Beatrix von Wolhusen was born around 1308.[1] Her father was named Walter, and she had a brother named Peter,[1] who would later become abbot of the territorial abbey of Einsiedeln.[2]
She ran in the 1340 election to succeed the previous abbess of the Fraumünster Abbey, Elisabeth von Matzingen, but lost to her rival, Fides von Klingen.[1] This election was highly controversial and had to be settled by an arbitrator appointed by Emperor Louis IV.[3]
She won the next election in 1358[4] and held the position of abbess of the Fraumünster until her death, as well as the rank of imperial princess and ruler of the city.[1] In these capacities, she was the person signing Zurich's official charters in 1373 and 1393.[1] She certified municipal acts, such as the sales and purchases of land.[5] In 1373, tasked with collecting a tax to fund a crusade, she sent 50 gold florins to Konstanz under the supervision of her steward, Heinrich Martini von Walse, but he was robbed on the way.[6]
Her management of the city was marked by the council's attempts to free itself from her authority, leading to a power struggle between them.[1] She eventually lost this conflict in 1397, when the council decided to limit her powers and appointed three administrators to assist her.[1]
She died on 16 July 1398 in Zurich,[1] and was succeeded by Anna von Bussnang.[4]
