The contemplative world of Fischingen Monastery

Five Benedictine monks still live and work in Fischingen today, giving the only active monastery in Thurgau a very special and contemplative atmosphere. This place of power helps visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's a concert in the baroque library, an overnight stay in the former monks' cell, meditation or a guided tour through the eventful history - Fischingen Monastery inspires and promises a time-out in green, tranquil surroundings.

Stay like the monks

Back to the contemplative atmosphere of the monastery. Those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life can immerse themselves even more deeply in the contemplative nature of monastic life by spending the night in a former monk's cell. If you book Boniface's former cell, you'll live next door to the five practicing monks in the cloister. No other guests are allowed there. A tour with Father Gregory provides insight into the monks' secluded life. Men can also book the "temporary monastery" and thus participate in the monks' everyday life.

Book an overnight stay in the monk's cell

Concerts in the monastery

The monastery's concert program is a particularly cherished and cultivated gem. 13 concerts per year invite both amateurs and congregants to immerse themselves in the world of classical music. The spacious monastic concert halls (library or monastery church) provide ample space for the sound to unfold. The acoustics are excellent. It's clear that music has been played in monasteries since time immemorial. Musicians want to perform here. The list of applicants is longer than the list of artists actually allowed to perform. Nevertheless, the music selection remains down-to-earth and easily accessible – including financially. The focus is on entertainment value and is intended to appeal even to "classical music beginners." The restaurant is open before and after the concerts.

Book a concert

Hiking in Tannzapfenland

Hiking, walking and cycling in the fairytale Tannzapfenland are wonderful. A gem among the hiking trails is the hike to the Idda forest chapel on the Ottenegg. Up here, hikers are surprised by an unexpectedly unique view of Thurgau. According to the online platform "Watson", the Thurgau Tannzapfenweg trail is also particularly beautiful in autumn - and full of pine cones. Tip: The Fischingen monastery invites you to enjoy! Fine menus, snacks with Pilgrim monastery beer or coffee and homemade cakes refresh hikers after their physical activity.

Thurgau Pine Cone Trail

The history of Fischingen Monastery

On public tours of the silent witness to history, Fischingen Monastery, guests gain insight into the rich history written here in the verdant expanses of Thurgau. The monastery was founded in 1138 and, at its peak, housed 150 monks and 120 nuns. It was rebuilt, expanded, dissolved, nationalized, housed a high school and a children's home, was reactivated, and evolved into the cultural center and monastery we know today. In addition to the public tours, group tours (with or without an organ concert) can also be booked. The in-house carpentry workshop can also be visited with a guided tour.

Book a guided tour or organ concert

Meditating in the monastery

Peace and quiet can also be found on the third floor of the monastery. Far from the bustling restaurant and seminar scene, guests can expect unparalleled meditation rooms. Equipped and furnished according to Zen teachings, they offer a wonderful ambiance for letting go and unwinding. The Fischingen Power Place contributes to this, facilitating the path to inner peace, as do the various wonderful courses on offer. A public meditation session every Wednesday evening in the monastery church rounds out the offerings.

Meditation offers

Brewing beer in the monastery

Fischingen Abbey is the only Swiss monastery with its own brewery where beer is still brewed on-site. And brewing beer – something Fischingen does with dedication. Under the name "Pilgrim," a variety of gourmet beers are produced, some of which are stored and sold in the barrel cellar. Behind the venerable walls of the Benedictine monastery, they brew, among other things, according to old abbey recipes and, above all, strong beers – the strong ones with a high alcohol content. Of course, you can also tour the brewery and sample the excellent beer.

Taste and buy beer

Enjoyment and celebration in the monastery

Celebrating within venerable walls is truly something special. Especially when the walls were built in the ornate Baroque style. Weddings, milestone birthdays, baptisms – the monastery offers space for all of them, accommodating up to 90 people. The romantic, bright banquet hall has hosted distinguished guests in the past, and it shows. To avoid disturbing the practicing monks, the celebrations continue in the monastery tavern from 11 p.m. onwards. The restaurant also serves regional and seasonal delicacies to drop-ins daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. And outside of restaurant opening hours, hotel guests can enjoy a slice of cake or a Pilgrim monastery beer in the monastery tavern.

Book a party