Where heaven and earth meet
St. Gerold priory
Open your heart and your senses to nature, culture, fine cuisine and the world of spirituality.
The church’s pointed tower and geometrically arranged buildings are clues to St. Gerold priory’s (Propstei St. Gerold) erstwhile function. Here, in the village of St. Gerold in the mountainous Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park, there was a Benedictine monastery until the year 1958. The monastery’s affiliation with the Einsiedeln Abbey in Switzerland chronicles 1000 years of history. Those who have a sixth sense for special places will undoubtedly appreciate the spiritual strength here. Today, the property is a meeting and educational centre with restaurant, monastery shop, riding hall, monastery garden, guest rooms and a lively cultural programme.
For the future
The St. Gerold priory has been renovated in several stages since 2014. The concept combines existing and modern elements, plays upon the monastic atmosphere, and makes use of natural, regional materials such as wood. Vorarlberg architect Hermann Kaufmann and craftsmen from the region were entrusted with the implementation. As early as 1997, Hermann Kaufmann planned the much-acclaimed indoor riding arena of the priory, which also offers hippotherapy.
Hospitality
A wing featuring guest rooms, the kitchen, the restaurant, the monastery shop and the seminar rooms have all been newly built and redesigned. The restaurant’s rooms, called “Geroldstube” and “Remise,” are open year round. The historic wine cellar features a selection of fine wines from Austria and the Einsiedeln Abbey.
Wood and craftsmanship
The floors, ceilings and furniture in the new rooms are made of spruce and ash wood, some of which was sourced from the priory’s own forest. The wooden floor in the Geroldstube parlour, which is covered with nine metre long spruce wood planks is a special feature. Prior to laying the floor, the condition of the wood (treated or untreated) was much discussed. The priory decided to leave the wood in in its natural state and all floors are now untreated wood.
Life is movement
Once a month, for groups on request, Father Kolumban personally guides those interested through the priory and its new buildings. The guided tours include a dinner or an aperitif in the historic wine cellar. There are even several walking and hiking trails to choose from near the St. Gerold priory, e.g. a stroll to the labyrinth ideal for meditation.
The St. Gerold priory and its restaurant are open all year round and the monastery garden is open from May. Lectures, concerts and seminars take place regularly.
