Born in a farmhouse under the "Flue" (German for cliffs and another word for Flüeli, a village in Canton Obwalden in the heart of Switzerland and Europe). His family name "von Flüe" is taken from his birthplace. His parents: Heinrich von Flüe und Hemma Ruobert. He is christened as "Niklaus," although the ceremony takes place in Kerns rather than Sachseln because the family stands under an interdiction.
As a child, he is already a seeker of God with an inclination to be alone (desire to be a hermit). He is an exemplary youth, and a lover of peace with sense of justice.