Aristau is in the Muri district in the Reuss Valley, between Bremgarten and Muri. The municipality includes the localities of Aristau, Althäusern and Birri. Fields, forests and protected floodplain landscapes shape the municipality; along a short stretch, the Reuss also forms the cantonal boundary with the Canton of Zurich. The settlements, too, reflect their rural character: farmhouses and groups of farm buildings remain part of their appearance, while chapels in the localities recall the municipality’s history. This character is closely connected with the long agricultural tradition of the Reuss Plain, where crop farming and livestock rearing shaped people’s livelihoods.
Reuss floodplains, meadows and trails
At Bremegrien near Aristau, the stone bank reinforcement was removed over a length of 700 metres in 2003, and two islands were created. Since then, the Reuss has made the previously monotonous bank more varied. A shallow backwater in the Reuss flood zone was created in 2003 by removing the nutrient-rich topsoil. Together with the protected floodplains and other landscape areas, the Reuss gives the municipality a distinctive natural character.
Aristau’s purple moor-grass meadows are particularly rich in species: they are among the most species-rich plant communities in the Swiss Plateau. Up to 60 different plant species can be found in less than one are of these meadows. Various flowers bloom there from spring to autumn; probably the best-known is the Siberian iris, which local people also call the Blue Ilge. The flowering pattern can vary from year to year.
Rare bird species breed in the nature reserves. These include the golden oriole, grasshopper warbler, willow warbler, yellowhammer, reed bunting, and reed and marsh warblers; breeding populations may change over time. Hiking and cycling routes around Aristau pass through fields, forests and the Reuss floodplains, as well as over the surrounding hills. Those wishing to explore the area outdoors will find a variety of landscapes: river floodplains, open fields, forests and higher-lying trails.
Village history and architectural heritage
The Chapel of St. John in the locality of Aristau is the oldest building in the municipality. It bears the date 1521 and is a listed monument. During the summer months, devotions and church services are held here; the chapel is also available for weddings. Check service times and wedding dates in advance.
The parish church of St. Wendelin dates from a considerably later period: it was built in 1942/43 to plans by architect Josef Oswald and consecrated by Bishop Franziskus von Streng on 11 July 1943. Situated on the rising slope above the old village centre, it is visible from far away. Inside, the masonry is left exposed, showing the local tuff stone.
Haus Kapf is at Kapfstrasse 24 in the locality of Waldhäusern. Built in 1736, this Baroque country house owned by a monastery served as a summer residence. The entire property is protected, including the garden, historic boundary wall, carriage gate, well and avenue. Much of the original room layout and interior furnishings have been preserved, including original stucco ceilings, floors and painted canvas wallpapers. The chapel, parish church and country house thus represent different periods of construction, each with its own architectural features.
Village festivals and other events organised by local associations are also part of the annual calendar. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, it is worth checking the relevant dates. Nature and architectural history offer two different ways to explore Aristau: the Reuss landscape with its meadows and breeding grounds, and the chapels, church and protected historic estate.
Discover more destinations: Beinwil, Muri, BesenbĂĽren, Abtwil, BĂĽnzen, Sins, MĂĽhlau
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