Tour of Aargau
Intro
Echoing the rivers that meander through the hilly region, this tour carries travellers through the centuries as it winds across the lush scenery of Aargau.
Description
Magnificent monasteries, castles and fortresses recall the ancient Romans, the Zähringer dynasty and the mighty Habsburgs, the wealthy clergy and powerful aristocracy. From museums in Aarau to literature in Olten, and from festivals in Zofingen to the countless beautifully preserved historic towns, you’ll find the region promises delightful surprises at every turn.
Here you find detailed information on the route: PDF Tour of Aargau
Hereafter, we present 15 suggestions for excursions along the tour.
Tipp 1: Hallwyl Castle & lake cruise
One of Switzerland’s finest and most romantic moated castles occupies two islands in the Aabach river, just downstream from Lake Hallwil. Once across the drawbridge, you discover the compelling world of a noble Aargau family and their subjects in the Seetal valley. Guided tours, fascinating exhibitions and special events bring 800 years of history vividly to life. Relax afterwards on an idyllic lake cruise.
Tipp 2: Muri Abbey
The sight of Muri Abbey with its soaring spires and turreted roofs framed by the snowy Alps on the horizon is an almost spiritual experience. The architectural gem is nearly 1,000 years old; a new museum tells the history of the former Benedictine monastery, once highly influential. Attractions include the ornate abbey church, pretty gardens and tranquil cloisters – plus a pleasant café and museum shop.
Tipp 3: Bremgarten’s old Town
Bremgarten’s picturesque Old Town is exceptionally well preserved and as a result listed in its entirety as a heritage site of national importance. Nestling in a loop of the River Reuss and framed by water on three sides, Bremgarten flourished under the Habsburgs. Today the town’s medieval core, scattered with historic gems, is a delight to explore on foot: much of the scene has barely changed in centuries.
Tipp 4: Wettingen Abbey & picturesque town of Baden
Students at the KSWE school in Wettingen study among walls full of history: the former Cistercian monastery was founded in 1227 and dissolved in 1841. Interesting features include the abbey church, stained glass windows and cloisters, plus other converted buildings in the complex such as the old spinning mill. Close by, the picturesque town of Baden is famous for its spas and rich cultural life.
Tipp 5: Windisch Legionary Trail & Wildegg castle
Experience life as a Roman legionary! In Vindonissa (today’s Windisch), you can find out how it feels to eat, sleep and march like the 6,000 Roman soldiers stationed here 2,000 years ago, at the only legion camp in what is now Switzerland. Alternatively we recommend a visit to Wildegg Castle: not quite so old, but just as exciting! The baroque hilltop castle is also famous for its gorgeous gardens.
Tipp 6: Bad Schinznach & oldtown of Brugg
The choice is yours: you can get thoroughly wet or you can keep your feet dry and just enjoy the view of the River Aare. For the former, head to the “Aquarena fun” thermal spa complex in Bad Schinznach, fed by a sulphur-rich spring – the richest and best-balanced in Switzerland. If you prefer to stay out of the water, we suggest a stroll through Brugg’s Old Town. Both options are a treat for body and soul.
Tipp 7: Königsfelden Monastery & moated castle
History enthusiasts will enjoy Königsfelden Monastery, once a power base of the Habsburgs. The windows of the church are some of the finest examples of late-medieval stained glass in Europe. Visitors more interested in wildlife can head instead to the nature reserve where the rivers Aare, Reuss and Limmat join forces. Water buffalo help to maintain the wetland, which supports a rich flora and fauna.
Tipp 8: Thermal bath Zurzach & Paul Scherrer Institute
In Bad Zurzach, the thermal water bubbles up from a depth of 400 metres to feed an exceptional variety of pools and spa facilities. Nearby, the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI may be less well known among the public, yet it is the largest research centre for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. Here guests are welcome to join guided tours and explore the interactive exhibits at the visitor centre.
Tipp 9: Laufenburg & Jurapark Aargau
Laufenburg in Aargau and Laufenburg just across the Rhine in Germany once formed a single town. Discover the intriguing history of this attractive community and its division by Napoleon. Or leave human machinations far behind and escape to the Argovia Jurapark. This regional nature park lies between the Rhine and Aare rivers, far from the Basel and Zurich conurbations, and promises blissful tranquillity.
Tipp 10: Sole Uno wellness world & historic oldtown of Rheinfelden
Float weightless as if you’re in the Dead Sea; experience Nordic contrasts at the “fire and ice” pool; relax in a tropical rain shower; re-energise under an alpine waterfall: the Sole Uno spa promises a whole world of wellness. There’s much more to Rheinfelden, though: the town founded on the banks of the Rhine by the Zähringer dynasty boasts a charming historical core with excellent restaurants.
Tipp 11: Aarau & museums
You have to come to Aarau at least twice. Once to explore the charming Old Town, famous for its historic houses boasting high gables with beautiful painted eaves. And once to visit the superb museums – including one of Switzerland’s finest art museums; the modern and interactive Naturama; and the new Stadtmuseum (city museum). With luck, you’ll also get to see one of various colourful popular festivals.
Tipp 12: Olten
It might not be obvious at first, but there’s a lot going on in Olten. With four museums, three theatres, many other performance venues and a small literature festival in the autumn, the town on the Aare has a great deal to offer. Alex Capus’s book of stories about the town, “The King of Olten”, was a bestseller in Switzerland. With luck you can find it in the free public bookcase by the Café/Bar Gryffe.
Tipp 13: Zofingen’s Old Town
The historic old town of Zofingen is one of the best preserved in all of Switzerland. It is symmetrically shaped and home to 23 public fountains - making it a truly attractive place that invites you to linger and enjoy a pleasant stroll. But that’s not all. Zofingen is also the venue for enjoyable events such as the grand Bio Marché organic trade fair in June or the lively open air and moonlight classics in August.
Tipp 14: Chocolat Frey visitor centre
At the visitor centre of Switzerland’s largest chocolate manufacturer, you explore the mouth-watering world of chocolate with all your senses. You can even dress up as a truffle and take your place in a giant box of chocs! You learn all you ever wanted to know about the divine delicacy, and also get to make your own chocolate. For all enthusiasts this is heaven on earth; to give it a miss would be a sin!
Tipp 15: Lenzburg castle & old town Lenzburg
Visible from far and wide, one of Switzerland’s oldest and finest hilltop castles towers majestically above the small town of Lenzburg. Fascinating exhibitions and a busy programme of historical and cultural events bring 1,000 years of history vividly to life. At the foot of the castle, the Old Town with its narrow alleys and peaceful squares offers a delightful setting in which to stroll, shop and relax.
Information
Careful planning is a prerequisite for an enjoyable tour. Please inform about the weather and road conditions beforehand at the local information point. According to the season and the weather conditions, the route might be closed or interrupted.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
Aargau Tourismus
Laurstrasse 10
5200
Brugg
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)62 823 00 73
info@aargautourismus.ch
aargautourismus.ch
