In Wikon, you can plan a stay around the medieval Marienburg, trails through forests and meadows, and several cultural venues. The viewing terrace and castle hill are the main scenic highlights; Spycher, Bruder Klaus Church and the Erlebnisbahnhof offer other historical and cultural perspectives. When planning your visit, decide whether you want to focus on the views, a hike or a specific cultural event.
Marienburg: Castle, History and Views
Marienburg Castle has become a landmark of the municipality. As a medieval castle complex, it is part of an archaeological protection zone. Marienburg traces its origins to Wikon Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. The main tower, as well as remains of the old chapel and palas, have been preserved. The castle’s history and the later history of the Marienburg Institute are two distinct chapters in the story of the place.
The castle’s public viewing terrace offers views over the Wiggertal valley; in suitable weather, the view extends to the Alps. The signposted hiking trail starts at the Wikon, Schlossberg stop and climbs to Marienburg Castle in 20 minutes. The ViaGottardo also runs below the castle hill. As trail conditions can change seasonally, check them before setting out.
Hiking Trails and Protected Landscapes
Wikon has a total of 16.2 kilometres of official hiking trails through well-maintained forests and meadows. If you choose an outing based on landscape features, you can explore different protected areas: the Hohwacht nature reserve encompasses an exposed hilltop with an extensively managed meadow, while Chrummächerli includes a forest clearing with an extensively managed meadow. An orchid site is located in the Bachtale protection zone. The hilltop, forest clearing and orchid site are distinct nature themes and need not be combined into a single hiking route.
Forest Playground for Picnics and Barbecues
Wikon Forest Playground, a play and barbecue area, is located at the edge of the forest above the school and the Catholic church. Families can picnic there, and firewood for barbecues is available on site. Please use the car park by the school for your visit. Motorised vehicles are not permitted on the forest playground.
Cultural Venues and Local History
The Spycher was renovated in 2006 for the village’s 750th anniversary and is a bequest from the late Rudolf Lanz. The Wikon cultural association holds four cultural events there each year. This makes the Spycher a cultural focal point in its own right, alongside Marienburg’s architectural and institutional history.
The Marienburg Institute of Education and Mission was opened by Benedictine Sister Gertrud Leupi in 1891. Until 2003, the sisterhood prepared young women for working and family life there. The institute’s extension was built between 1970 and 1972. These dates distinguish the institute’s opening, its later activities and the construction period.
Bruder Klaus Church is a modern church building with an open bell tower, designed by architect Hermann Bauer. It is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at the church. The church accepts enquiries about weddings and concerts. Hochstudhus Sager, at Oberdorfstrasse 2, is listed as a culturally significant property protected by the canton.
The Erlebnisbahnhof Brittnau-Wikon is housed in the former station building of Brittnau-Wikon railway station on the Olten–Lucerne railway line. During guided tours, the electromechanical Brittnau-Wikon station interlocking system is demonstrated; tours must be arranged in advance. The cultural offerings therefore differ in their planning requirements: Spycher events take place throughout the year, while the demonstration at the Erlebnisbahnhof requires prior arrangements.
Discover more destinations: Ufhusen, Wauwil, Menzberg, Reiden, Willisau, Luthern, Pfaffnau, Menznau.
Go to the main travel overview: Willisau.
