? The complex you see today dates mainly from the 18th century. Master builders Franz and Michael Beer designed it under abbots Malachias Glutz and Robert Balthasar. The church is recognisable by its twin-tower facade. The museum highlights the largest Baroque staircase in Switzerland, a ceremonial hall and a library, and the carved choir stalls are well known. What happened after 1848? In April 1848, following Catholic Lucerne's defeat in the Sonderbund War, the liberal cantonal government dissolved the abbey. The canton bought the buildings back in 1870 and opened a cantonal psychiatric clinic in 1873. It occupied the former monastery until a new complex was built between 1977 and 1987, and parts of the site are still used by the cantonal psychiatric service. What can you see today? The former abbey church operates as a museum, and a sculpture park lies within the grounds. According to available information, visits inside the church are by arrangement and mainly for groups, so check current access rules with the museum before you travel. The surroundings also work as a quiet stop for a short walk with some architectural history. Where is St. Urban? The village lies in the north of the canton of Lucerne, near the Rot valley and the town of Langenthal. Coordinates are roughly 47.23° N, 7.84° E. For directions, use public-transport timetables or a navigation app and search for "Kloster St. Urban". Frequently asked questions When was St. Urban's Abbey founded? In 1194, by the barons of Langenstein and Kapfenberg, with monks coming from Lützel Abbey. When was the monastery dissolved? In 1848, after Lucerne lost the Sonderbund War. The liberal cantonal authorities ordered the closure. Was part of the abbey used as a hospital? Yes. A cantonal psychiatric hospital opened there in 1873 and moved to new buildings in 1977–1987. Can I visit the church? The former abbey church is open as a museum, but entry usually has to be booked in advance, especially for groups. Ask about dates before visiting.

St. Blasius

Gempen

St. Blasius Church (Kirche St. Blasius) sits in the village of Gempen in the Swiss canton of Solothurn, district of Dorneck, at roughly 676 m above sea level. It is the parish church of a small village on the eastern slope of the Schartenfluh and Gempenfluh ridges, a short drive from Basel. A visit pairs well with a stroll through the village and a walk up to the nearby lookout tower. What is the history of the church? The village first appears in records in 1277 as "Gempenon". A chapel is attested here in 1301, and a church dedicated to St. Blaise is documented in 1619. According to German Wikipedia, the present building dates from 1788. The parish story follows the region's. In 1460 the Prince-Bishop of Basel's income from the parish went to the newly founded University of Basel, which took over pastoral care. Gempen adopted the Reformation, and in 1534 the parish was merged with neighbouring Dornach. The village received its own vicar in 1756 and its own pastor from 1828. Solothurn bought the tithes and patronage rights in 1530, having acquired the Dorneck-Gempen lordship in two halves in 1485 and 1502. Major fires hit the village in 1566 and 1793. What is the interior like? The interior was renovated in 1965–1967, and the old furnishings were removed at that time. A commemorative publication marked the work. The church is small and rural, serving mainly the local parish, so check access on site. What else is there to see in Gempen? Gempenturm on the Schartenfluh: a 28 m lookout tower at about 760 m, roughly 80 m above the village. The first tower on the site went up in 1897. Memorial "Den Siegern von Dornach 1499" outside the village, erected in 1854 for the Battle of Dornach in the Swabian War. Cherry orchards, long a local specialty. The village also traded milk with Basel and timber. How do you get there? Take PostBus line 67 (Dornach – Gempen – Hochwald – Seewen) to the stop "Gempen, Dorf". Dornach is served by Basel S-Bahn line S3. By car, a winding road climbs from Dornach (access to the H18 motorway), and there are links via Nuglar toward Liestal and via Hochwald to Seewen. Frequently asked questions Where is St. Blasius Church in Gempen? In the centre of Gempen village, canton Solothurn, at about 676 m above sea level. When was the church built? A church is documented in 1619, and the current building is dated to 1788. Does it keep its historic furnishings? The old furnishings were removed during the 1965–1967 interior renovation. What can I combine with a visit? From the village you can walk to the Gempenturm lookout on the Schartenfluh, which has views over the Basel area.

Saint Martin chapel

Bättwil

St. Martin's Chapel (Kapelle St. Martin) in Bättwil is a small 18th-century chapel at Kirchgasse 2 in the village of Bättwil, canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. It sits in the middle of the village in the Leimental valley, close to the French border and a short ride from Basel. When was the chapel built? The building dates to 1744, when it was founded as a chapel of the Sacred Heart (Herz Jesu). It has carried the dedication to St. Martin since 1791. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland lists it as the village's notable religious building. Bättwil has no parish church of its own. It belongs to a joint parish with neighbouring Witterswil. The village was allowed its own cemetery in 1789, a few years before the chapel changed its patron saint. Is the chapel a protected monument? Yes. It appears on the protected-buildings list of the Solothurn cantonal heritage office (Kirchgasse 2, plot 591). The ISOS survey of Swiss settlements counts it among the valuable individual buildings that give the village its architectural and historical interest. The canton's archaeology series (ASO, volumes of 1991 and 1993) and volume three of the "Kunstdenkmäler des Kantons Solothurn" (1957) also mention it. What else is there to see in Bättwil? Bättwil began as a linear street village and was first recorded in 1244/45. In the Middle Ages it belonged, together with Ettingen, to Reichenau Abbey, and from 1522 Solothurn gradually took over lordship of the village. A 15th-century mill still stands, and Roman finds have turned up in the Eggfeld fields. Until the 20th century residents lived from grain and wine growing. Today Bättwil is a residential municipality of roughly a thousand people, many of whom commute to nearby towns. How do you get there? Bättwil lies on the former Birsigtalbahn, which has linked the village with Basel since 1888. From central Basel, take tram line 10 towards Dornach or Rodersdorf. The chapel stands among the village houses, so you can walk to it from the stop. Its coordinates are about 47.490 N, 7.509 E. When should you visit? Pair the chapel with a walk through the Leimental. Fields, orchards and vineyards surround the village, and the landscape looks best from late spring to autumn. The chapel is small and a quarter of an hour is enough to see it. For service times, check the notices of the Witterswil-Bättwil parish. Frequently asked questions How old is St. Martin's Chapel in Bättwil? It dates from 1744. It was first dedicated to the Sacred Heart and has been dedicated to St. Martin since 1791. Does Bättwil have a parish church? No. The village belongs to the Witterswil-Bättwil parish, and the chapel serves as its local place of worship. Is the chapel listed? Yes. It is on the Solothurn canton's list of protected buildings at Kirchgasse 2. How do I get there from Basel? Take tram line 10 along the Birsig valley. It follows the route of the old Birsigtalbahn.

