Experience the fascinating history and picturesque ambience of Sarnen and Flüeli-Ranft up close. On our village tours, you will get to know the cultural highlights and hidden corners of these historic places. In Sarnen, the heart of Obwalden, impressive buildings and lively stories from times gone by await you. In charming Flüeli-Ranft, immerse yourself in the world of Brother Klaus and explore an environment that still exudes a special spiritual power today. Join us on a journey that brings history to life and makes everyday life in the past and present tangible.
Sarnen is the cantonal capital of Obwalden and lies on the tranquil, dreamy Lake Sarnen, just 20 km from the shining city of Lucerne. It is a place that has a lot to tell thanks to its eventful history and lively culture.
Obwalden Tourism
Bahnhofplatz 1
6060 Sarnen
Tel.: +41 41 666 50 40
E-mail: info@obwalden-tourismus.ch
On select dates, individuals and small groups have the opportunity to join a public village tour in Sarnen. Visitors can choose between the classic village tour of Sarnen and a variety of themed tours focusing on specific aspects of Sarnen’s history.
The public tours offer the perfect opportunity to rediscover Sarnen with knowledgeable guides—it’s easy, no registration is required, and the tours are open to anyone interested.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: CHF 15 per person
Children 16 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Experience the fascinating history and picturesque atmosphere of Sarnen up close. The capital of the canton of Obwalden is home to charming old buildings with fascinating stories. The legends surrounding William Tell and the Swiss Confederation began in Sarnen, and the national saint, Brother Klaus, was active in the nearby area.
Guided tour: Katerina Neumann
Meeting place: 7:00 p.m., village square by the fountain; no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
Many young men from Obwalden once fought as mercenaries for foreign rulers. The sons of influential families entered military service as officers and, upon their return, often gained political and economic power, thanks in part to their pensions—the financial allowances provided by foreign warlords. They also displayed their wealth through their stately homes.
Guided tour: Klara Spichtig
Meeting point: 7:00 p.m., village square by the fountain; no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
The Obwalden-born goldsmith and entrepreneur Meinrad Burch-Korrodi (1897–1978) made a name for himself internationally primarily as a relentless innovator in sacred art and successfully participated in national and international exhibitions. The Obwalden native, who was homesick for his homeland, also collected engravings, photographs, and paintings related to Obwalden.
The artworks and collection at the “Altes Kollegi” are normally open to the public only by appointment.
Guided tour: Klara Spichtig
Meeting point: 7:00 p.m., Altes Kollegi, BKD, Brünigstrasse 178 (at the entrance); no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
Churches and chapels dominate the townscape of Sarnen. They bear witness to the religious traditions and spiritual life of Obwalden. These places of worship are not only sacred buildings; they also tell stories of notable figures from Obwalden and historical events.
Guided tour: Silvia Burch
Meeting place: 7:00 p.m., village square by the fountain; no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
In the village of Sarnen, the stories of women who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries come to life. Hear how the nuns came to Sarnen 400 years ago, how a carnival split the Imfeld couple, why bathing fell into disrepute, and why Vreni Gerig ended up at the stake.
Guided tour: Silvia Burch
Meeting place: 7:00 p.m., village square by the fountain; no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
Event from “Mier machid Platz”.
Experience the fascinating history and picturesque atmosphere of Sarnen up close. The capital of the canton of Obwalden boasts picturesque old buildings with fascinating stories. The legends surrounding William Tell and the Confederation of the Swiss began in Sarnen, and the national saint, Brother Kaus, was active in the nearby area.
Guided tour: Katerina Neumann
Meeting place: 7:00 p.m., village square by the fountain; no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
Part of the “Mier machid Platz” program
Many young men from Obwalden once fought as mercenaries for foreign rulers. The sons of influential families entered military service as officers and, upon their return, often gained political and economic power, thanks in part to their pensions—the financial allowances provided by foreign warlords. They also displayed their wealth through their stately homes.
Guided tour: Klara Spichtig
Meeting point: 7:00 p.m., village square by the fountain; no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
The Obwalden-born goldsmith and entrepreneur Meinrad Burch-Korrodi (1897–1978) made a name for himself internationally primarily as a relentless innovator in sacred art and successfully participated in national and international exhibitions. The Obwalden native, who was homesick for his homeland, also collected engravings, photographs, and paintings related to Obwalden.
The works and collection at the "Altes Kollegium" are normally only open to the public by appointment.
Guided tour: Klara Spichtig
Meeting point: 7:00 p.m., Altes Kollegi, BKD, Brünigstrasse 178 (at the entrance); no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
Churches and chapels dominate the townscape of Sarnen. They bear witness to the religious traditions and spiritual life of Obwalden. These places of worship are not only sacred buildings; they also tell stories of notable figures from Obwalden and historical events.
Guided tour: Silvia Burch
Meeting place: 7:00 p.m., village square by the fountain; no registration required
Cost: CHF 15 per person; free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult
The cost of the tour will be collected in cash on site.
Obwalden Tourism
Bahnhofplatz 1
6060 Sarnen
Tel.: +41 41 666 50 40
E-mail: info@obwalden-tourismus.ch
Experience lively stories from Sarnen's past in varied guided tours by Klara Spichtig. Whether about the fate of women in the 16th and 17th centuries, mysterious legendary figures, artistic façade decorations with possible protective magic, the life of mercenary families or the experiences in Sarner inns - each tour takes you on a fascinating journey through the history and legends of the village.
