Brother Klaus Residence

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.

He lived with his family in the house built by Niklaus von Flüe himself in Schibloch-Matte on the road to the Ranft until he left for the hermit's life in 1467. The house remained in the von Flüe family until the beginning of the 19th century, but was badly damaged by clumsy alterations. Since the end of the 19th century, it has belonged to the Catholics of the canton of Fribourg and the canton of Obwalden. Before Brother Klaus was canonized, the house was professionally restored in 1946. Most of the interior furnishings were recreated from pictures in Diebold Schilling's chronicle.

On June 14, 1984, Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass with 11,000 participants on the meadow next to the house during his trip to Switzerland. The living room served as a sacristy, which is why a plaque with the Pope's blessing and signature hangs on the wall as a reminder.

Opening hours

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