Laufenburg is located in the Swiss canton of Aargau on the southern side of the High Rhine. The Rhine, the old towns on both sides and a mix of history, art and nature shape the choices for your stay. If you are looking for hotels in Laufenburg, you can start by considering whether the castle and Old Town, a museum visit, longer routes or an event date will shape your plans.
Old Town, bridge and castle ruins
The Old Town stretches across both sides of the Rhine. Its historic character is defined by colourful houses and an old bridge. The Laufen Bridge connects the two old towns and is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
Laufenburg Castle was first mentioned in 1207; today, only the tower remains of the castle ruins. The castle ruins are freely accessible at all times. Schlossberg is also a public recreation area and freely accessible. Different opening conditions may apply to the tower. Schlossberg is also geologically remarkable: together with the outcrops on the Rhine bank below the town on this side of the Rhine, it forms the largest occurrence of Black Forest crystalline rock.
Art and language as distinct highlights
The Rehmann Museum focuses on the works of artist Erwin Rehmann. These include a permanent exhibition and an extensive sculpture garden above the Rhine. Two annual temporary exhibitions are devoted to contemporary three-dimensional art; the exhibition programme may change. If you are planning a visit around an exhibition, it is best to check the latest information.
Another way to explore culture is through language: Switzerland’s first language museum presents dialect, the languages of the world, the history of the German language and reading in an interactive way. The topics range from regional forms of speech to the development of a language and reading culture. So for a culture-focused stay, Laufenburg offers a variety of options beyond just the castle and Old Town.
On foot, by bike or on the Rhine
The 12.5-kilometre Laufenburg Nature Trail is a cross-border hiking route through peaceful natural landscapes and woodland, along the Rhine and through both old towns. The cross-border Jubilee Trail is longer, at 20 kilometres, and is designed for hiking and cycling. It passes through the historic old towns and follows the Rhine to the Dreispitz nature reserve in Albbruck and back to Laufenburg. The stated distances allow you to compare route lengths directly; trail conditions may vary. Before setting out on the Jubilee Trail, you should also check the signage.
The water offers another perspective on the historic old towns: canoe trips on the Rhine pass right through both of them. If you would like to include such a trip in your plans, check the current offer in advance. Guided experiences also include the theatrical tour “Count Hans IV.” It leads through the lanes of Laufenburg and brings medieval life to life with anecdotes and insights. Dates and arrangements may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.
Geology, markets and events
You can explore the area’s geology in more depth on a guided tour: the “Geological Tunnel Tour – The Story of Black Forest Gneiss” is scheduled for 3 May and 24 October 2026, both at 2:30 pm. The May date has already passed. If you are considering the 24 October date, check the latest information in advance.
The Laufenburg (CH) Old Town Market features arts and crafts, delicacies from small-scale producers, locally made products and seasonal food, mostly from regional producers and farms. Check the dates before your trip. The hela is also a regular fixture in the annual calendar: it has been held on the second weekend of October for more than 75 years. The cross-border Städtle Carnival has been part of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival tradition since the Narro-Alt-Fischerzunft was founded in 1386; for details of the annual programme, check the latest dates.
Discover more destinations: Frick, Oberhofen, Kaisten, Wölflinswil, Ueken.
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