Bennau: Church, Culture and Raised Bog

Bennau is a village in the canton of Schwyz and belongs to the district of Einsiedeln and the municipality of Einsiedeln. It lies at the northern edge of the Rothenthurm raised bog, where the Alp and Biber rivers meet. When planning a trip, both the village’s history and culture and scenic destinations in the wider Einsiedeln region are worth considering.

Church and History

The district church of St. Sebastian stands in the Bennau settlement, on the edge of the Bennauer Boden plateau. The cantonal inventory of protected sites classifies it as a regional asset and rates its artistic, cultural and architectural-historical significance, as well as its impact on the townscape, as exceptionally high. Protection objective I requires the unaltered preservation of its exterior and interior building components, spatial structures and fixed furnishings.

The present-day church was consecrated in 1895 in the Neo-Gothic style. The first chapel on Bennauer Boden was built in 1611, following the plague epidemic at the beginning of the 17th century. The area’s history of routes also stretches back a long way: for centuries, the pilgrims’ route used by people from Alsace, Baden and Swabia passed through Bennau. Historical connections thus range from the early chapel to today’s church and the historic pilgrims’ route. The name Bennau derives from Blessed Benno, the blinded Bishop of Metz, who came to this area around 900.

Culture in the Village

Regular theatre performances are part of Bennau’s cultural life. Theaterlüt vo Bennau puts on public performances that are open to everyone; shows take place in the association hall at Bennau schoolhouse. If you would like to include a performance in your trip, check the date in advance.

Feldmusik Bennau is also part of the cultural scene. Its annual concert in late November is a regular part of the yearly programme. If you are planning a specific trip, check the exact date and venue.

Ski Lifts and Scenery

Bennau ski lift is located just outside the Bennau district. When snow conditions are good, it takes visitors to the mountain station at an altitude of 1,056 metres; bear this condition in mind when planning. Schnabelsberg ski lift is located right on Schnabelsberg, on the route from Einsiedeln towards Bennau. If you plan to visit a lift, check the latest conditions in advance.

In the wider Einsiedeln region, Schwantenau is considered Switzerland’s fourth-largest raised bog and a habitat for rare animals and plants. An easy hike from Einsiedeln to Biberbrugg passes through the Schwantenau nature reserve and takes about three hours. Its approximate duration and classification as an easy hike give you two concrete points to consider when planning your day.

Getting There and Choosing a Hotel

Bennau is accessible via Biberbrugg on the SOB railway and by postbus from Einsiedeln. Check the timetable for your chosen travel day before setting off.

St. Sebastian’s Church, theatre and Feldmusik are part of Bennau’s local character; the hike runs between Einsiedeln and Biberbrugg.

Discover more destinations: Einsiedeln.

Go to the main travel overview: Einsiedeln.