The Werthenstein monastery precinct stands on a rocky outcrop above a bend in the Kleine Emme, in a walled complex resembling a castle. The complex includes the pilgrimage church and secular buildings at the rear. When planning a stay in a holiday apartment, you can first choose your focus: monastic history and pilgrimage, or hikes to suit different time budgets.
Monastic History and Architecture
Pilgrimage in Werthenstein gained importance in 1528, after the miraculous image was brought from the chapel in Frybach to the church. The wood-carved sculpture depicts a PietĂ . The pilgrimage church was built between 1608 and 1613; the monastery building and its cloister were constructed in 1635 and 1636.
The cloister walkway, with its 45 Tuscan columns, stands out in the church courtyard. Large-format paintings by artist Kaspar Meglinger can be seen in the church’s cloister walkway. The entrance to the pilgrimage church is flanked by the Pfyffer chapels, and the pulpit is carved from walnut. These details offer more than just one point of interest in the monastery precinct: the church, church courtyard and monastery buildings tell the story of different construction phases and religious uses.
The church’s acoustics and atmosphere are also part of its cultural character: it is regularly used as a setting for musical and theatrical performances. A guided tour of the monastery complex lasts one hour. Check the latest information on tours and visiting arrangements before your trip.
The Kleine Emme and Routes Around Werthenstein
Near Werthenstein, the Kleine Emme meanders sharply; its riverbed is wide there, with deposits of gravel and stones. The covered wooden bridge at Werthenstein was built in 1774 and 1775. The GnadenbrĂĽnneli lies on the uphill path from the wooden bridge over the Kleine Emme to the church. There are benches there and the option to light candles you have brought with you.
The hike following in the footsteps of the “Sulzigjoggi” starts at Werthenstein Monastery. It offers a short route of about one hour and a longer one of about two hours. Another hike from Werthenstein climbs to Chriesbaume, where you can enjoy a panorama. The ViaJacobi stage from Lucerne to Werthenstein, at 19 kilometres, 5 hours and 10 minutes, and 520 metres of ascent, is a considerably longer undertaking. It crosses the Kleine Emme via the old wooden bridge. Check the latest trail conditions before setting off.
The Heavenly Paths connect the monastery village of St. Urban with the pilgrimage site of Hergiswald near Lucerne via Luthern Bad, Heiligkreuz in Entlebuch and Werthenstein. The pilgrim route to Werthenstein is listed as 31.21 kilometres long and graded difficult. For further orientation, the Emmenuferweg runs via Wolhusen station, Werthenstein, Malters, Littau and Lucerne station.
The times give you a clear idea of the differences when planning your day: the two Sulzigjoggi options take about one and two hours respectively, while the ViaJacobi stage is listed as taking more than five hours. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay, you can base your choice on your preferred hiking time rather than treating the routes as excursions of equal length.
Getting There and Practical Information
Train services from Werthenstein run towards Lucerne, Bern and Langenthal. Bus services run towards Malters, Wolhusen, Romoos and Entlebuch. Check the latest timetables for your travel dates before planning your outward and return journeys.
For accessibility, it is important to distinguish between the church and the monastery: the pilgrimage church is wheelchair-accessible, but the monastery itself is not. As accessibility information should be checked again before travelling, we recommend verifying the latest details. This will help you plan your church visit, guided tour and hikes to suit your stay.
Discover more destinations: Romoos, SchĂĽpfheim, Marbach, Entlebuch, Escholzmatt, FlĂĽhli, Hasle.
Back to the main travel overview: Entlebuch.
