Engelberg Monastery (Kloster Engelberg)
Benediktinerkloster 1, Engelberg, Central Switzerland, 6390
Kloster Engelberg is a working monastery that’s home to around 30 Benedictine monks. It was built in 1120, and then rebuilt after fire damaged it in the early 18th century. Visitors can take a guided tour to check out the beautiful interior, interesting artifacts, and the baroque monastery church.
The Basics
The Engelberg Monastery dominates the small town of Engelberg, a popular ski resort in the Nidwalden Valley. Once the seat of political power in the region, the monastery is set against the backdrop of snowy Mt. Titlis and other mountains. The interior is ornately decorated, and it houses the largest church organ in Switzerland. The town of Engelberg offers other sights as well, including the Collegiate Library with the complete writings of Martin Luther.
In winter, visitors come to Engelberg to ski and check out the monastery in their down time. Engelberg can be visited on a day trip from Lucerne, independently or with a guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
Guided tours are run by the monks, so visitors gain authentic insight into Engelberg Monastery’s history and present.
Tours are conducted in Swiss German, with English pamphlets provided to English speakers. For groups of more than 15, tours in some other languages can be arranged.
Accommodation is available at the monastery.
How to Get There
Engelberg is 21 miles (35 kilometers) from the city of Lucerne; it takes about a half-hour to drive there. There are direct trains between Lucerne and Engelberg, or you can reach the monastery with a combination of train and bus. Trains and buses take less than an hour.
When to Go
The monastery can be visited year-round. Guided tours run daily in the summer. Engelberg Monastery is an appealing destination in both the winter and the summer, as the snow-capped mountains, ski slopes, hiking trails, and other attractions in the town mean there are many reasons to visit.
Stay at the Benedictine Monastery with Black Madonna
Travelers who want to spend some more time at a Swiss monastery should consider visiting the Benedictine Monastery with Black Madonna in Einsiedeln. Founded in 835, this has been a pilgrimage site for more than 1,000 years, though most of the buildings are from the 18th century. Located in a region of mountains and lakes, this sight offers accommodation for visitors.
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