Overnights in a monastery

Benedictine Abbey

The monks at Disentis live according to the rule of Saint Benedict, which may still serve as a guiding principle for people questioning their soul and looking for God. A Benedictine monastery seldom remains without guests. Guests and visitors are welcome at the liturgy of the hours and the daily Eucharist. Disentis also has an exclusive proposal for men, the «temporary monastery», which allows guests to partake in the life of the community and spend some days of contemplation.

Monastery

The Einsiedeln monastery has welcomed pilgrims, strangers, poor people and tourists for the past 1’000 years. Here, men may question the meaning of life, find new strength or gear up for a new phase in life. All they need to bring along is the courage to face silence and time, which isn’t planned in advance. If possible, guests share the monks’ prayers and meals. Nowadays, people of all ages and from all walks of life knock at the door to spend some days at the monastery.

Monastery

Fischingen is the only lived-in monastery in the canton of Thurgau. The seven resident monks live according to the principles of the holy Benedict, “ora et labora” – pray and work. The Benedictine community welcomes guests who wish to share the monastic life for a limited time, though the option is only open to men. In the area of the conclave, special rooms with modern amenities are at the disposal of visiting guests.

Abbaye de la Maigrauge

The Cistercian nuns at Maigrauge are ready to offer young women a temporary retreat in their cloister. Guests who wish to think about their lives in silence, question the meaning and the goal of human existence or give a new direction to their lives are welcome to stay for a minimum of one week or longer. They get a room in the guesthouse, but they’re also invited to share the life of the cloister, as agreed with the nuns, under the tutelage of an assigned sister.

The Franciscan Cloister of St.Joseph

More than ever, people are asking how to redirect their lives. As Edith Stein once said: “everyone has his or her very own path”. Women interested in learning more about the life at the cloister are welcome to share a few days with the sisters. The guesthouse is simple and offers room for quiet living and days of contemplation. Individual guests and groups are responsible for their own arrangement and meals.

The St.Johan Cloister

This cloister is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its guesthouse welcomes guests eager to retire from the bustle of daily life and spend some days in contemplation. Twice a year, the nuns propose professionally guided fasting weeks. The cloister church, which also serves as parish church, allows visitors to say their prayers. The house chapel welcomes guests for quiet times and mediation, though they remain free to organize their own stay.

The Franciscan Cloister of Mariaburg

The Franciscan Cloister of Mariaburg sits atop Burgstock hill in the heart of Näfels. The cloister is open to anyone interested in the life of the Franciscan order and for individuals (men and women) and Christians, who wish to temporarily retire from daily hustle and bustle to lead a life of contemplation. Guests may have a brother as a guide during short stays of up to one week. They participate in the daily life of the cloister and possibly add some spiritual exercises.

Abbaye de Fontaine-André

The Abbaye de Fontaine-André lies above Neuchâtel with a magnificent view of the lake. The monastery is an open house with an open heart and individual, personalized service. Women and men wishing to spend some days at the Abbey, stay at the house of silence. Meals may be shared with other guests in the main building or eaten in silence. Everyone may attend the morning, noon and evening meditations (an individual guidance is possible).

The Augustinian Cloister of Santa Maria

The old cloister, birthplace of the Augustinian sisters S.M. Presentata di Poschiavo, is a harbor of peace, quiet and contemplation, and the ideal place to escape from daily stress. The old cloister has been renovated and turned into a place where groups, associations and educational bodies may meet for religious or cultural training. Individuals may also find the perfect environment for their spiritual quest and self-discovery. The small community of sisters allows guests to assist in their daily liturgical prayers.

The Capuchin Monastery

What’s special about the Rapperswil monastery is that guests may truly immerse themselves in the life of the community. They’re actually expected to participate in the religious service and the meditations. Women and men of all denominations and religions are welcome. For a good start and to ease relations, everyone gets assigned an accompanying brother or sister, The length of the stay is decided upon in advance, but it always starts and ends on a Sunday.

Abbaye de la Fille-Dieu

The Romont cloister in the canton of Fribourg is a welcoming haven of peace for female guests who may refresh themselves at the source of silence. It’s the right place for anyone searching for the meaning of life and for God. In this oasis of peace and joy, far from the world, you may regain strength and find comfort in the way of the Gospel.

The Benedictine Sisters of Bethany

The house lies within walking distance to Ranft, where holy brother Klaus performed his deeds and near Flüeli-Ranft where he was born and lived. Both the St.Jacob’s and the Klausen pilgrimage paths lead by the Bethany house. Its doors are open to women who wish to stay with the sisters and share their lives. The cloister makes a living from individuals searching for meaning and groups, while helping them in their quest. Its guesthouse is ideal for a time of rest and contemplation.

The Benedictine Abbey of St.Otmarsburg

A Benedictine monastery without a guest wing would be unthinkable. Here, guests are considered a gift of God to the community, or even divine messengers to open the community’s eyes for things it no longer realizes. The encounter is supposed to be mutually enriching for both parties and guests are assigned a brother to refer to. Anyone wishing to spend some time in silence and prayer to redirect his or her life’s path, to find oneself and God, is welcome.