On the right bank of the Aare, in the Aare Valley at the southern foot of the Jura, Aarau lies in the Swiss Plateau. Here, the Aare marks the boundary between the Plateau to the south of the river and the folded Jura to the north. The Old Town stands on a limestone outcrop whose two sides drop steeply into the river plain.
Streets, gables and city history
Artistically painted gables and medieval lanes define the Old Town. Halde is a particularly well-preserved street, lined mainly with late Gothic townhouses. For a self-guided walk, a city map and suggested route lead through the lanes to the sights. The Old Town is a five-minute walk from Aarau station. If you would like to learn more about particular topics, around 20 guided tours are available with knowledgeable local guides; the range and choice of tours may change. You can explore the city independently or choose a thematic perspective.
The buildings, too, tell stories of different eras. The Rore Tower, dating from the 13th century, is the oldest part of the town hall. Originally a fief of the Counts of Kyburg, the small castle was gradually converted into the town hall from 1515 onwards and later expanded several times. Schlössli, a medieval residential tower from the 13th century, now houses the city museum.
The late Gothic town church was built between 1471 and 1478 and has stained-glass windows by Felix Hoffmann and Roland Guignard. Many of its stones came from the demolished Obergösgen Castle and were transported here along the Aare. In 1965/66, the church was restored to its original simplicity and placed under heritage protection. Its acoustics make it a popular concert venue; the concert programme varies.
The Obertorturm, also known as the Oberturm or Upper Tower, is Aarau’s landmark and the tallest town tower in Switzerland. It is accessible only as part of a guided tour. If you would like to see the tower’s interior, check the tour dates before your visit.
Art and performing arts
With more than 21,000 works, the Aargauer Kunsthaus has the most comprehensive public collection of Swiss art from the 18th century to the present day. Its special strengths include 19th-century landscape painting. Older holdings and new acquisitions are continually brought together in changing displays. A visit therefore does not reveal a fixed arrangement, but a collection whose works are presented in new combinations.
For around five months in 1798, Haus zum Schlossgarten was home to Switzerland’s first seat of government, making it the country’s first federal parliament building. Today it houses Forum Schlossplatz. Exhibitions and accompanying programmes there explore current cultural, artistic and social issues, with individual programmes changing over time.
Alte Reithalle is a professionally run multidisciplinary venue. Its programme includes drama, dance and theatre, puppetry and object theatre, contemporary circus, cabaret, comedy, music theatre, and theatre for children and young people. The argovia philharmonic holds its own symphony, chamber and family concerts there, as well as guest concerts. Alte Reithalle is open during public events, so check the current programme before visiting.
Markets, traditions and nature
The Rüeblimärt in Aarau offers a wide selection of regional produce and culinary specialities. Sustainability and environmental awareness are at its heart, alongside activities, special guided tours and events. The market is also associated with carrots of different colours and products made from them. Individual vendors and programme items may vary.
During Bachfischet, schoolchildren’s lanterns illuminate the darkened Old Town. The event concludes with a traditional fireworks display known as the “Mordschlapf”; exact programme details may vary. This tradition offers a different focus from the collections and historic buildings: here, the Old Town becomes the setting for a shared event.
Wild animals and rare domestic animal breeds live at Roggenhausen Wildlife Park; the animal population may change. The park also has a nature trail with six stations explaining connections between geology, vegetation and wildlife. It lies in the transition zone between the Jura and the Swiss Plateau. The orchard contains around 50 standard apple, pear, plum, cherry and damson trees; the number may change over time.
Naturama complements these nature experiences with the natural history of the canton of Aargau. Its permanent exhibition begins with dinosaurs and mammoths. Interactive films, games and listening stations provide insights into the ever-changing environment; individual exhibits may change. Aarau’s attractions thus range from art and architectural history to landscapes, wildlife and natural history.
Discover more destinations: Suhr, Aarau, Rohr, Küttigen, Muhen, Gränichen, Oberentfelden, Kulm.
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