Discover Wikon: Marienburg Castle, Culture and Hiking Trails

When choosing a hotel for a stay in Wikon, you can base your choice of destination on a range of interests: the history of Marienburg Castle, official hiking trails through forests and meadows, and other buildings all shape the townscape. A public viewing terrace and a playground and barbecue area are also specific points of interest. The places below show how cultural history, landscape and practical visitor information differ.

Marienburg Castle and local history

Marienburg Castle stands on a hilltop in Wikon and has become a landmark of the municipality. As a medieval castle complex, Marienburg is listed in an archaeological protection zone. Wikon Castle, on which Marienburg is based, dates back to the 12th century. The castle complex preserves the main tower as well as the remains of the old chapel and the palas. From the castle’s public viewing terrace, the view stretches across the Wiggertal Valley; in suitable weather, it reaches as far as the Alpine range.

Marienburg’s institutional history also has several important dates. In 1891, Benedictine Sister Gertrud Leupi opened the Marienburg educational and missionary institute. The sisterhood prepared young women here for working and family life until 2003. The institute’s extension was built between 1970 and 1972. The history of the place can therefore be explored both through the castle complex and through the institute’s later use.

The Spycher offers a different way to discover local culture. The building was renovated in 2006 for the village’s 750th anniversary and is a bequest from the late Rudolf Lanz. The Wikon cultural group holds four cultural events there each year. Alongside the castle’s history, it is another specific venue for cultural events.

Hiking trails, views and nature

Wikon has 16.2 kilometers of official hiking trails through well-maintained forests and meadows. One suggested hike starts at the Wikon forest playground and climbs uphill to Marienburg Castle. From the Wikon, Schlossberg stop, a signposted hiking trail leads uphill to Marienburg Castle in 20 minutes. The ViaGottardo also passes below the castle hill. Check local trail conditions before setting out; they may change seasonally along the ViaGottardo.

The viewing terrace and hiking trails appeal to different interests: the focus here is on the view across the Wiggertal Valley, while there it is on the route through forests and meadows. In suitable weather, the view from the terrace reaches as far as the Alpine range. This weather condition applies to the distant view; the view across the Wiggertal Valley is also described as a feature of the public terrace.

The nature protection zones also differ in their landscape features. Hohwacht comprises an exposed hilltop with extensively managed grassland, while Chrummächerli is a forest clearing with extensively managed grassland. The Bachtale protection zone contains an orchid site. The hilltop, forest clearing and orchid site thus represent different aspects of nature in Wikon.

Buildings and practical visitor information

The Bruder Klaus Church is a modern church building with an open bell tower, designed by architect Hermann Bauer. The church is wheelchair-accessible, and parking is available at the church. The church accepts inquiries about weddings and concerts. Its architecture, accessibility and possible uses are specific aspects relevant to different visitor questions.

The Brittnau-Wikon Experience Station is located in the former station building of Brittnau-Wikon railway station on the Olten–Lucerne railway line. During guided tours, the electromechanical signal box is demonstrated; tours are available by arrangement. The Hochstudhus Sager at Oberdorfstrasse 2 is listed as a culturally significant building protected by the canton.

The Wikon forest playground is a playground and barbecue area at the edge of the forest, above the school and the Catholic church. It offers families a place for picnics; firewood for grilling is available on site. Visitors should use the parking lot at the school, and motorized vehicles are not allowed to enter the site. This clearly states both its use as a picnic and barbecue area and the rules for parking and vehicle access.

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