Holderbank lies between the Aare and the steep western slope of Chestenberg, halfway between Lenzburg and Brugg. Here, a river landscape, a fossil-rich quarry and architectural heritage spanning several centuries come together. Visitors planning a stay can focus on nature and geology, paths by the water and on Chestenberg, or the village’s history.
Location and Landscape
Holderbank is in the Lenzburg district on the Aare. The municipality stretches between the river and the steep western slope of Chestenberg. Woods, rocky slopes, gravel pits and the river landscape are all part of the surroundings. Elevations range from 348 metres by the Aare to 647 metres at the highest point. The river and the slope thus give the landscape two distinct sides.
Schümel: Nature and Geology
The old Schümel Quarry is home to rare and endangered plants and animals. The composition of its flora and fauna changes with the seasons, but the site’s ecological value remains constant. The quarry is also remarkable geologically: it is considered a geological monument and is known for its wealth of fossils. Nature and the history of the Earth are closely connected here.
The site can be crossed from north to south, or in the opposite direction. It can also be reached via the hiking trail from Wildegg Castle to Chärnenberg. As trail conditions and access may change, check visiting options in advance.
Discover Rocks from Across Switzerland
The Geological Trail in Holderbank complements the area’s geology with an overview of rock types from different parts of Switzerland. Its 27 exhibits range from the Jura to Ticino. The Holcim Geological Trail is more than one kilometre long and freely accessible. The arrangement of the exhibits may change.
By the River and on Chestenberg
Paths run along the Aare and over the ridge of Chestenberg. The hiking trail network on Chestenberg offers views of the Swiss Plateau, the Aare Valley and the Schenkenberg Valley. By the river, walkers use the Aare embankment; fishing takes place both from the bank and from boats. Riverside and hilltop trails offer different landscape impressions, while the Aare is also a place for walks and fishing.
Village History and Historic Buildings
Holderbank was first mentioned in 1259 under the name “Halderwang”. The estate was a fief of the Alsatian Prince-Abbey of Murbach; in 1291, King Rudolf I of Habsburg bought it from the monastery. Holderbank came under Bernese rule in 1415 and has belonged to the canton of Aargau since 1803. This sequence traces the changes in political affiliation over several centuries.
Holderbank Church was donated in the early 18th century by the lords of Wildegg Castle, the Effinger family, and built in place of a medieval predecessor. The master builder was Samuel Jenner (1653–1720) from Bern. The church has been protected as a cantonal monument since 1960. The group of Effinger family grave monuments in the churchyard north of the church comprises four monuments in total.
The timber-frame house at Hausmattenstrasse 1 dates from 1634 and is considered Holderbank’s oldest building. It is the only example of this building type in the old village centre and occupies a prominent position. The vicarage at Effingerstrasse 1 also reflects the former connection with Wildegg Castle: it was once the castle’s estate manager’s house.
Getting to Schümel
Holderbank has an SBB railway station with connections to Aarau and Brugg. It is a seven-minute walk from Holderbank station to the starting point for a visit to Schümel; from the car park below Schümel, the walk takes three minutes. The two walking times refer to different starting points and help visitors compare travel options. Check the timetable and current parking situation before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Seengen, Lenzburg, Hunzenschwil, Rupperswil, Meisterschwanden, Othmarsingen, Möriken-Wildegg
Go to the main travel overview: Lenzburg.
