Intro

Aarau inspires young and old with countless outdoor activities and water sports on and in the Aare. There are also many idyllic places inviting you to relax and stay a while. These include everything from games and sports to culinary delights. The city surprises visitors with a wide range of bars and restaurants.

In the Aare: Swimming 
 
A swim in the Aare is a wonderfully refreshing experience: Just let yourself drift and enjoy the moment. There are also many cosy spots and small sandy beaches directly on the Aare that are ideal for a leisurely picnic between activities. The idyllic spots and sandy stretches are located in close proximity to the city and are ideally accessible on foot or by bike. 

On the Aare: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and rafting 

The Aare can also be easily navigated by stand-up paddleboard or a rubber dinghy. Stand-up paddleboards can be rented at the nearby Rolling Rock skate and sports centre, where SUP courses are also offered. Competent course instructors, such as the sports enthusiast Géraldine, teach the best way to paddle in a simple and fun way. 

Relaxing on the Aare 

For those in search of some R&R, Aarau is just the right place: Downstream of the Aare you can easily hike to Biberstein. Aarau’s neighbouring municipality, which is already part of the Jurapark, is home to the regional highlight on the Aare, the Biobadi. It was opened as the first public bio-bathing facility in Switzerland. Unlike other outdoor pools, these baths are cleaned in a fully ecological manner. The water is filtered by gravel beds and cleaned by plant roots and microorganisms, giving visitors a wonderfully natural water experience nestled within a green nature reserve. A large swimming pool, a children’s pool, a sunbathing lawn and a restaurant with regional products are offered. Brave souls can take the plunge directly into the clean and refreshing Aare from the bridge, found right next to the bio-baths.

Anyone looking to commune with nature should definitely try “forest bathing”. Explore the forest along the Aare, recharge your body and soul under ancient trees and escape from everyday life for a moment. Best of all, forest bathing costs nothing and is suitable for everyone who enjoys the special experience of being in nature. In the nearby Gönhard Forest, the Aarau Forest Office invites you to enjoy a tailor-made forest experience. A forest snack is available on request. 

Aarau on the Aare 

The best way to round off an eventful day outdoors is to seek out a beautiful spot in the city. You could choose a delicious dinner in one of the many restaurants, such as the Schützenhaus north of the Aare with a wonderful outdoor seating area or the Schwanbar, directly on the banks of the Aare. During the summer months, this meeting place, which is popular with Aarau’s locals as well as visitors, invites you to enjoy a relaxing, delicious aperitif with snacks. 

In summary: Aarau and the Aare – exciting outdoor experiences in and around the city are guaranteed. 

General information

Show Technical information content
Season
April - October
Time required
4 to 8 hours (full day)
Suitable for children with age
0 to 5 years, 6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, 14+ years
Suitable for
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
Action / Fun factor
High
Accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Difficulty
Medium

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aarau info
Metzgergasse 2
5000  Aarau
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)62 834 10 34
Fax +41 (0)62 834 10 35
mail@aarauinfo.ch
aarauinfo.ch
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Overview
Aarau
Aargau – Solothurn region
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Contact

aarau info
Metzgergasse 2
5000 Aarau
Phone  +41 (0)62 834 10 34
aarauinfo.ch
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Travel information: Aarau