Those wishing to combine archaeological traces with nature and birdwatching will find several points of interest in Wauwil. The municipality lies in the heart of the Lucerne Central Plateau, in the triangle formed by the small towns of Sursee, Willisau and Zofingen. Highlights include the pile-dwelling settlement and the Wauwilermoos Archaeological Learning Trail; paths across the Wauwil Plain and local history attractions also offer different ways to shape your visit.
Experience pile dwellings and archaeology
The Wauwilermoos Archaeological Learning Trail is around seven kilometres long and has six stops covering the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. It starts and ends at the reconstructed pile dwellings and information pavilion right next to Wauwil railway station. Both the Wauwil pile-dwelling settlement and the learning trail are free to visit. Guided tours of the settlement are available for individuals and school classes. There, visitors can explore original finds together with archaeologists.
The Archaeological Museum in Schötz, near the learning trail, offers another archaeological perspective. It displays finds from the Wauwil Plain and the Wiggertal dating from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman period and Middle Ages. The focus is on finds from Egolzwil 3, an early farming village whose archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When choosing a route, it is worth noting how they differ: the learning trail focuses on the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods across its six stops. The “Pile Dwellers and Pure Nature” route starts in Wauwil and ends in Schötz after 6.4 kilometres. It passes through Wauwilermoos to a birdwatching tower. This route therefore links its archaeological starting point with the nature reserve and a destination in Schötz.
Wauwilermoos and paths across the plain
Wauwilermoos is included in the Inventory of Waterbird and Migratory Bird Reserves of National Importance and is currently Switzerland’s largest breeding area for lapwings. A publicly accessible tower in the reserve offers a place to observe birds in the protected area.
The Wauwil Bench Trail also leads into the landscape of the plain. It starts near the pile-dwelling settlement and the S-Bahn stop, heads south across the Wauwil Plain and passes through species-rich nature reserves with many swimming and wading birds. For those wishing to combine different themes on a walk, the Peat Trail offers another option: it passes through Wauwilermoos and the village and explores aspects of fauna, flora and art. The Pilgrim Trail, meanwhile, leads past a church, a cemetery, a chapel, a wayside shrine and TĂĽrst crosses, among other places.
The “Lapwing Trail” children’s hiking route passes through Wauwil and over the Santenberg and is designed as a family attraction with interactive stops. It is a circular route with ten themed stops and starts at Wauwil railway station. At the end, a short detour towards the Moos sports grounds leads to a playground with a toilet. As practical information about the route may change, it is best to check before your visit.
Village history and visits
St. Wendelin’s Chapel is located in Wauwil towards Buchs and has been a listed building since 1973. The first chapel was built in the 16th century and replaced by a second one in 1737. Another part of local history is presented at the village and glass museum: housed in the former Weiermatt residence, it tells the story of Wauwil in connection with the history and fate of the glassworks. Visits are possible by prior arrangement. On the grounds of the Linde Centre, the bronze statues “Peat Digger” and “Glassblower” commemorate the beginnings of glass production in Wauwil.
Wauwiler Champignons also offers an insight into local production. Factory tours lasting about an hour are available by arrangement for groups of 10 to 50 adults. Confirm the details with the provider before travelling.
Getting there and finding your way
The S-Bahn stop in the centre of Wauwil offers services to and from Sursee every half hour. Check the timetable before travelling. The P+Rail facility at the station has 16 parking spaces, including one accessible parking space. The station is also the starting and finishing point of the Archaeological Learning Trail and the starting point of the Lapwing Trail.
Discover more destinations: Luthern, Wikon, Menznau, Ufhusen, Menzberg, Reiden, Pfaffnau, Dagmersellen.
Go to the main travel overview: Willisau.
