A former Benedictine abbey on an island in the Rhine, with a baroque church and cloister, in the north of the canton.
Rheinau Monastery occupies an island in a loop of the Rhine in the northern tip of canton Zürich. The Benedictine abbey was founded in the 8th century and grew into an important cultural centre, with its main buildings rebuilt in baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries. The monastery was dissolved in 1862 and the buildings later served as a psychiatric clinic. Today the grounds and baroque church are open to visitors, and the island hosts concerts and a small museum. The site is reached by train from Zürich via Winterthur or Schaffhausen and is easy to combine with the Rhine Falls.
| Admission | Free grounds; church free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Grounds open daily; church approx. 9AM-5PM |
| Address | Klosterplatz, 8462 Rheinau, Switzerland |
Why it matters
A Benedictine foundation of over a thousand years that shaped the region's culture.
Location
Klosterplatz, 8462 Rheinau, Switzerland
47.6385, 8.6015 View on map
Highlights
- Baroque abbey church
- Island setting in the Rhine
- Cloister and gardens
- Concerts in the church
Tips for visiting
- Combine with the Rhine Falls
- Check the concert schedule
- Walk the river path around the island
When to visit
Summer weekends.
Accessibility
Level grounds; some historic buildings have steps.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is it open to visitors?
The grounds and church are generally open; check for events.
How do I get there?
By train toward Schaffhausen and then a short connection; use the SBB app.