Hike Report – ‘Bruderklausenweg’ (SM 571)

Short Description

“Bruderklausenweg” (Brother Klaus’s Way) follows the route a messenger took from Brother Klaus’ hermit dwelling back to Stans. He was carrying a message from Niklaus von Flüeh (Brother Klaus) with advice on how to end the budding war. Unfortunately, we don’t know the content of the message, only that the advice did indeed bring about the end of the inner conflict between the Swiss cantons (at the time).

Being of historic significance, there are lots of interesting stops along the way, and whoever is so inclined may treat the trail as a pilgrimage. There are numerous signs with exercises and advice on how to live more like Brother Klaus, as well as equally numerous chapels and churches.

The trail is technically easy, but not short, leading from Stans to Sachseln. As it is not a loop you will have to take the train back to the beginning if you came by car.

Notes

• Signage is very clear, should be easy to follow.

Impressions

Summer was here, but summer temperatures still lagged behind and many mountain trails were still snow covered (while other parts of the world were blighted by heat waves and floodings, so I don’t want to complain too much). A perfect opportunity to do one of the low altitude, montane trails from my wish list, which are usually too hot do do in Summer: Bruderklausenweg.

There are lots of opportunities to have long talks with your (hiking) partner, or to take the time to think deeply and reflect along this technically easy, but long trail/pilgrimage, all the while enjoying the fantastic views of Lake Sarnen on one side, Stanserhorn on the other, and lots of grassland, farms and small villages in between.

Of course the route is also of historical interest. If you want to fully understand what you’re seeing and not miss anything along the way, I would recommend reading up on the history in advance though, as not much is explained by Schweizmobil or signs along the way. For example on Wikipedia.

I’m not a spiritual person, but the story of Bruder Klaus and the history attached to the trail intrigued me. I did imagine something completely different regarding his hermitage though, and we weren’t sure the building we saw was really where he was supposed to live (again, read up first, as we didn’t see a sign or anything there). See the image towards the end of the gallery below and you will understand what I mean.

Definitely recommended for the circumstances described.

Would you like to share your own experiences with this hike? Do you have any questions? Something to add? Feel free to leave a comment below 🙂

Route Report / Gallery

This is one of my first hikes with my new camera, so obviously any good pictures are a matter of pure luck. Nonetheless, full size images without watermarks are available for licensing to interested parties. Check romans.pictures, or contact me for details.