Situated amid mountains and picturesque lakes, Einsiedeln is a city where history, spirituality, and culture intertwine with everyday life. The town is best known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which has attracted pilgrims from across Europe for centuries. However, Einsiedeln is more than just a spiritual refuge – it’s a space where tradition meets innovation and where everyone can discover something for themselves. One such experience is Urban Golf, the urban reinvention of a familiar sport.
Urban Golf allows participants to try this well-known sport right in the heart of the city, far from sprawling golf courses. This outdoor activity, which emerged in Switzerland a few years ago, is gradually gaining popularity in other European cities. Instead of a traditional course, the game takes place in streets, squares, and near historical landmarks, with soft balls and easy-to-use clubs making it accessible to everyone – regardless of age or experience. Following an Urban Golf route in Einsiedeln reveals corners of the city that might be overlooked during conventional sightseeing: charming townhouses, cozy cafés, and, of course, the majestic Abbey, which serves as the backdrop for every round. The combination of physical activity, fun, and exploration turns the game into both a physical and cultural experience.
Compared to traditional golf, Urban Golf is accessible to everyone, shorter in duration, and offers a unique way to experience the city in a highly engaging way. For enthusiasts of the classic version of the sport, Einsiedeln is surrounded by beautiful, fully equipped traditional golf courses such as Golf Club Ybrig, where a full 18-hole game can be enjoyed amidst mountain landscapes and the Sihl Lake. Yet Urban Golf uniquely combines recreation with city exploration, offering an experience that no conventional game can provide.
Einsiedeln invites walking, discovery, and savoring every moment. Urban Golf naturally fits this philosophy, allowing players to enjoy the sport while immersing themselves in the city’s history, culture, and unique atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want to feel the pulse of Einsiedeln, see its landmarks from a different perspective, and discover that golf can be more than an elite sport – it can become an adventure for everyone, right in the heart of Swiss tradition.
While any city can create its own version of this game, Urban Golf in Einsiedeln stands out because it takes place in the historic city center, just steps from the majestic Abbey and amid picturesque streets, where every step combines sport with cultural and scenic discovery. This makes the experience unique – blending movement, fun, and fascinating exploration of landmarks, allowing visitors to feel the city’s pulse in an entirely new way.
Practical Information:
- Duration of Urban Golf: approx. 2–3 hours
- For whom: families, groups, and beginners
- Meeting point and equipment: Einsiedeln Tourist Office, Hauptstrasse 85
Traditional Golf Courses in the Einsiedeln Region:
- Golf Club Ybrig – a classic 18-hole club in Studen, about 10–15 minutes from Einsiedeln, with views of Lake Sihl and surrounding mountains
- Swiss Golf Park – ideal for beginners or those wanting to practice, around 10 minutes by car
- Minigolf Klostergarten – mini-golf in central Einsiedeln, perfect for evening fun or a family outing; not a traditional golf course
Other Nearby Golf Opportunities:
- Zürich Golf & Country Club – a prestigious golf course east of Einsiedeln, approximately 45–60 minutes by car
- Golfpark Holzhäusern – a large golf park
- Golfclub Ennetsee – a golf club in Risch‑Rotkreuz
- Golfclub Schloss Goldenberg and Golf Sempachersee – easily accessible by car
Most traditional golf courses require membership or a playing permit and prior booking. Rules and requirements vary by club. Urban Golf, on the other hand, is a casual, recreational activity that requires no prior experience, making it ideal for beginners and tourists who want to try golf in a unique urban setting.
