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Route
Thematic Trail
Length
3.4 km
Travel time
approx. 1h
Tour details
Tour details
Visions Trail
Weg der Visionen
Photo: Obwalden Tourismus, Obwalden Tourismus
Visions Trail
Geburtshaus Bruder Klaus
Photo: Obwalden Tourismus, Obwalden Tourismus
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The Visions Trail, both a footpath and a meditation path, begins thematically in the Flüeli near Brother Klaus' birthplace and ends in the burial chapel in Sachseln.
Visions are special God-given and (inner) experiences of holy people, to whom Brother Klaus and his wife Dorothee belonged. This special pilgrim's way is devoted to the inner and outer life of Brother Klaus. The first five visions are the experiences of Brother Klaus, but the sixth is an inner vision of Dorothee.

The six metal sculptures along the path and the drawings in this booklet are by the Obwalden artist André Bucher (1924 - 2009). The path was inaugurated in 1991 - on the anniversary of “700 years of the Swiss Confederation”.

The meditation path begins at the birthplace in Flüeli-Ranft and ends at the grave of Niklaus von Flüe in the parish and pilgrimage church of Sachseln.

 

Vision 1: stone, star, holy oil

Niklaus von Flüe sees signs while still an infant that show him the way.

Vision 2: a tall, beautiful tower

The sixteen-year-old Niklaus sees a tall tower at the place where he later lives as a hermit. Henceforth he seeks the "unifying being".

Vision 3: decision of the young man

Niklaus meets three men, the symbol of the Trinity, and decides to serve God completely from now on.

Vision 4: well vision

Niklaus sees a well overflowing with wine, oil and honey overflows and realises that he himself is this fountain.

Vision 5: triple thanksgiving

God the Father, Mother Mary andSon Jesus thank Niklaus for having come to the aid of Christ on the cross.

Vision 6: Easter experience by Dorothee

Visions run through the life of Niklaus von Flüe. Dorothee accompanies him, even if she does not understand everything. At her husband's grave, a messenger consoled her, saying he had seen Niklaus as a sign of perfection with the victory flag.

The path is freely accessible and can also be followed in the opposite direction.

Technical details

Tour type
Thematic Trail
Difficulty
Easy
Condition
1 / 6
Ascent
6 m
Descent
244 m
Best Time of Year
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Author’s advice
Recommendation: brochure “Visions Trail - guide”, available from the pilgrimage office in Sachseln, Paxmontana kiosk in Flüeli, and from the Ranft shop.
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Good to know

Accessible by bus and train
Yes
Public transport
Von Interlaken oder Luzern mit der Zentralbahn nach Sachseln. Von Sachseln fährt das Postauto bis Flüeli-Ranft.