About 30 mins south of Zurich, Einsiedeln is a small town with an ornately decorated monastery. When you first drive into town, it doesn’t look like much. But keep driving until you get to the monastery and the whole scene changes. The monastery is enormous and impressive from outside, with a beautiful background of rolling hills behind it. Then we stepped inside and our jaws dropped. The inside of the cathedral was so ornate, with carvings, paintings, and mosaics at every turn. I’ve seen other impressive cathedrals, including St. Peter’s Baslica, but I think I like this one best. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos inside, so you’ll have to visit to see for yourself.
Einsiedeln is easy to access by car or train. There is metered parking in front of the monastery (Schmiedenstrasse 30, 8840 Einsiedeln) and a parking garage on the north side of the monastery. The train station is a short walk from the monastery.
Outside there is lots of room to run around.
The monastery courtyard had stables with lots of horses, including a baby horse that was very playful.
There’s a little playground just in front of the monastery.
Our two year old had plenty to amuse him while we admired the sights.
The town hosts a Christmas market for one weekend in early December. We usually visit.
There are hiking trails that leave from behind the monastery, exploring this countryside.
The surrounding countryside is gorgeous, particularly driving around the nearby lake, Sihlsee.
2 responses
Great trip. We took the train which leaves every 1/2 hour from Zurich and takes 50 minutes. Downside with train was that we couldn’t go to Sihlsee (it is only about a 30 minute walk from the monastery – but too long for our 18 month old.) Also, found out that the tours (1 hour)are offered only in German.
We’re planning on going here next wkd (june 24) to coincide with a large yodelling festival taking place there. We’re worried it might be a bit crowded though (50,000 vistors expected over the 3 day festival – more info: http://www.jodlerfesteinsiedeln.ch
Still, how can we pass up a yodelling festival in CH?! BTW – apparently tours are offered of the monastery every day at 2 – EXCEPT on Sundays.