Einsiedeln

Overview

Einsiedeln is the most important place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Switzerland. The high valley of Einsiedeln located in the heart of Central Switzerland is characterised by moors and Lake Sihl, the biggest reservoir in Switzerland in terms of area. The winter sports region of Hoch Ybrig is just a few kilometres away.

Imposing centre of Einsiedeln and destination for countless pilgrims is the baroque monastery dating from the 18th century. The Benedictine monastery has a history of just over one thousand years. Since the Middle Ages Einsiedeln with its "Black Madonna" has been one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Europe. The Jakobsweg (St. James Path) also runs through the Einsiedeln area. The many pilgrims' hostels of the past nowadays have become hotels for holidaymakers and pilgrims.

Summer

In summer the destination offers an extensive hiking trail network (400km), but also routes for bikers (250km, partly signposted). A 18-hole golf course and agriculture trail are further examples of what's on offer in the summer. And on poor-weather-days you can enjoy Einsiedeln's cultural highlights including, for example, the Mineral Museum or Gingerbread Museum, as well as lots of other sights.

The area of Einsiedeln in the heart of early Switzerland offers a host of excursion possibilities, such as visits to the Zoo in Golday or the Children's Zoo in Rapperswil, trips by mountain railway up the Rigi, a cruise on Lakes Lucerne, Zug or Zurich, or entering the Mouta Valley «Hölloch», one of the biggest cave systems in the world.

Winter

The three smallish ski regions of Einsiedeln, Hoch Ybrig and Brunni-Mythen are located in idyllic open Alpine foothill countryside at altitudes between 900 to 1900 metres above sea level and are suitable for skiers and snowboarders alike. And there is also a halfpipe and fun park. The Ybrig ski school is the oldest ski school in Switzerland. Families appreciate the short distances to the ski regions, especially from the Zurich area. The new Einsiedeln ski jump can be used for training and competitions in summer. The big cross-country skiing track area and varied possibilities for ski tours complete the range of activities on offer.

Highlights

• Benedictine Monastery Einsiedeln – most important place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary featuring the «Black Madonna».
• Diorama Bethlehem – is regarded as the biggest nativity display with 450 hand-carved figures.
• Panorama Crucifixion of Christ – 100-metre-long giant circular painting from the 19th century.
• Hoch Ybrig – family-friendly ski region on the doorstep of Einsiedeln.
• Alpamare Päffikon – water slides and fun pools.

Top Events

"Einsiedeln World Theatre" based on Don Pedro Calderón in Einsiedeln Klosterplatz (monastery square) (about every 5 to 10 years)