Hohenrain combines evidence of Johannite history with a landscape of meadows, fields, forests and Lake Baldegg. Those seeking culture and time outdoors on a trip will find a range of things to explore here: from historic buildings and the archaeological site in Ottenhusen to hiking and cycling trails on the Lindenberg.
Johannite history and notable buildings
The Johannite commandery and Roten Tower are considered the municipality’s landmarks. In the 13th century, the commandery served as a pilgrims’ hostel and, at the same time, as the administrative centre of an extensive estate in the Seetal and the surrounding area. Roten residential tower was built between 1150 and 1490. In Hohenrain, history can be read in both a striking building and the commandery’s former regional role.
The gatehouse and parish house of the former Johannite commandery are of outstanding national cultural and historical importance. Alongside Heidegg Castle, they are among the canton of Lucerne’s oldest secular buildings to have been preserved intact. Massive sections of wall and parts of the interior date back to the commandery’s founding. St. John the Baptist Church adds its own historic note with its late Gothic cheese-dome tower, which dates from 1550.
The exhibition in Roten Tower offers insights into the landscape, the history of the Johannite commandery and its knights. A Gothic room features a circular barrel vault and inscriptions dating from 1547. A twelve-minute film explores how the Seetal was formed in connection with the Reuss Glacier. Binoculars are available for taking in views of the Central Swiss Alps. Architecture, landscape and the history of the order come together in the exhibition’s many details.
Roman times and special viewpoints
Ottenhusen offers another stop for history enthusiasts: the ruins of a Roman villa, discovered in 1849, are believed to be more than 2,000 years old. The archaeological site is freely accessible seven days a week. In the immediate vicinity and along the path to a nearby forest barbecue area, information panels offer insights into life in the Roman Empire. A treasure hunt at the Roman estate in Ottenhusen is the second adventure in the Seetal Cultural Adventure.
The Roman Tower in Ottenhusen is a twelve-metre-high wooden structure with expansive views of the Alps and the Seetal. Another viewpoint is the nearby ruins of NĂĽnegg Castle in Lieli, which feature a spiral staircase and a viewing platform above the top of the wall. Each place has its own focus: Ottenhusen highlights Roman history and far-reaching views, while Lieli offers castle ruins with distinctive architectural features.
Landscape, trails and seasonal activities
Meadows, fields, deep-green forests and Lake Baldegg shape Hohenrain’s natural and cultural landscape. The sunny slopes of the Lindenberg around Hohenrain are ideal for hiking, running and biking; well-maintained hiking and cycling trails offer more ways to explore the area on the move. Ballmoos raised bog lies at 845 metres above sea level in Lieliwald. It is one of the last mountain-pine raised bogs on the Swiss Plateau and is botanically rich, with rare sedge species and carnivorous sundew growing there.
For quieter moments, the pilgrimage chapel of Maria zum Schnee in Ibenmoos invites visitors to pause in silence and pray. The Seetal Chapel Trail includes this chapel, as well as St. Wendelin in Lieli and the chapel in Kleinwangen. Thus, alongside the commandery’s buildings, chapels and religious sites also feature in the area’s cultural offering.
The season may also be a factor in your choice. In the summer months, nearby Lake Baldegg and Lake Hallwil offer opportunities for swimming. In winter, visitors can use a small ski lift and a cross-country ski trail in nearby Horben. Hohenrain and its surroundings therefore offer seasonal activities in addition to culture and hiking trails.
Getting to Hohenrain
Take the SBB Seetalbahn from Lucerne or Lenzburg to Hochdorf, then continue by bus with BSF. Check the timetable before setting off so you can plan your journey accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Kleinwangen, Eschenbach Lu, Gelfingen, Ermensee, Römerswil, Rain, Lieli, Schongau.
View the main travel overview: Hochdorf.
