Einsiedeln in winter: Christmas market, cross-country skiing and the Hoch-Ybrig ski area

Einsiedeln lies on a plateau at almost 900 metres. That is high enough for a reliable winter, and often high enough to sit above the sea of fog that hangs over the Swiss lowlands for weeks every winter. While Zurich sits in the grey, the sun often shines in Einsiedeln. Add to that the Advent traditions in front of the great abbey facade and one of Switzerland's well-known cross-country areas. The Hoch-Ybrig ski area is half an hour away. As a winter destination Einsiedeln is still little known to many, even though it is quickly reached from Zurich.

Advent and Christmas in Einsiedeln

During Advent the stalls of the Christmas market stand on the square below the illuminated baroque facade. There is mulled wine and craftwork on sale. The cold air carries the smell of Schafböcke, the pastry typical of Einsiedeln. Unlike at some Christmas markets, the setting here was not built for the occasion: the abbey is inhabited and pilgrims come all year round. In December too the monks sing the Salve Regina every day in front of the Chapel of Grace. In winter it is already almost dark outside by then. You can attend without paying.

At Christmas the church keeps up the Einsiedeln nativity tradition. Right next door the Diorama shows one of the largest Christmas cribs in the world, with hundreds of figures. The dates of the Christmas market change from year to year, so check them with Einsiedeln Tourismus before you travel.

Cross-country skiing above the fog

The plateau around Einsiedeln and the Sihlsee is a genuine cross-country area. Many kilometres of prepared trails for the classic style and for skating run across the snow-covered moorland, with the abbey and the Mythen on the horizon. The terrain is gentle and equipment can be hired in the village. The loops along the frozen lakeshore suit beginners as well as practised skiers; many Swiss families learn cross-country skiing here. On days with an inversion you ski in the sun while the lowlands lie under the cloud cover.

Ice skating by the abbey

In winter there is an ice rink right beside the abbey. You skate your rounds directly below the walls of a monastery with a thousand years of history. Skates can be hired on site. The rink also works well for children.

Hoch-Ybrig: skiing nearby

Half an hour from Einsiedeln, above Oberiberg and Unteriberg, lies Hoch-Ybrig, the largest ski area in the canton. For many it is a local mountain where families from Zurich and Schwyz learn to ski. The area offers varied pistes, slopes for freeriders and a long valley run, yet it is neither as expensive nor as busy as the big international resorts. For people from Zurich, Hoch-Ybrig is one of the quickest areas to reach where you can really ski. In summer hiking paths cross the same slopes, among them the Alter Schwyzerweg towards Schwyz. You will find the route described here: From Oberiberg over the Ibergeregg down to Schwyz

You can also go winter walking and sledging in the area. Prepared winter paths lead across the plateau, and the slopes all around have sledge runs for families. On clear days the path along the eastern shore of the Sihlsee is particularly fine, with the snow-covered Alps in view.

Practical points

• Getting there: the train journey is the same in winter as in summer, 45–60 minutes from Zurich via Wädenswil. More on this in the article A day trip from Zurich to Einsiedeln. For Hoch-Ybrig you continue from Einsiedeln by bus towards Oberiberg/Weglosen.
• Conditions: on the plateau the snow usually lies from December to early March. It remains prealpine country, though, so check the webcams and our Wetterseite Einsiedeln before you set off.
• Rule of thumb for fog: when the forecast reports high pressure and high fog over the Mittelland, Einsiedeln very often lies above it. That is the great winter advantage of the plateau.

Frequently asked questions

Does Einsiedeln have a Christmas market? Yes, during Advent the stalls stand on the square below the abbey facade. Because the dates change every year, it is best to ask Einsiedeln Tourismus when planning.

Can you ski in Einsiedeln? In the village itself cross-country skiing and winter walking come first. For downhill skiing you take the bus about 30 minutes to Hoch-Ybrig.

Is Einsiedeln worth visiting in winter? Yes. In winter the place feels especially atmospheric, with the snow-covered abbey square and the Advent traditions. The sun often shines above the fog and there is little going on along the paths.

Is the abbey open in winter? Yes, the abbey is open daily and all year round. The Salve Regina in the late afternoon takes place in winter too. Only the outdoor activities depend on the weather.