Museum Bruder Klaus

About the museum

The Museum Bruder Klaus has existed since 1976 in the centre of Sachseln, the home village of the hermit and peace mediator Niklaus von Flüe. It began with early collections on Bruder Klaus and the idea of a museum of its own; eventually the stately Peter-Ignaz-von-Flüe-Haus, a townhouse of 1784 on the village square, was acquired and the museum opened there. In 2026 the museum looks back on its first 50 years with a cabinet exhibition.

The permanent exhibition paints a portrait of the 15th-century mystic, politician and popular saint, draws on historical facts and traces his influence up to the present day. It addresses a broad audience, regardless of religion and background; audio guides are available in several languages. The house includes an extensive Baroque garden, which in summer, under the motto "Garten offen" (Garden open), invites visitors free of charge to linger and play.

Since 1985 the outbuilding has housed the Christian Sigrist Collection, 28 carved miniature models showing rural crafts and working life in the first half of the 20th century. The museum is run as a foundation by the Verein Museum Bruder Klaus; changing exhibitions combine history, religion, mysticism and art.

Highlights

• Townhouse of 1784 with Baroque garden
• Permanent exhibition on Niklaus von Flüe as a mediator between worlds
• Christian Sigrist Collection with 28 miniature models
• Audio guides in German, French, Italian and English
• Garden freely accessible in summer

Permanent exhibitions

• Niklaus von Flüe – Vermittler zwischen Welten – The permanent exhibition portrays Niklaus von Flüe as a mystic, politician and popular saint of the 15th century and follows his traces up to the present day.
• Sammlung Christian Sigrist – In the outbuilding, the collection opened in 1985 shows 28 carved miniature models by Christian Sigrist (1906–1987) with scenes from rural everyday life and crafts.

Founded

1976

Operated by

Stiftung Museum Bruder Klaus (getragen vom Verein Museum Bruder Klaus)

Director

Christian Sidler

Admission & discounts

Free: children up to 6 years, children with guest card, Obwalden school classes, members of the Verein Museum Bruder Klaus, and holders of the Museum Pass, Raiffeisen Museum Pass, Museum Pass Junior and cards of the Association of Swiss Museums (VMS) and ICOM.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor with the story of Bruder Klaus is wheelchair accessible via a ramp set up by reception staff; the other floors are not accessible. Dogs are not allowed in the exhibitions.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

For school classes there is a comic for a self-guided tour of the main exhibition; in summer the garden ("Garten offen") offers play stations, a craft basket, a treasure hunt and garden games.

Getting there & parking

By car from Lucerne in about 20 minutes via the A2 and A8.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The historic parlour (civil weddings) as well as the museum and garden can be hired for aperitifs, meetings and corporate events, with or without a visit to the exhibition.

Plan your visit