It is the only convent in Switzerland that remains legally part of a different canton than the one it physically resides in.
The monastery was founded as a dependency of the Abbey of Einsiedeln.
The interior of the church features notable ceiling paintings by artists from the 18th century.
The complex serves as a working farm, producing its own dairy, meat, and vegetable products for the monastery restaurant.
The nuns at Fahr follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, which balances prayer with manual labor.
Kloster Fahr is a Benedictine nunnery founded in 1130 that remains an active religious site, despite being geographically located within the canton of Zürich while legally belonging to the canton of Aargau. It is an exclave of the Canton of Aargau, surrounded by the Canton of Zürich. The monastery complex features a baroque-style church adorned with rich frescoes and ornate stucco work. Guests can visit the onsite restaurant, which utilizes produce from the convent’s own farm and gardens. The grounds include an herb garden and a historical cemetery. The site remains a functional convent where nuns continue to live and work according to their religious vows. It is positioned along the Limmat River, emphasizing its historical role as a site of quiet contemplation and agricultural productivity.
The view from the monastery garden looking back toward the church exterior.
Sample the monastery-produced cheeses and meats at the onsite restaurant.
Walk the perimeter of the farm to see the agricultural operations integrated with the historical architecture.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the crowds that gather for Sunday lunch.
Do not wander into the private residential areas marked for the nuns only.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet volume; dress modestly as it is a functioning religious site.
