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.
In Catholic tradition, May has for centuries been a month especially devoted to the veneration of the Virgin Mary. It is during May that the Litany of Loreto is recited in churches, roadside chapels dedicated to Mary are adorned with fresh flowers, special Marian services are held, and pilgrimages to Marian shrines increase.
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Since yesterday, the Catholic Church has been in mourning. On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died. Today, we recall the pilgrimages to the cities of the Shrines of Europe that the Holy Father made during his pontificate.
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Dear Friends, On the occasion of Easter, we wish you joy, peace and many smiles during the first days of spring. May this special time be the beginning of new energy, inspiration and positive plans - also those related to travel!
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March was an exceptionally busy month for the partners of the Shrines of Europe Association. A lot was happening because we wanted to be present at the most important industry events in the field of tourism organized this month in Portugal. And you know what? We did it! We invite you to read the report from participation in the 12th edition of the International Workshop on Religious Tourism in Fatima and in the Better Tourism Lisbon tourism fair in the capital of Portugal.
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According to a well-known Polish saying, love begins nowhere else but on a plate. "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach," say the Poles, and we fully agree with this statement! Today we present the must-haves on the menus of our cities and regions. Flagship dishes that you should try when visiting one of the Shrines of Europe cities. Delicacies that have their fans far beyond the borders of our countries. Enjoy your meal!
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Einsiedeln in winter turns into a real paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Ski slopes, Nordic walking, ice skating, or maybe ski jumping? We invite you to discover all the attractions that this charming town has to offer winter sports enthusiasts.
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