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.

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.
The monastery's concert program is a particularly cherished and cultivated gem. 13 concerts a year invite enthusiasts and amateurs alike to immerse themselves in the world of classical music. In the vastness of the monastery's concert halls (library or monastery church), there is room for the sound to unfold. The acoustics are excellent. You can tell that music has always been played in monasteries. Musicians want to perform here. The list of applicants is longer than the list of artists who are actually allowed to play. Nevertheless, the choice of music remains down-to-earth and easily accessible - financially too, by the way. The focus is on entertainment value and should also appeal to "classical music beginners". Tip: If you also want to indulge in culinary delights, the monastery restaurant is the perfect place to do so. The monastery chefs come up trumps with seasonal, regional delicacies. The restaurant is open before and after the concerts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Celebrating within time-honored walls is simply something special. Especially when the walls were built in the ornate Baroque style. Weddings, birthdays, christenings - the monastery can accommodate up to 90 people for all of them. The romantic, bright ballroom has welcomed distinguished guests in the past. You can see that. In order not to disturb the practicing monks, celebrations continue in the monastery tavern from 11 pm. Regional and seasonal delicacies are also served to spontaneous guests in the restaurant every day from 10 am to 7 pm. And in the Klosterschenke, hotel guests can enjoy a slice of cake or a Pilgrim monastery beer outside restaurant opening hours.

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