ViaJacobi, Stage 25/33

The old country road from Werthenstein to Willisau was part of a vital east-west connection since the 15th century. The late medieval route includes unique elements such as trails along slopes and sunken lanes, hedges, various surfaces and striking individual trees.

From the Werthenstein, Dorf bus stop, the yellow-marked hiking trail leads out of the village. It climbs gently between meadows and woodland, reaching the Landgerichtskapelle after the first longer section. The route continues across open countryside to Buholz. Shortly afterwards, at around 670 m, it reaches the highest point of the hike; the total ascent of just over 300 metres is spread pleasantly across the first few hills.

The route then continues in a steady succession of ascents and descents through the intimate Lucerne landscape. Stretches of woodland alternate with meadows and hamlets until Geiss is reached. The Landgasthof Ochsen stands directly on the route and is a good place for a break. Beyond the village, the surroundings become quieter again as the trail crosses open ground and enters the forest once more towards the end. At the Galgen-Chäppeli, the final descent begins towards the first houses of Willisau. After around 14 kilometres and just under four hours, the hike ends at Willisau railway station.