Willisau: Old Town, Culture and Willisauer Ringli

Willisau has a strong historical focus: its late-medieval old town is laid out as a rectangle about 250 metres long, while the town mill, Archaeology Cellar and museums offer different insights into cultural history. Willisauer Ringli, recurring customs and trails through the Lucerne Hinterland add to the mix. You can tailor your stay to history, local traditions or outdoor activities.

Old Town and Architectural History

The old town is flanked by Castle Hill to the south and the Enziwigger to the north; fragments of the town wall have been preserved. The Upper Gate and Lower Gate mark the boundaries of the old town and, together with the main street, form a unified ensemble. The rectangular layout, gates and fragments of the wall reveal different parts of the historic town structure.

The Church of St Peter and Paul is considered the largest church in the Lucerne countryside; its distinctive bell tower is a protected historic monument. The church was built onto a Romanesque tower between 1805 and 1810. The building thus brings together two different periods.

Willisau Castle is one of the most significant secular Baroque buildings in Central Switzerland. It is attached to a tower from the old town wall dating from the transition between the 14th and 15th centuries. The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour. If you plan to visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance. The Hans Roelli Room in the castle displays writings, instruments and everyday objects belonging to Hans Roelli (1889–1962), the singer, poet and songwriter born in Willisau.

Town History and Cultural Sites

Willisau Town Mill is run as a centre for innovation and culture. It is a living part of Willisau’s history that remains accessible and open to the public. This modern venue also includes rooms of historical and art-historical significance.

The Archaeology Cellar preserves part of the medieval town wall, the remains of a historic cellar and an original floor made of closely laid cobblestones. The floor can be seen through a walkable glass floor. Short films and slide shows bring the town’s history to life; the entrance beside the town wall is wheelchair accessible.

The Swiss Bottle Museum displays a collection of more than 40,000 bottles. Guided tours with commentary are offered on all opening days. Check visitor information before travelling. This makes it easy to plan a visit to the museum as a distinct part of your stay, rather than confusing it with the old town’s historic buildings.

Willisauer Ringli and Local Specialities

At the HUG AG Ringli Shop in Willisau, you can watch the Original Willisauer Ringli being made through a large window. The shop also offers tastings of products from the HUG, Wernli and DAR-VIDA brands. Watching the production and sampling the products are two different ways to discover them on site.

Café AMREIN Chocolatier is the original home of Willisauer Ringli. Groups can watch the confectioners making this speciality. Confirm that this group offer is available before booking.

Customs and Recurring Events

For many decades, the Willisau St Nicholas procession has been organised by the Willisau Gymnastics Club and draws a large crowd every year. The procession, with more than 300 participants, includes Geisslenchlöpfer (whip crackers), bell ringers and wild Schmutzlis. As the exact date may vary, check the event details before your visit.

Star singing is another old custom that has been revived in the old town. On one evening in the week after Christmas, the royal party enters the old town with servants, shepherds, sheep and a donkey, singing in front of the Christmas tree outside the town hall.

The Willisau Jazz Festival was first held in 1975. For more than 50 years, fans of improvised music have travelled to the Lucerne Hinterland year after year. The programme and dates may vary, so check the details in advance.

Circular Trail and Swimming

The circular hike around Willisau, the Jubilee Trail, is a signposted loop measuring 11.14 kilometres. It goes around the town and offers views of sights and landscapes. The route thus gives you two different perspectives on Willisau: the town and its surroundings. Seasonal conditions may vary, so take them into account when planning your trip.

Willisau Indoor Swimming Pool offers generous time slots for public swimming and is used by locals and visitors from the surrounding area. Swimming times may change, so check the current schedule before your visit. The outdoor pool has a 36 × 15-metre pool for swimmers and non-swimmers, a 1-metre diving board and a 4-metre slide.

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