Grimmenstein Abbey

The origins of Grimmenstein Monastery date back to 1378, when it was founded as a Beguine community. Following the Pfanneregger Reform between 1589 and 1591, Grimmenstein became a Capuchin nunnery. The monastic complex was repeatedly destroyed by fires. The current appearance of the buildings largely dates from the years 1724 to 1726. After the division of Appenzell in 1597 into a Catholic and a Reformed part, the territorial affiliation of the monastery was long disputed. It was not until 1870 that a federal decree determined that the church and the actual monastery building belonged to Appenzell Innerrhoden, while the confessor's house and the surrounding areas came under Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The monastery is dedicated to Saint Ottilia and continues to exist today.

Grimmenstein Monastery is located in the Vorderland region of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland, at an elevation of approximately 640 meters above sea level.

The monastery church of St. Ottilia also serves today as the parish church for the Catholic community of Walzenhausen. The Capuchin nuns perform sacristan and organist duties there. The sisters cultivate a monastery garden where they grow herbs and medicinal plants. These are processed into natural health products and offered for sale in the monastery shop. The monastery currently houses 16 nuns.