Willisau’s history is reflected in its late medieval Old Town and in places where culture and local traditions can still be experienced today. The Old Town forms a rectangle about 250 metres long, flanked by Castle Hill to the south and the Enziwigger to the north. Fragments of the town wall have been preserved. From here, you can explore different aspects of the town: its architectural history, museums, Willisauer Ringli biscuits and recurring customs.
Old Town and architectural history
The Upper Gate and Lower Gate mark the boundaries of the Old Town and form a harmonious ensemble with the main street. The parish church of St Peter and Paul is considered the largest church in the Lucerne countryside. It was built onto a Romanesque tower between 1805 and 1810; its distinctive bell tower is a protected monument.
Willisau Landvogtei Castle is also closely connected to the town wall: it was built onto a tower dating from the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries and is one of the most significant secular Baroque buildings in Central Switzerland. It can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The Hans Roelli Room in the castle displays writings, instruments and everyday objects belonging to Hans Roelli (1889–1962), the singer, poet and songwriter born in Willisau.
Museums and town history
The Willisau Archaeology Cellar preserves part of the medieval town wall and the remains of a historic cellar. A walk-on glass floor also reveals an original floor made of closely fitted rounded stones. Short films and slide shows present the town’s history. The modernised Archaeology Cellar reopened in February 2025; its entrance next to the town wall is wheelchair accessible.
The Swiss Bottle Museum displays a collection of more than 40,000 bottles. Guided tours with commentary are available on all opening days; check the accessibility information before your trip. The Chapel of the Holy Blood draws worshippers, and a guided tour offers the chance to learn about its legend.
Town Mill and Willisauer Ringli
The Town Mill operates as a centre for innovation and culture. As a living part of Willisau’s history, it is open to the public to use and experience; it is also a modern venue featuring rooms of significance for art history.
At the HUG AG Ringli Shop in Willisau, you can watch Original Willisauer Ringli being made through a large window. Tastings of products from the HUG, Wernli and DAR-VIDA brands are also available. Café AMREIN Chocolatier is the birthplace of Willisauer Ringli. Groups can watch the confectioners at work there; confirm that this offer is available before booking.
Customs and festival
For many decades, the Willisau St Nicholas procession has been organised by Willisau Gymnastics Club and draws a large crowd every year. The procession includes more than 300 people, among them whip crackers, bell carriers and wild Schmutzli figures. During the Christmas carol singing, one evening in the week after Christmas, the group of kings enters the Old Town with servants, shepherds, sheep and a donkey, singing in front of the Christmas tree outside the town hall. The Jazz Festival Willisau was first held in 1975; for more than 50 years, fans of improvised music have travelled to the Lucerne countryside year after year. Specific event dates may vary, so check the latest dates before your visit.
Circular trail, guided tour and swimming
The circular hike around Willisau, the Jubilee Trail, is a signposted route measuring 11.14 kilometres. It goes around the town and offers views of landmarks and the surrounding landscape. As conditions can change seasonally, check them before your hike. The Willisau town tour is a guided walk through the historic Old Town, including a climb up the church tower and access to historic buildings. Dates and prices may change; check the current offer in advance.
For public swimming, Willisau Indoor Pool offers generous opening hours for locals and visitors from the surrounding area. Swimming times may change, so it is worth checking the current schedule. Willisau Outdoor Pool has a 36 Ă— 15-metre pool for swimmers and non-swimmers, a 1-metre diving board and a 4-metre slide. Alongside visits to historic sites, these swimming options provide another way to plan your trip.
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Go to the main travel overview: Willisau.
