116. Upper Chapel, Hermitage Nicholas of Flüe (OW)

Niklaus von Flüe (saint and patron saint of Switzerland) was born in 1417. After a successful career, family and social life, at the age of 50 he moved into hermitage in the nearby Ranft, a hill terrace in the Melchaatobel gorge near Flüeli in Canton Obwalden. There he lived for 20 years, praying, fasting, reflecting and receiving an increasing number of visitors, becoming a much sought-after counsellor, mediator and peacemaker. The chapel and then the modest and unadorned wooden cell were built for him by friends and fellow villagers in 1467. In 1469, the auxiliary bishop of Constance Thomas consecrated the chapel.

Inauguration: 1st of August 2023