prince bishopric · Germany and Central Europe

Imperial Abbey of Engelberg

1124 CE – 1798 CE (approx.) · capital Engelberg

A Benedictine abbey in a high valley of central Switzerland that ruled the valley as a tiny state until 1798 and still flourishes today.

Origins

Conrad of Sellenbüren founded the Benedictine abbey of Engelberg in 1120 in a remote valley below Mount Titlis, with monks from Muri. In 1124 Pope Calixtus II and Emperor Henry V confirmed its foundation and imperial protection, making it a free imperial abbey.

Rule and society

The abbots ruled the Engelberg valley as lords, with rights of justice over its farmers. Under Abbot Frowin in the 12th century the abbey had a notable scriptorium. Engelberg was protected by the Swiss cantons of Lucerne, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Uri, and dairying and cheese provided its income.

Decline and legacy

French invasion in 1798 ended the abbey's secular rule, and the valley was incorporated into the Helvetic Republic. In 1815 it joined the canton of Obwalden. The monastery survives as an active Benedictine community, and Engelberg is now a resort.

Lineage

Imperial Abbey of EngelbergHelvetic Republic 1798 CE – 1803 CE

Connections (1)

More states of Germany and Central Europe →

Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Imperial Abbey of Engelberg. In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/imperial-abbey-of-engelberg
MLA
“Imperial Abbey of Engelberg.” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/imperial-abbey-of-engelberg. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Imperial Abbey of Engelberg.” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/imperial-abbey-of-engelberg.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Imperial Abbey of Engelberg’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/imperial-abbey-of-engelberg (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