Abtei Engelberg

The Benedictine Monastery of Engelberg has existed since 1120 in the heart of Central Switzerland. The community lives according to the Rule of Saint Benedict and combines prayer, pastoral care, education, culture, hospitality, and economic activities. The monastery includes various enterprises and institutions, in particular the Engelberg Abbey School with a high school and boarding facilities, the monastery carpentry, guest accommodations (Hotel St. Josefshaus, Hotel Sonnwendhof, Wirtschaft Grafenort, and Herrenhaus Grafenort), a nursery, a bakery, a flower shop, as well as other monastery-owned businesses. The monastic community currently consists of 16 monks of various ages. Together with around 140 employees, they are committed to the spiritual, cultural, and social life in Engelberg.

The Benedictine Monastery of Engelberg was founded in 1120 by Konrad von Sellenbüren. The first monks came from the Monastery of Muri in Aargau. As early as 1124, Pope Calixtus II and Emperor Henry V confirmed the foundation and the rights of the monastery. In the Middle Ages, Engelberg developed into an important religious and cultural center. Under Abbot Frowin, a significant scriptorium was established in the 12th century, where valuable manuscripts were written and illustrated. After several monastery fires, the present Baroque monastery buildings were rebuilt between 1729 and 1745 following the great fire of 1729. Today, they are considered among the most important Baroque complexes in Central Switzerland.