Einsiedeln is located in the heart of Central Switzerland close to Zurich. The Benedictine Abbey of Einsiedeln is the most important baroque building in Switzerland. Since the Middle Ages the Chapel of Our Lady with the famous “Black Madonna” has been one of the most significant pilgrimage places in Europe.
A monk called “Meinrad” came to this region to live as hermit. After his violent death in 861, a chapel was built at the site of his hermitage. This is the origin of the city’s name, which means hermitage.
The history of the Benedictine Abbey dates back to 934, when a monastic community was founded at the site of St. Meinrad’s hermitage. The pilgrimage to Our Lady of Einsiedeln and her miraculously dedicated chapel developed in the subsequent centuries and attracted pilgrims from all over Europe.
In 1466, the present statue of the Madonna was brought to Einsiedeln and the place became the most important Marian shrine in Switzerland as well as a place of worship, hospitality and culture.
In 1704 the foundations were laid for the abbey complex and the magnificent baroque abbey church was consecrated in 1735.
Even today, the abbey is the home to a dynamic monastic community following the Rule of Saint Benedict. The monks teach at the Abbey School numbering about 350 students, serve in several parishes, and are available for the spiritual needs of the pilgrims.
Einsiedeln offers many attractions, such as the show cheese factory Milchmanufaktur, two ski jumps, the gingerbread and mineral museums, or the Diorama and Panorama. In summer, the region is a paradise for hiking, biking or simply relaxing. Lake Sihl is popular for swimming, wind surfing, sailing, fishing or a cruise aboard “MS Angelika”. People who like to be active will enjoy winter here. Einsiedeln is a cross-country ski paradise and offers all kind of winter sports such as skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and walking. Traditions, culture, and sport are very important and always play a central role in numerous events.
Hospitality has a long tradition in Einsiedeln. The village with its many diverse shops, cafés and restaurants is ideal for leisurely strolls combined with good food and friendly encounters.
Big stories in a place with big stories: Welttheater 2024 will take place from June 11th to September 7th in Einsiedeln.
World Tourism Day, celebrated every year on 27 September, is an important holiday that celebrates the role of tourism in our lives, its impact on the economy, culture, sustainable development and international relations. This year's theme of the celebrations, "Tourism and Peace", fits perfectly with the mission of the Shrines of Europe Association.
Read moreDid you know that sweet gingerbread is a popular souvenir from a trip to Einsiedeln? Its tradition dates back to the 14th century and is deeply rooted in the history of pilgrimages to this unique town, which is home to a Marian shrine known in Europe. Despite the passage of hundreds of years, pilgrims and tourists still eagerly buy gingerbread from Einsiedeln to give their loved ones these exceptionally delicious spicy baked goods.
Read moreDid you know that our photography exhibition "Shrines of Europe - the path of culture and spirituality" has reached Switzerland? It is currently presented in the monastery in Einsiedeln, which is a unique and worth seeing place where faith, history and culture mingle with the traditional Benedictine monastic life. Let's get to know them together!
Read moreWe offer you our new series, the first part of which is now available on the "Shrines of Europe" Facebook profile. "7 out of 7" is a search for places and attractions that can be seen in each of our 7 cities. Despite different languages, traditions and histories, we have a lot in common. We will be happy to show it to you.
Read moreIt’s Easter which means a time for joy, spending with family and friends. In this unique time of year we wish you hope and beauty of springtime that gives the promise of brighter days. Let this Easter bring a basketful of joy for all of you! Happy Easter from the Shrines of Europe
Read moreFebruary is ending really well for Shrines of Europe! On February 22-23, 2024, the city of Ourem/Fatima (Portugal) hosted the 20th International Congress on Religious and Sustainable Tourism, which took place in parallel with the 11th International Workshop on Religious Tourism (IWRT). We were also present there as a group and presented ourselves at our Shrines of Europe stand.
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