Augst offers many different places and themes through which to discover Roman history: the open-air site of Augusta Raurica is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The theatre, amphitheatre, Roman House and museum offer insights into architecture and everyday life; the animal park adds heritage livestock breeds and protected species. You can divide your time between grand buildings, domestic life, nature and an interactive trail.
Augst on the Ergolz
Augst is a municipality in the district of Liestal in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland. It lies at an elevation of about 275 metres above sea level on a gravel terrace on both sides of the Ergolz. North of Augst, the Ergolz flows into the Rhine; the Violenbach also flows into the Ergolz. This location shapes the local layout between the waterways and the Roman sights.
For orientation on the road network: Main Road 3 between Basel and Rheinfelden runs through Augst. The A2 crosses the municipality; at the “Augst” interchange, the A3 branches off towards Rheinfelden.
Roman sites and buildings
Between Augst and Kaiseraugst lies the Roman site of Augusta Raurica, with its ancient theatre, amphitheatre, temple, forum and baths. The scenic theatre is considered the best-preserved ancient structure of its kind north of the Alps and had room for around 10,000 spectators. In Roman times, the amphitheatre could hold up to 13,000 people. The different capacities give an impression of the scale of the two structures; a small exhibition in the amphitheatre’s carcer offers insights into gladiatorial combat.
The Roman House is modelled on a townhouse in Pompeii and represents the home of a wealthy Roman family. Everyday life comes particularly vividly to life through the household objects: visitors are allowed to touch many of them. The museum displays a selection from more than two million archived finds. Another kind of discovery awaits in the mosaic exhibition in the cellar of the Curia, one of Augst’s sights.
The Castelen estate also adds to the picture of historic sites: its magnificent garden is listed in the Inventory of Historic Gardens of Switzerland. This offers a distinct highlight alongside the Roman buildings and museum finds.
Nature, food culture and hands-on activities
The animal park is home to Valais country sheep, Nera Verzasca goats, woolly pigs and colourful poultry, similar to the livestock kept by the Romans. It also provides a protected habitat for European turtle doves and yellow-bellied toads, both of which are on the Red Lists. Here, the portrayal of Roman animal husbandry meets the protection of endangered species.
In the “Experience Roman Food Culture” workshop, participants prepare Roman specialities and eat them at a buffet. Check the latest dates and booking details before making plans, as both may change. The workshop complements the buildings and finds with a hands-on introduction to Roman food culture.
Distinguish between the trail and the hike
The Gladiator Trail leads from the centre of Augusta Raurica to the amphitheatre. Exercises can be accessed on a smartphone at seven stations. The route is about 800 metres from the theatre and about 500 metres from P3; it takes around 45 minutes. The trail therefore offers a time-limited activity with set stations and a clearly defined destination.
This is separate from the hike from Liestal to Augusta Raurica: it follows the Ergolz to FĂĽllinsdorf and continues to Augst, and is suitable for strollers. There are therefore two different options: a trail between the centre of Augusta Raurica and the amphitheatre, or a hike that starts in Liestal and passes through several places on its way to Augst.
Discover more destinations: Pratteln, Hersberg, Bubendorf, Arisdorf, Liestal.
Go to the main travel overview: Liestal.