In the village of Sarnen, the stories of women who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries come to life. Find out how the nuns came to Sarnen 400 years ago, how a carnival divided the Imfeld couple, why Baden fell into disrepute and why Vreni Gerig ended up at the stake.
Artistic carvings and wrought ironwork can be seen on the facades of many historic buildings in Sarnen. Are these just decorative ornaments or did they serve to protect the inhabitants of the house? Did they originally even have a magical meaning?
Many young men from Obwalden once fought as mercenaries for foreign rulers. The sons of influential families joined the military service as officers and often acquired political and economic power after their return, also thanks to pensions - the financial support of foreign warlords. They also demonstrated their wealth with prestigious residences.
The waitress Karlini talks about the inns in Sarnen at the time of the stagecoaches in the 19th century. She tells of noble spa guests and impoverished innkeepers, of permitted dancing and forbidden schnapps consumption, of hot meals and cold baths.
An unexplored treasure on the Landenberg, haunting ghosts in the town hall, witches who cause damage, a flying millennial artist and many other legendary figures appear in the legends of Sarnen and are the subject of this walk.
Obwalden Tourism
Bahnhofplatz 1
6060 Sarnen
Tel.: +41 41 666 50 40
Email: info@obwalden-tourismus.ch
Dorothee Wyss played a central role in the life of Niklaus von Flüe. But who was this remarkable woman who accompanied the famous hermit in the Ranft? She was a farmer's wife and lived for 50 years on the "Schübelacher" farm in Flüeli, where she raised ten children and is considered Niklaus' closest confidante. Out of love, she let him go to follow his path. Let us get to know Dorothee, this extraordinary personality, better.
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Group size: max. 25 people per group
Cost: CHF 200, max. 25 people/per group
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
On the guided tour of Flüeli-Ranft, you will visit the house where Niklaus von Flüe was born, the family home and then descend into the Ranft, where he lived, prayed, fasted and reflected in solitude for 20 years as Brother Klaus. Where people from near and far visited him and asked for advice.
Duration: approx. 1 ½ hours
Group size: max. 25 people per group
Cost: CHF 200 per group
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
A guided, interactive trail for children and teens that leads from the top of the Flüeli Rock down into the depths of the Ranft Gorge.
At the sites where he lived and worked, children and teens actively explore the key milestones in the life of Niklaus von Flüe and his family. The focus is on personal experience and discovery.
Ideal for schools, first communicants, confirmands, confirmation candidates, vacation camps etc.
Duration: approx. 2 ¼ hours
Group size: max. 25 people per group
Special price: CHF 160 per group
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
The Sachseln parish and pilgrimage church has housed the grave of Niklaus von Flüe since 1679. Originally, his grave was in what is now the burial chapel. The tour explains how it came to be reburied and the significance of the hermit's robe and the meditation picture of Brother Klaus.
Duration: 1 hour
Group size: max. 25 people per group
Cost: CHF 220 (plus museum admission), max. 25 people/per group
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
Introduction to the life and work of the Niklaus von Flüe family and Dorothee Wyss.
An offer for groups in preparation for a visit to the places where Brother Klaus lived and worked. Also suitable for people for whom the descent to the Ranft is too difficult.
Further information is available from the pilgrimage secretariat.
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Costs: on request
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
The simple exterior of the Flüeli-Ranft landmark only hints at the artistic richness of the interior. Discover the artistic monument of national importance and have the magnificent inlays and richly painted wooden ceilings explained to you.
Duration: 1 hour
Group size: max. 25 people per group
Cost: CHF 140 per group
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
Cultural and historical hike from St. Niklausen to the Ranft. The hike begins at the chapel of St. Niklausen, with its valuable medieval picture cycle. Niklaus von Flüe is said to have often retreated here to contemplate the suffering of Christ. Afterwards, a short walk to the chapel of Brother Ulrich in Mösli with the 16th century fresco cycle and the presumably earliest depiction by Dorothee Wyss. Then descend to the Ranft and visit the lower Ranft Chapel.
Good footwear required.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Group size: max. 25 people per group
Cost: CHF 200 per group
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
Brother Klaus' message of peace united the quarrelling confederates at the "Stanser Verkommnis" in 1481 and shaped the alliance for centuries. Niklaus von Flüe is still present in the village of Stans today. In an alliance with the Lebanese peace-seremite Charbel Makhlouf, he stands for peace and reconciliation. This becomes clear on the village tour.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Group size: max. 25 people per group
Cost: CHF 200 per group
Tour location: Stans
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
Niklaus von Flüe's connection to the city of Lucerne and the state are complex. On several occasions, Lucerne sent messengers to the Ranft to seek advice from Brother Klaus. On the excursion to Lucerne, you will follow the traces and find out how his cowl came to be in the Jesuit church and whether he actually took part in the "Musegger Umgang".
Duration: 2 hours
Group size: max. 25 people per group
Cost: CHF 240 per group
Tour location: Lucerne
Contact:
Niklaus von Flüe and Dorothee Wyss Friends Association
Pilatusstrasse 12
6072 Sachseln
Email:kontakt@bruderklaus.com
Web:www.bruderklaus.com
Tel.: +41 41 660 44 18
