Introductory Calligraphy Courses – Writing | Silence | History
A pen, ink, and a little patience: At Engelberg Abbey, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of calligraphy.
You’ll create your first pieces of calligraphy, discover the more than thousand-year-old tradition of monastic writing, and experience how individual letters are transformed into small works of art.
Creative, focused, and relaxing all at once.
Here's what you can expect
• Fascinating insights into the monastic tradition of writing
• First steps with pen and ink
• Artfully designing letters and words
• Create your own card or a personal quote
• Time for focus, creativity, and slowing down
The course is designed for teenagers aged 14 and older and adults.
Cost: CHF 60.00 per half-day course, including materials (paper, pen, and ink); lunch or dinner, including beverages as per the menu, is an additional CHF 40.00.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
- •9:00 a.m. Welcome & Introduction | Short tour of the monastery
- •9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Working with pen and ink | First writing exercises
- •12:00 p.m. Attend the monastic community’s midday prayer (optional)
- •12:15 p.m. Lunch in the guest dining hall
- •Closing Remarks and Farewell
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
- •3:00 p.m. Welcome & Introduction | Short tour of the monastery
- •3:45–5:45 p.m. Working with Pen and Ink | First Writing Exercises
- •6:00 p.m. Attend the monastic community’s evening prayer (optional)
- •6:30 p.m. Dinner in the guest dining hall
- •Closing Remarks and Farewell
Workshop Weekend - Writing | Silence | History
Since the 12th century, people have been writing, studying, and passing on knowledge at Engelberg Abbey. This tradition, dating back more than a thousand years, comes to life in a special way during the calligraphy courses.
Historical insights into the art of medieval writing are combined with hands-on practice using pen and ink. The result is an inspiring introduction to calligraphy— creative, focused, and relaxing.
As a calligraphy weekend with an overnight stay at the monastery, this program invites you to immerse yourself in the world of writing and experience the rhythm of monastic life.
Here's what you can expect
• Introduction to the history of monastic writing culture
• Hands-on practice with pen and ink
• Learning the basic forms of calligraphy
• Time for focused writing and quiet writing sessions
• Creating your own calligraphic final project
• Room and board at the monastery
This course is not a traditional class, but rather a holistic experience combining craftsmanship, history, silence, and concentration. It is designed for teenagers aged 14 and older (when accompanied by an adult) and adults. The course is suitable for both beginners and those with some prior experience.
Cost: CHF 428.00 (2 nights in a single room with shower/toilet, including full board and the course from Friday to Sunday, plus material costs). CHF 408.00 per person in a double room with shower/toilet and CHF 368.00 in a single room for students up to 25 years of age
Brief Overview of the Calligraphy Workshop Weekend, July 24–26, 2026
- •Friday, July 24, 2026 | Arrival, introduction to calligraphy, first exercises, evening prayer, and dinner together
- •Saturday, July 25, 2026 | Hands-on work with pen and ink, deepening knowledge of calligraphic forms, time for personal creative projects, participation in prayer services, shared meals, quiet evening time
- •Sunday, July 26, 2026 | Work on the final paper, quiet time, lunch, closing session, and farewell (around 1:30 p.m.)
The Course Instructor - Luca Stemig
Luca Stemig is 28 years old and comes from Bonn. He studied history (M.A.) and had long been fascinated by the past, especially the Middle Ages.
Our knowledge of this world—so foreign to us, yet so closely related—comes from ancient, handed-down manuscripts—and these alone are often impressive works of art, created through meticulous handiwork. This art has captivated Luca Stemig ever since, which is why he took up pen and ink himself to teach himself this ancient craft. For six years now, he has been actively engaged in medieval calligraphy and takes great pleasure in sharing his knowledge with others.
He has already led four calligraphy courses for students at the University of Bonn and is now looking forward to sparking enthusiasm for calligraphy and its history at the venerable Engelberg Abbey as well.
Summer of Culture 2026
The calligraphy courses are part of the 2026 Cultural Summer at the Benedictine Abbey of Engelberg. The Cultural Summer offers a diverse and varied program featuring cultural highlights, inspiring encounters, and special insights into art, music, and tradition.