Rüeggisberg monastery ruins

Almost a thousand years of history hides within the ancient walls of the Rüeggisberg monastery ruins. Wandering through the mysterious remains of the once impressive monastery and taking in the magnificent view of the Bernese Oberland will transport you back to the time of monks, friars and choral singing.

In the 11th century, Lütold von Rümligen, a wealthy nobleman from the countryside, donated some of his estate to the Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy, France. A remarkable church was to be built in Rüeggisberg. Over the next hundred years, the first simple cells of land were transformed into an imposing Romanesque basilica with several outbuildings. Ancient foundation walls, imposing pillars and impressive arches still bear witness to the former greatness of the influential monastic order from France.

The monastery is known as the first settlement of the French Cluniac order in German-speaking Switzerland. The order became widely known throughout the country thanks to its remarkable landholdings, which extended as far the Emmental, Schwarzenburg and Seeland region.

Unfortunately, the history of what was once the region’s most influential landmark was tarnished by debt, plundering, raids and misappropriation. In 1484, before the Reformation, the monastery church had to close its doors. And finally, the fire of Rüeggisberg brought what was left of the once magnificent building down to its foundations: The inhabitants used the building stones of the already dilapidated monastery to rebuild their own houses and the village church. From this point onwards, the remaining premises served as a granary and barn.

Countless hiking paths lead across the Gantrisch region and through its idyllic landscapes. An impressive high-altitude hike over the Längenberg, with breathtaking views of the Alpine Triumvirate Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau will get many a heart racing. Many day visitors have followed in the footsteps of the Cluniac monks and experienced the power of the Rüeggisberg monastery ruins. The newly created monastery herb garden also merits attention, as its colours enchant visitors and butterflies alike.

If you’re looking for more history, background information and artefacts, you can visit the newly designed museum next to the ruins or follow a guided tour. The museum is open daily and displays the almost thousand-year-old relieves and documents as well as the monastery’s history and conversation work in an interactive way.

Guided tours of the monastery ruins can be booked through the Gantrisch Nature Park: by phone +41 31 808 00 20 or online at info@gantrisch.ch.

Find more information here.

Special events throughout the year breathe new life into the magnificent medieval architecture. In July and August, renowned and yet-to-be-discovered local talents are putting on a high-quality cultural programme. Artists from the music, theatre, and comedy scene share the stage during the so-called «Klostersommer» («summer at the monastery»).

The annual open-air exhibition «KlosterSkulpturenAusstellung» («MonasterySculpturesExhibition»), for example, is very popular. The open-air exhibition delights art lovers with installations and sculptures made of wood, metal and sandstone. The artworks for this art-in-public project are usually set up at Pentecost and taken down in autumn. A monthly church service is held in the monastery ruins during the same period.

With the help of Flederica the bat, families can solve riddles surrounding the monk’s reading stone. The family booklets are available at the monastery museum. A surprise awaits.

At the end of November, the Advent market, designed with great attention to detail, will create a magical atmosphere in the interior of the monastery ruins. Browsing the stalls and being surrounded by beautiful lights, smells and decorations will certainly put you in a festive mood.