Willisau’s history is evident not only in individual buildings: the late-medieval Old Town forms a rectangle around 250 metres long between Castle Hill to the south and the Enziwigger to the north. Gate towers stand at either end of the main street. After the town fire of 1704, the town was rebuilt. The town plan, gates and landmarks from different centuries give the town centre its distinctive historic character.
Old Town, gates and historic buildings
At the southern hill beside the Städtli, Willisau Castle was built at the end of the 17th century. It is one of the most magnificent Baroque buildings in Central Switzerland. It can only be visited as part of a guided tour, so take this condition into account when planning. Parts of the former town castle around Haus Bergli are freely accessible. The Obertor preserves its former prison cells—another testament to the town’s history.
The town fountains also tell the story of the town’s design: the three fountains were built around 1600 in the rare shape of a heptagon. The historic town mill retains its formerly used waterwheel and has been operated as a centre for innovation and culture since 2016. In the Untertor, the Turmstube presents Willisau’s development from the Middle Ages to the modern era; from there, visitors can get a glimpse of life in the town. The carillon in the attic above consists of 15 bells.
Part of the medieval town wall has been uncovered in the archaeological cellar. The entrance is in the south-east corner, immediately beside the town wall, and is wheelchair accessible. A walk-on glass floor offers a view of the original cobblestone floor. St Peter and Paul’s Parish Church tells a different story of construction: the present-day church was built onto a Romanesque tower between 1805 and 1810.
The St Niklaus Chapel on the hill belonged to the medieval Alt Willisau Castle and houses the oldest bell in the canton of Lucerne. The Holy Blood Chapel dates from 1674; a few years later, three richly figurative wooden early Baroque altars were created there. Next to the chapel, the Lustgarten (Pleasure Garden) explores the Holy Blood legend through five flowerbeds planted with red-flowering or red-leaved plants. A large penitential procession is held at the chapel every year on the second Sunday after Pentecost. Check the exact date if you would like to plan your trip around it.
Trails through town and countryside
Those wishing to explore the surrounding area on foot will find trails in the Napf region that pass through quiet woodland and over scenic hills to viewpoints. The “Around Willisau” tour starts at the railway station. Another documented hike begins in the historic Old Town, passes Willisau Castle on the ascent and continues towards Vorberg. The signposted anniversary trail around Willisau offers impressions of local sights and landscape. A hike in the Willisau area provides views of the Napf mountains and follows the Enziwigger between Hergiswil and Willisau.
The Ostergau pond landscape, a nature reserve of national importance, offers a distinctive natural setting. A small network of paths runs alongside fish-rich ponds. Check the current conditions for trails and the protected area before visiting. The Old Town can also be included in a cycling tour: Heart Route 99 passes through the historic town centre. The Napf Loop is signposted in both directions as Route 399 and starts at the Willisau or Langnau rental station.
Local specialities and cultural events
The Willisauer Ringli is a ring-shaped biscuit with a very hard texture and may only be made in Willisau. On a factory tour, you can watch production and learn how the original recipe and its production came to Willisau. On DIWISA’s Kafi-Luz tour, you can make traditional Kafi Luz yourself and sample other coffee specialities. The organisational details of these experiences may change; check them before planning your visit.
Events also add a different dimension to a visit, depending on when you travel. The Willisau-Wiggertal region hosts, among other events, the Willisau Jazz Festival, the Bluegrass Festival in Alberswil and the Christkindli Märt Willisau. Check the exact dates before your trip. BLS services connect to the SBB network via Wolhusen–Lucerne and Huttwil–Langenthal (S6), as well as buses to Nebikon and Sursee. Check the current timetable for your journey.
Discover more destinations: Wauwil, Menzberg, Luthern, Ufhusen, Willisau, Gettnau, Menznau, Wikon, Reiden, Pfaffnau, Dagmersellen.
Back to the main travel overview: Lucerne.
