Chapel of St. Niklaus on the mountain

During the hike to "Samichläusali", up to Bunegg and back to Willisau, you will come across St. Niklausenhügel, the chapel of St. Niklaus on the hill built by the Habsburgs. Stop for a moment on a bench in the middle of this local recreation area and enjoy the wonderful view of Willisau.

Surviving the storms of time

The chapel belonged to the "Alt Willisau" castle, which stood on the hill in the Middle Ages. The chapel was built at the end of the 12th century or in the first half of the 13th century. The chapel was spared when the castle was destroyed in 1386 during the Sempach War. The "Samichläusali" has survived the storms of time and is still a reminder of the castle's former glory.

Pretty gem

The chapel of St. Niklaus on the mountain is a unique and beautiful gem in many respects. The roof was given its present form in 1497. The current chapel dates back to alterations around 1655. The Romanesque windows were replaced by the existing ones and the early Baroque portal was built into the west wall. Inside, various wall paintings indicate the earlier state. Over the course of time, windows and doors were also altered, which can still be seen in places today, and the oldest bell in the canton of Lucerne hangs in the tower (end of the 12th century). The greenish-black bell, cast in bronze, bears the Hebrew inscription "Agla Adonai Emanuel" ("You are mighty forever, my Lord and my God") in Latin capital letters. The "Samichläusali" was last restored in 1975/76.

You can find out more about the history of the Habsburgs in Willisau and the history of the castle on a guided tour of the town.