The Freiamt is also known as a haven of peace, not far from the urban centres of Zurich, Lucerne, Zug, Baden and Aarau. Here, rolling hills repeatedly make way for river valleys. The region’s villages and historic towns exude a sense of warmth and are home to a number of cultural treasures.

The Freiämterweg trail allows visitors to discover what makes this region so special on one of three routes. It was designed as a circular trail and is easily accessible by public transport. Stretching over 190 kilometres, it can be divided into several stages. Along the way, more than 80 boards offer an insight into the region’s history, geography and places of interest. There is always a new highlight just waiting to be discovered. 

Marvel at painted works of art at the Museum Caspar Wolf in Muri. Caspar Wolf (1735–1783), who was born here in Muri, is now recognised as the most important Swiss landscape painter of the 18th century. As an important representative of the pioneering period between the Enlightenment and Romanticism, his name is inextricably linked with the history of landscape painting. The museum honours him with the most comprehensive permanent exhibition of his work. The life and career of a simple man from Muri can be discovered in the newly refurbished historical rooms of the Singisen wing, which was built in 1610: his apprenticeship years in southern Germany, then back home where his first works were commissioned by Muri Monastery, his experiences in Paris, the art metropolis of the time, and finally Wolf’s highlights as an Alpine painter in the same circle as Bernese scholars such as Albrecht von Haller and Jakob Samuel Wyttenbach.

The museum can be found on the premises of the famous former Muri Monastery. A visit here can be ideally combined with a trip to take in the historic walls, complete with cloister, crypt and the largest octagonal church in Switzerland.

One custom that is deeply rooted in the region is straw and hat weaving. What started out as a handicraft gradually developed into an industry, with hats being woven for export. The Freiamt is regarded as the most significant centre of this industry, which, for two centuries, was an important economic sector. At the Swiss Straw Museum in Wohlen, the history and transformation can be experienced in a variety of ways and through a variety of media. The detailed works of art delight young and old alike.

The fact that the region is full of cultural treasures is evident at many other stops along the Freiämterweg as well. Visitors constantly find themselves drawn to magnificently restored churches, well-preserved sawmills and mills or historic wooden bridges, such as the one in Sins on the river Reuss.

Lake Egelsee can be found between the Reuss and Limmat valleys. Nestled in a dense beech forest on the eastern flank of the Heitersberg, it is a popular local recreation area. Although it is barely larger than a pond, Lake Egelsee is the largest natural lake to lie entirely within the canton of Aargau. In warmer months, people stroll around here, barbecue and even jump into the cool water. 
The lake, which can only be reached on foot or by bike, is not situated on the Freiämterweg trail directly. But a detour along the marvellous panoramic trail from Widen is well worthwhile. It also leads past the famous Hasenberg tower. On a clear day, the view from the 40-metre-high tower extends over large parts of the Freiamt, reaching as far as Central Switzerland and the Bernese Alps. 

The view from the Lindenberg is also spectacular. This is reached via the Freiämterweg mountain route. From here, the view sweeps over the Bünz and Reuss valleys, both of which lead through the Freiamt. 

Caspar – Das Drei-Häuser-Hotel, Muri 
This urban hotel in an idyllic rural setting offers a special overnight experience. The 50 modern, renovated or new rooms are spread over three buildings: the historic inns “Adler” and “Ochsen”, as well as the new building “Wolf”, named after the famous landscape painter Caspar Wolf. Located in Muri, in the heart of the Freiamt, it is the ideal starting point for journeys of discovery. 

The Freiamt is around half an hour away from the centres of Zurich, Zug and Lucerne. The ideal starting point for the hike is Othmarsingen railway station – but Wohlen, Muri and Sins or Mutschellen are also possible starting points. They are all easily accessible by railway.
It is also possible to return to the starting point at any time by public transport.