Painted roof gables, a distinctive town tower and trails exploring geology and nature give Aarau a varied character. As the capital of the Canton of Aargau and the district of Aarau, the city has an urban feel while also serving as the centre of a diverse region. Cultural and leisure activities for all generations can be combined with a look around the old town and outdoor pursuits.
Old Town, Gables and City Church
The old town stands on a rocky outcrop where the Aare Valley narrows at the southern foothills of the Jura Mountains. Newer parts of the city lie farther south of the river valley. More than 90 richly painted roof gables define Aarau, which is also known as “The City of Beautiful Gables.” A self-guided walking tour leads to sights such as the Obertorturm, the well-preserved “Halde” street and the “Haus zum Schlossgarten.”
The Obertorturm, also known as the Oberturm or Oberer Turm, is Aarau’s landmark and the tallest town tower in Switzerland. It is believed to date from the early 13th century. Important for planning your visit: the tower is accessible only as part of a guided tour. The present-day city church was built from 1471 to 1477 to replace a smaller predecessor. Its excellent acoustics also make it a popular venue for concerts; individual events vary.
Art, Local History and Nature
Swiss art takes centre stage at the Aargauer Kunsthaus. The museum has 3,000 m² of exhibition space. The Aarau City Museum offers a different perspective on the city: its permanent exhibition “100x Aarau” is housed in the old part of the castle. The Naturama Aargau devotes its permanent exhibition to the natural history of the canton. Interactive films, games and listening stations offer insights into the ever-changing environment.
Geology and Discovery Trails
Those interested in rocks will find different ways to explore the subject in Aarau. The Zelgli Geotrail explains the geological origins and properties of the stones used in and around the school building. Its 13 numbered stops comprise nine outdoor stations and four inside the school building. The Geo learning trail around the Alte Kantonsschule Aarau also introduces visitors to geology, with a particular focus on rocks. The full tour takes two to three hours, depending on your pace.
The Aarau Forest Adventure is designed for families and follows a discovery trail through the forest. The 3.5 km route has 14 stops with QR codes linked to an audio story; the walk takes about three hours. Seasonal conditions may affect access to the trail. This means the route requires a different amount of time from the full Geo learning trail: two to three hours for the latter and around three hours for the Forest Adventure.
The Aare, Wildlife Park and Events
A walk along the Aare is one of the recommended things to do in Aarau. In summer, you can also paddle a section of the river on a stand-up paddleboard. Check water and safety conditions before taking part. The Roggenhausen Wildlife Park covers around 15 hectares, including its animal enclosures. It is open year-round and free to enter; check the conditions before your visit.
For an evening of culture, KIFF in Aarau’s Telli district hosts concerts, parties and cabaret-style performances. In 2011, the Canton of Aargau named KIFF one of nine cantonal cultural beacons as part of its cultural funding strategy. The Rüeblimärt in Aarau focuses on food and regional products. The programme also includes activities, special guided tours and events centred on nature and agriculture. The specific offerings and programme vary from year to year.
Discover more destinations: Muhen, Rohr, Suhr, Küttigen, Oberentfelden, Gränichen.
Go to the main travel overview: Aarau.
