Discover Neudorf: Churches, Gormund and Nature

Neudorf combines a long history of churches and pilgrimages with a nature reserve and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The parish church, Gormund Chapel, Vogelmoos and the forest trails each offer something different. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus mainly on historic sites, nature or a specific hike.

Parish church and religious history

Neudorf parish church is mentioned as St. Agatha’s Church as early as the 1026 deed of transfer to the monastery. The present-day parish church dates from the second half of the 17th century. It was consecrated on 10 May 1684 by Auxiliary Bishop Sigismund of Constance and restored between 1970 and 1972. The early mention and the dates relating to the present-day church therefore refer to different periods in its history.

The church has a rich and artistically valuable interior. Its choir stalls are considered among the finest in Swiss rural churches. The bells also span several periods: 15 bells were cast in Neudorf in 1637. The oldest bell still used in the church tower dates from the 11th century.

Neudorf was once a well-known place of pilgrimage. Once a year, eleven surrounding communities made a pilgrimage to Neudorf in honour of Saint Agatha. This historical tradition adds to the long history of the parish church by highlighting the town’s former importance as a destination for communal pilgrimages.

Gormund and Vogelmoos

The Maria Mitleiden pilgrimage chapel in Gormund stands on a prominent moraine hill in the southern part of the municipality of Neudorf, beside the Lucerne–Beromünster road. The oldest confirmed documentary reference to the chapel is a letter of consecration from 1509, issued by the Auxiliary Bishop of Constance. Festive occasions such as weddings and baptisms are also celebrated in the chapel. If you are planning a specific event, it is best to arrange the details in advance.

Another distinctive feature of Gormund is the rich artistic interior of the Maria Mitleiden Chapel. It derives from donations by the canons of Beromünster Abbey and the “Maria Mitleiden” and “St. Wendelin” brotherhoods. Neudorf is thus home to both the parish church of St. Agatha and the pilgrimage chapel, each with its own historical associations.

On Erlosen, the Vogelmoos nature reserve covers just under 80,000 square metres of land and woodland. It is a nationally important spawning ground for amphibians. Those interested in protected landscapes and amphibian habitats will find a different focus here than in the churches and pilgrimage history.

Hiking and outdoor activities

Neudorf’s forest has several fire pits for barbecuing, benches for resting and various trails for jogging or cycling. Use of these facilities may be subject to local conditions; check in advance when making specific plans. The forest offers opportunities for outdoor activities, while the designated hiking route describes a longer tour with named stops along the way.

The approximately 13-kilometre hike runs from Neudorf via Römerhof, Wiholz, Wiholzmatte, Beromünster and Mariazell to Sursee. The stated walking time is about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Possible detours along the route include Neudorf airfield, Beromünster Abbey and the Beromünster Castle Museum. The tour can therefore be assessed by its distance, approximate walking time and named waypoints.

Sightseeing flights and trial flights are offered from Lucerne-Beromünster Airport in Neudorf. If you are planning a flight, check current dates and conditions with the provider in advance. The options mentioned for planning your trip therefore differ: a hike with a specified route and walking time, forest trails and fire pits, and flights whose dates and operating conditions should be arranged directly.

Administrative information

Neudorf LU was a municipality in the canton of Lucerne and has been part of the municipality of Beromünster since 1 January 2013.

Discover more destinations: Mauensee, Oberkirch, Triengen, Wolhusen, Hildisrieden, Eich, Neuenkirch, Grosswangen.

Back to the main travel overview: Sursee.