Arriving at Zurich airport November 7, 2024 and have three full days (8-10) until travel to Solothurn on 11 November. Can base myself anywhere, but would like to visit monasteries that sing Vespers each evening. Einsiedein is on my list and perhaps Engelberg. Are there any smaller female Monasteries that where the public is allowed to participate. Prefer smaller towns/villages and enjoy hiking. Would like to stay in one place for the four nights. Thank you so much! Second time in Switzerlan having stayed in Zurich, Bern and Luzern prior.

Probably a bit too far from the places that you plan to visit, but highly recommended: Benedictine monastery Disentis
https://www.kloster-disentis.ch/ora/kloster-auf-zeit/

Same for St. Johann in Müstair:
https://www.muestair.ch/besuch-plane...aus-im-kloster

Both are in canton Graubünden/Grisons.

Thank you Ingo. I did look at both of these and am considering stopping at the Disentis Monastery. Would love to go to St. Johann!

Partly related:
I stayed in an apartment in Solothurn several years ago. LOVED the town.

I believe I read your threads on Solothurn and then researched it and decided to go! I am staying five nights there. Still trying to fill the first 4 days after arriving in Zurich. Would like another place similar to Solothurn. Stein am Rhein is a posibility - looking at lodging options.

I loved both Solothun and Stein am Rhein, but thought them very different from each other. I'm not sure what, exactly, you're seeking so it's hard to make suggestions. Without claiming any similarity to Solothun, you might consider Bern or Basel if you want the advantages of a city or Thun or Fribourg if you're looking for something smaller.

Agree with kja - Stein am Rhein is very different from Solothurn. Another vote for Thun or Fribourg, both are fantastic.

Thank you kja and Injo! At this point just trying to find a nice place to be for three full days before moving onward (Solothurn, Bellinzona, Milan, then two weeks in Turkey). Looked at Fribourg and liked it when researching Solothurn, so will take another look along with Thun. Spent a week in Bern in 2018 and saw the Santa Run. I'm getting my Switzerland geography down real nicely doing all the research. Luckily I love to travel! Now that I an solo, I look for nice lodging with a great breakfast and if can't find that, go for an apartment. Like to walk, moderate hiking, old towns, monasteries, most everything will give me joy.

Just looked at Fribourg again and remembered that it was amazing. Think I could not find lodging, but will try again.