The Late Gothic chapel with its sundial and the range of hiking options give Gettnau clear starting points for a stay that brings together architectural history, scenery and culinary delights. When planning a trip, you can first decide whether to focus on local history, a hike or the culinary-themed Genusswanderung.
Chapel, Church and Local History
The Late Gothic chapel in Gettnau was built in 1504 and is a listed monument. A decorative sundial on its south side is a distinctive feature of the building. The parish church adds to the historic character of the village: it was built in 1932/33 to designs by Josef Steiner from Schwyz and is dedicated to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
The medieval castle site of Stadtägertli is also part of Gettnau’s cultural heritage. It is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property Protection, as of 1 January 2026. The architectural history thus spans the medieval castle site, the Late Gothic chapel and the 20th-century parish church. For culture-minded visitors, these different periods provide a tangible framework for understanding Gettnau through its buildings, as well as seeing it as a starting point for outdoor activities.
In the Middle Ages and early modern period, Gettnau’s history was connected with the Habsburgs, the County of Willisau and the city of Lucerne. Gettnau is a locality in the municipality of Willisau in the canton of Lucerne and belongs to the Willisau electoral district. These connections help place the village within its regional history without reducing its own history to a single building or period.
Hikes with Different Themes
The hike from Gettnau to Willisau is suitable for families. Another option is the 12.77-kilometre Gettnau–Ohmstal circular hike. It runs mostly over hills and through fields, with views in every direction. This four-season route can also be walked in winter. The route details and descriptions present two different options; the longer loop is distinguished by its terrain and views in several directions.
The recurring Gettnau Genusswanderung combines hiking with culinary highlights and Swiss specialities. The route is 7 kilometres long. Compared with the Gettnau–Ohmstal circular hike, it is shorter, while its culinary focus offers a different kind of experience. Details may vary from one edition to another. If attending the event is a fixed part of your travel plans, it is therefore advisable to check the dates and details of the relevant edition.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
Gettnau has its own stop on the Lucerne–Langenthal railway line. The village is also on the main road between Wolhusen and Huttwil. If travelling by train, it is a good idea to check the timetable for your travel dates; these transport links provide useful orientation without specifying journey times or connections.
If you want to include the event in your plans, you can check its specific dates first and then arrange the rest of your trip around them. This lets you choose Gettnau to suit your interests rather than trying to fit every activity into a fixed schedule.
Discover more destinations: Willisau, Menznau, Pfaffnau, Luthern, Dagmersellen, Wikon, Menzberg, Wauwil
Back to the main travel overview: Willisau.
