Cicerone's Guide to the Cultural Sights
The following sights are marked on the town map. They can all be reached from the abbey square on foot within five minutes.
Abbey Church
The abbey church of Einsiedeln is one of the most important baroque buildings north of the Alps. It was built from 1704 to 1750 and is an integrated part of the monastery. The frescoes and stucco-works are a creation of the famous Asam brothers Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin and enhance the gorgeous baroque architectures. The church consists of the separated choir, the Christmas and the Last Supper dome and the octagonal dome under which the Lady chapel housing the Black Madonna is situated.
| Daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (no visiting during mass) |
There is no entrance fee.
Great Hall
The baroque 'Great Hall' is the audience chamber of the monastery and the only part that can be visited by the public. It is used mainly for concerts. Treasures of the monastery are exhibited in the entrance hall.
| Daily from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
| sfr 3.- per person |
Abbey Library
Manuscripts and books going back to the foundation of the monastery in the 10th century can be found in the abbey library. The interior of the library is rococo.
The abbey library can only be visited by guided groups
Diorama Bethlehem
The 'Diorama Bethlehem' shows the Christmas story: From the announcement made to the shepherds, the Nativity scene and the arrival of the three kings till the flight into Egypt. There are more than 450 figures and the painted background is 30 m long. It is said to be the largest Christmas crib in the world.
The spoken explanation is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch.
| May 1 till the end of October: | 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| 1st advent Sunday till Januay 6: | 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Adults: | sfr 5.50.- / Groups: sfr 4.50 |
| Children: | sfr 2.50 |
Panorama Crucifixion of Christ
The 'Panorama Crucifixion of Christ' is one of the last giant panoramas in existence. The circular painting is 100 meters long and 10 meters high and depicts the town of Jerusalem at the time of Christ and the scene of the Crucifixion. Standing at the centre of the scenery the visitor is offered an impressive all around view. The original panorama fell victim to a fire in 1960. It was reconstructed using original plans and photos.
The spoken explanation is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch.
| Saturdays, Sundays, holydays : | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Weekdays: | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Adults: | sfr 6.- / Groups: sfr 5.- |
| Children: | sfr 2.- |
Panorama Crucifixion of Christ
Nostalgia Shop
The nostalgia shop of the gingerbread bakery 'Goldapfel' on Kronenstrasse 1 is a shop out of grandmothers time. Totally renovated in 1997 its atmosphere is doubtlessly 19th century. The former bake-house is now a small gingerbread bakery museum.
| Easter till December: | 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
| December till January | 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| The entrance is free |
Abbey Horse Stables
Listing the stables of the abbey among the cultural sights may seem a bit odd. However, horse breeding is a very old tradition of the abbey and many visitors seem to be more interested in the horses than the beauties of the abbey church.
The stables are situated at the back of the abbey. Just cross the gate at the right hand side of the abbey and keep straight on.