Mellingen lies in the Baden district, 352 metres above sea level on the left bank of the Reuss. The medieval old town forms the centre of the town: its layout roughly follows an isosceles triangle and stretches along the left bank of the river. Quiet corners and secluded squares are part of its character, alongside shops, restaurants and cultural offerings, all just a few steps away.
Old Town History and Markets
The history of the small town dates back to the Middle Ages. Around 1230, the Kyburgs founded the town proper on the left bank of the Reuss; in 1296, the Habsburgs granted Mellingen town rights. At the northwestern end of the old town stands the Hexenturm, a medieval round tower. The Reuss Bridge has spanned the river for centuries and today invites visitors to stroll by the water.
Since opening in 1997, the local museum has presented Mellingen’s history in a permanent exhibition. The MUK also runs permanent exhibitions in the Stadtscheune and in the Gerichtsstube in the gatehouse of the former town hall. You will therefore find several exhibition venues in the town, each with its own name.
Markets also shape the year in the old town: the market commission organises three markets there each year. In May and September, flea and antiques markets with around 140 stalls take place on Sundays; dates and stall numbers may vary. The Chlausmarkt is held on the first Friday in December and features handicrafts and gift items at sales stalls. If you are travelling for a market, check the exact dates before your trip.
A trail of clues leads you through the winding lanes of the medieval old town with enigmatic hints, tasks and unexpected twists. It offers a different focus from a walking tour centred mainly on architectural history and the town layout.
Walking and Cycling Along the Reuss
Walks and hikes are possible along the Reuss near Mellingen. The well-connected Reuss Valley can be explored from Mellingen on foot or by bike. If you are considering a longer hike, two stages of the Habsburg Trail offer different routes: the fourth stage runs from Baden via Tüfels-Chäller and Fislisbach to Mellingen. The fifth leads from Mellingen to Bremgarten along the right bank of the Reuss.
On the fifth stage, the route alternates between woodland and fields and also passes through a meandering natural river landscape with floodplain forests.
Mellingen is also part of a route on the water: the “Reuss Kanu” canoe route passes the Gnadenthal Monastery and Mellingen, and ends at the take-out point in Gebenstorf. At Ibergwiese, a promontory reinforced with stone blocks juts out into the Reuss; it makes it easier, especially, to land inflatable rafts. The paths along the Reuss, the hiking stages and the canoe route thus offer different perspectives on the river landscape.
Getting Here and Choosing Where to Stay
From Mellingen Heitersberg S-Bahn station, the greater Zurich area is reachable in less than 25 minutes. For your specific journey, it is worth checking the current timetable. If you are considering Mellingen as a place to stay overnight, you can choose according to the interests you want your visit to focus on: old town history and exhibitions, a suitable market day, or paths along the Reuss. This makes it possible to assess the destination based on its cultural and natural offerings without having to turn the various activities into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Remetschwil, Würenlingen, Würenlos, Busslingen, Stetten, Birmenstorf, Killwangen, Baden
Back to the main travel overview: Baden.
