Wauwil: Pile Dwellings and Nature in the Wauwilermoos

Wauwil lies in the heart of the Central Lucerne Plateau, in the triangle formed by the small towns of Sursee, Willisau and Zofingen. The Wauwilermoos, archaeological pile dwellings and themed trails shape the town. If you are looking for a hotel in Wauwil, these different features can help guide your stay: from birdwatching in the nature reserve to insights into early settlement history.

Wauwilermoos and Birdwatching

The Wauwilermoos is included in the Inventory of Waterbird and Migratory Bird Reserves of National Importance. It is also currently Switzerland’s largest breeding area for lapwings. There is a publicly accessible tower in the reserve, from which you can observe birds in the protected area. You can explore the Wauwilermoos on foot or by bicycle.

The Wauwiler Bänkliweg also leads through the landscape: it starts near the Wauwil pile-dwelling settlement and the S-Bahn stop, then heads south across the Wauwil Plain. There you will find species-rich nature reserves with many swimming and wading birds. The trail combines views across the plain with another way to experience the area’s natural attractions.

Pile Dwellings and the Wauwilermoos Archaeological Trail

The Wauwil pile-dwelling settlement and the Wauwilermoos Archaeological Trail are free to visit. The trail is about seven kilometres long and has six stations about the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. It starts and ends at the reconstructed pile dwellings and the information pavilion, right next to Wauwil railway station. Guided tours are available for individuals and school groups. At the pile-dwelling settlement, visitors can explore original finds together with archaeologists.

Another way to combine the landscape with its history is the “Pile Dwellers and Pure Nature” route. It starts in Wauwil and ends in Schötz after 6.4 kilometres. The route passes through the Wauwilermoos and leads to a birdwatching tower. The “Panoramic Views in the Lucerne Hinterland” route also passes through the Wauwilermoos, but heads towards Schötz.

Other Trails and Excursion Destinations

The Kiebitzweg children’s trail runs through Wauwil and over the Santenberg. It is designed for families and features a range of interactive stations. This circular trail has ten themed stations and starts at Wauwil railway station. At the end, a short detour towards the Moos sports complex leads to a playground with a toilet. Practical information may change; check it before your hike.

The Torfweg trail runs through the Wauwiler Moos and the village, connecting themes of fauna, flora and art. The Pilgerweg includes a church, a cemetery, a chapel, a wayside shrine and Türst crosses, among other sites. The two trails have different focuses: the Torfweg links nature themes with art, while the Pilgerweg connects religious and devotional sites.

Museums and Local History

The Archaeological Museum in Schötz is near the Wauwilermoos Archaeological Trail. It displays finds from the Wauwil Plain and the Wigger Valley dating from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman period and Middle Ages. The focus is on finds from Egolzwil 3, an early farming village; its archaeological site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Wauwil, the village and glass museum is housed in the former “Weiermatt” residence; visits are available by appointment. The museum presents Wauwil’s history in connection with the history and fate of the glassworks. On the grounds of the Linde centre, the bronze statues “Peat Digger” and “Glassblower” commemorate the beginnings of glass production in Wauwil.

Towards Buchs stands St. Wendelin’s Chapel, which has been a protected monument since 1973. The first chapel was built in the 16th century and replaced by a second chapel in 1737. The tradition of celebrating St. Wendelin’s Day on 20 October dates back to 1825.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The S-Bahn stop in the centre of Wauwil has services to and from Sursee every half hour. Check the timetable before travelling. There is a P+Rail facility at the station with 16 parking spaces, including one accessible parking space. The station is also the start and end point of the Archaeological Trail and the starting point of the Kiebitzweg.

Discover more destinations: Dagmersellen, Reiden, Gettnau, Ufhusen, Luthern, Menznau, Wikon, Willisau.

Return to the main travel overview: Willisau.