Brother Klaus birthplace

Niklaus von Flüe, alias Brother Klaus, was born around 1417 in Flüeli (municipality of Sachseln) and died on March 21, 1487 in nearby Ranft. Brother Klaus is regarded as the father of the country, a mystic and a hermit.

The house where he was born has had an eventful history. The late medieval log building was given its current floor plan around 1425 when it was converted and extended into a semi-detached house. As fragments of the foundation walls of a small previous building were found in the cellar, it can rightly be assumed that Niklaus von Flüe was born in this house in 1417.

The birthplace was inherited by the family of Brother Klaus until 1729. It then passed into the hands of others and was divided into three parts. In the second half of the 19th century, the Flüeli-Ranft Chapel Foundation bought the house back. From 1875 to 1910 it served as a schoolhouse. In 1925, an attempt was made to restore the building to its original form using old wood. The furnishings are intended to give visitors an understanding of the living culture of Niklaus von Flüe at the time. This condition was largely respected during the most recent restoration in 1999/2000.

Opening times

May to September Monday to Friday, 9.30-12.00 and 13.30-17.00 Saturday, 9.30-17.00 / Sunday, 10.30-17.00

April and October Monday to Saturday, 10.00-12.00 and 13.30-16.00 Sunday, 10.30-12.00 and 13.30-16.00

November to March on request