Ökumenische Kirche

The Ecumenical Church in Flüh stands in the village of Flüh, part of the municipality of Hofstetten-Flüh in the canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. Catholics and Reformed Protestants share the building, and the congregations themselves describe it as the first ecumenical church in the country. What makes this church special? The church opened in 1974, although the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland lists 1972, most likely the year construction began. The Leimental valley grew quickly between the 1950s and 1970s, and neither denomination could afford a new church alone. They built one together instead. Cooperation here began as a practical solution and only later became a principle. The "first ecumenical church" title is contested. Other sources point to an ecumenical centre in Langendorf, also in Solothurn, opened in October 1971. The dispute is about what counts as the first, not about whether Flüh is an early example of a jointly used church. What will you see inside? The interior is sparse, almost minimalist. The main room is semicircular, with an altar at the front and a plain cross on the wall. Locals describe the design as a compromise, the lowest common denominator between two traditions. You will not find baroque altars or rich painted decoration. The reason to visit is to see a sacred space designed for two congregations at once. Who uses the church today? Catholics and Reformed Christians hold their own services in the building, and a joint ecumenical service takes place once a month. Other denominations are guests as well, including migrant churches from Basel. In January 2024 the congregations marked the 50th anniversary with a festive service led by both confessions together. What is the village like? Flüh is first documented in 1451 as "Jn flühen". In the Middle Ages it fell under the influence of Landskron castle and Mariastein monastery, and until 1515 it belonged to the lordship of Rotberg. A bathhouse and mill are recorded from 1461, and the "Roter Ochsen" inn from 1692. In 1888 the Birsigtalbahn railway was extended to Flüh, linking the village with Basel. The surroundings suit a short walk combined with a visit to the church. Frequently asked questions Where is the church? In the village of Flüh, in the municipality of Hofstetten-Flüh, in the northern part of the canton of Solothurn, in the Leimental valley. Coordinates: 47.4847 N, 7.4973 E. Is it really the first ecumenical church in Switzerland? The congregation says so. Other sources name the ecumenical centre in Langendorf from 1971, so the title is disputed. When are services held? Catholics and Reformed Christians have their own schedules, and a shared ecumenical service is held once a month. Check the websites of both parishes for current times. Is it worth visiting for the architecture? If you are interested in modern church architecture, yes. The building is modest, with a semicircular hall and a plain cross, and it shows ecumenical compromise in practice.

St. Lawrence catholic church and ossuary

Rodersdorf

St. Lawrence Catholic Church and ossuary in Rodersdorf form a protected church ensemble on Kirchgasse, in the westernmost village of the canton of Solothurn. The parish church (Kirchgasse 2) and the former Beinhaus, or charnel house (Kirchgasse 4), share one plot and both appear on the cantonal list of protected buildings. Where is Rodersdorf? The village lies in the Dorneck district, at the back of the Leimental valley, at roughly 391 m above sea level. It is an exclave of Solothurn, surrounded by Basel-Landschaft and France: about 88% of the municipal boundary is the national border with Alsace. The church sits at about 47.481 N, 7.456 E. How do you get there? Take BLT tram line 10, which ends in Rodersdorf. The route crosses French territory (Leymen stop) and counts among the longest tram lines in Europe. From the terminus you walk through the village to the church. What is the church's history? Rodersdorf first appears in records in 1226 as Ratolsdorf. In 1277 the right of patronage over the church passed from the lords of Pfirt to the Rotberg knights of Basel, and in 1515, together with their lordship, to Solothurn. The village stayed Catholic through the Reformation, although a minority carried out an iconoclastic campaign. The church reached its present size through an enlargement between 1670 and 1680, and the parsonage was rebuilt in 1643. As a border village it was often exposed to war: Basel burned it in 1409 and Solothurn in 1445. What will you see? The parish church dedicated to St. Lawrence stands together with the former ossuary on Kirchgasse. A Beinhaus was where bones dug up from the churchyard were once stored. Here it stands beside the church, with the parsonage nearby. The church is an active parish church, so plan an interior visit around service times. What else is nearby? The area holds traces of very early settlement: a Roman villa, a Gallo-Roman temple, the abandoned early medieval settlement of Biedersdorf and an early medieval cemetery with grave goods have all been found at Rodersdorf. Today the village has about 1,400 residents and has had a local rail link to Basel since 1910, which makes it an easy half-day trip from the city. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? Opening times are set by the parish, and interior visits are limited during services. Can you enter the ossuary? The former Beinhaus at Kirchgasse 4 is mainly something to view from outside, as part of the church ensemble. Is the site protected? Yes. The church (Kirchgasse 2) and the former charnel house (Kirchgasse 4) are listed in the protection register of the canton of Solothurn. How do you get here from Basel? Ride tram line 10 to the Rodersdorf terminus. The line passes through France, so carry an ID document.