Monasteries as a traditional Swiss source of innovation and entrepreneurship
30 July 2025
Many monasteries in Switzerland have been dissolved over the centuries, particularly after the Reformation, during the French occupation (1798-1813) and in the 19th century. Some were demolished, others were given a new purpose, usually while preserving the complex.
Despite secularisation in the 20th century and the dwindling number of monks and nuns, functioning monasteries can still be found in unexpected places, such as the countryside, towns, and villages. St. Johann in Müstair (Canton Graubünden), Mariastein near Metzerlen (Canton Solothurn), Bigorio (Canton Ticino), Einsiedeln (Canton Obwalden) and Notkersegg (Canton St. Gallen) are just a few examples.
What these monasteries have in common is their creativity, innovation, drive, and openness, while preserving their traditions and religious practices. In a way, they symbolise Switzerland. Two monasteries can be mentioned as examples.
The Benedictine monastery of Fischingen
The Benedictine monastery of Fischingen (canton of Thurgau) on the River Murg, not far from the old residence of the abbot of the monastery of St. Gallen in Wil, was founded in 1138. In the 13th century, the complex had no fewer than 150 monks and 120 nuns at the time!.
The Counts of Toggenburg, as their successors the Habsburgs and in 1460 the Swiss Confederation (conquest of Thurgau) were the patrons. The monastery survived the Reformation and even became a centre of support for the Counter-Reformation after the Council of Trent (1545-1563).
The first Romanesque monastery church dates back to 1144, but after several fires and a Gothic remodelling in 1440, the current Baroque church was consecrated in 1687. Other buildings in the vast complex were built around 1750.
The Idda Chapel is an essential stop on the pilgrimage route from Constance to Einsiedeln. The chapel is named after Idda, the wife of the Count of Toggenburg, the patron saint of the monastery. She lived in the 12th century and, after her husband’s death, spent years as a hermit near the monastery.
What the French occupying forces were unable to achieve between 1798 and 1813, the canton of Thurgau achieved by decree in 1848: the monastery was dissolved, and the property was privatised. However, private involvement plays a vital role in this bottom-up organised country in all cantons.
A Catholic association purchased the monastery complex in 1879 and established it as an orphanage, overseen by Benedictine monks. On 28 August 1977, the monastery was ceremoniously reopened as an independent Benedictine priory.
Of significance in this story, however, is the monastery’s current purpose. Today, there are still four monks aged between 60 and 80. As in many monasteries, there is little interest in entering, and yet the abbey has found a creative solution to at least ensure its physical survival.
A small part of the complex is reserved for the monks. The remaining part, however, has been converted into an impressive hotel, restaurant and seminar complex. There are also various other businesses, including the brewery, sawmill and joinery: tradition, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of a monastery in a small village in Thurgau.
The Cistercian monastery of Magdenau
The St. Verena Church
They created four ponds to store energy, ran several mills and a brickworks, and managed the forests, paths, and meadows. They planted numerous fruit trees, ran a monastery pharmacy and were beekeepers. They managed their business with determination and were socially committed. Even today, a farm, a sawmill and the Rössli inn are still attached to the convent.
