6 of the most beautiful sights in Aargau
Roman trails, impressive buildings, top museums, lots of nature: Aargau is full of surprises.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Aargau impresses with its diverse mix of history, nature, and culture. From the medieval old town of Aarau to the imposing Lenzburg Castle and the Roman relics in Vindonissa, the canton offers authentic experiences for families, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Lake Hallwil is ideal for water sports and circular walks, while the Frick Dinosaur Museum offers prehistoric adventures. Majestic castles such as Habsburg Castle and lovingly maintained historical sites make Aargau a varied destination for excursions in Switzerland.
Aarau Old Town: Gables with character
The canton of Aargau is located in the northern Swiss Mittelland on the Aare and Rhine rivers, between Zurich and Basel, and borders Germany to the north. The cantonal capital of Aarau charms visitors with its medieval old town. A unique feature: around 70 painted gables adorn the city's late Gothic houses.
Must-do: Climb the more than 60-meter-high Oberturm tower in Aarau. After climbing 144 steps, you will no longer be able to see the gables from below, but you will have a beautiful view.
Lenzburg Castle: a journey into the Middle Ages
Lenzburg Castle is one of Switzerland's most important hilltop castles, with over 1,000 years of history. The imposing complex houses the Museum Aargau, which features exciting exhibitions on the castle's history. Here you can take a journey through time from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century.
The living museum displays rooms from different eras, while the knight exhibition takes you back to the time of the great Swiss noble families. The dragon research station with the castle dragon Fauchi is particularly popular with families.
In the children's museum, the little ones can dress up, solve puzzles, and explore the castle in a playful way. And overall, the historic walls offer a wonderful view over the Seetal valley to the peaks of the Alps.
Lake Hallwil: Adventures on and around the water
Lake Hallwil is one of the most popular attractions in Aargau. The shore is protected from development, so the landscape remains largely untouched. On the northern shore lies Hallwyl Castle with its towers and moats, which looks like something out of a fairy tale. The medieval complex is surrounded by the ProSpecieRara garden.
In summer, beach resorts and water sports attract visitors. The Hallwilersee shipping company has been operating on the lake since 1888. From March to October, you can take a round trip with magnificent views of the hilly landscape.
If you want to be active on Lake Hallwil, you can rent a sailboat, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. The lakeside path also invites you to take a 20-kilometer circular hike through nature reserves and past bathing spots.
Vindonissa: in the footsteps of the Roman people
The heart of Swiss Roman history beats in the Roman legionary camp of Vindonissa near Windisch and Brugg. Vindonissa was the only Roman legionary camp on Swiss soil. Today, you can explore the spectacular remains. Many sites are hidden from view and only accessible to visitors of the Legionary Trail.
The Legionary Trail in the Roman Adventure Park leads to the historical sites. Here you can immerse yourself in the everyday life of Roman legionaries and, among other things, walk through the large sewer that was built in the camp more than 2,000 years ago.
You will discover Switzerland's oldest building, the Roman aqueducts, faithfully reconstructed crew quarters, and a Roman bath with preserved wall paintings. You can even spend the night in Vindonissa, authentically sleeping on straw mattresses around a campfire.
Interesting fact: The amphitheater at Vindonissa is the oldest in the country, with around 11,000 seats. Admission is free.
Habsburg Castle: ancestral seat of an imperial dynasty
Habsburg gave its name to one of the most powerful ruling dynasties in Europe. The ruins of the hilltop castle are located on a hill near Windisch and offer sweeping views across the canton of Aargau. The complex consists of a front and rear castle.
Habsburg Castle is run by the Museum Aargau. A free permanent exhibition provides information about medieval life, from food to water supply. The historical journey continues outside: the Königsweg (King's Way) around the castle tells the story of the Habsburg dynasty.
Frick Dinosaur Museum: a prehistoric adventure for young and old
In Fricktal, you can encounter the giants of prehistoric times. The local dinosaur museum presents finds from one of the most important dinosaur sites in Europe. Dinosaur bones more than 200 million years old have been discovered here. Inside the museum, you will find life-size reconstructions and interactive stations.
A dinosaur nature trail leads from the museum through Frick to the fossil digging site. On this publicly accessible site, you can search for fossils, shells, ammonites, and other fossilized treasures yourself.
Interesting fact: The Frick Dinosaur Museum is the only museum in the world to display a faithful replica of the skeleton of a Plateosaurus, one of the first large herbivorous dinosaurs, found in Switzerland.
Which American Express credit card is right for you in Aargau?
Sights in Aargau: diverse, authentic, and impressive
What you can see in Aargau goes beyond what you might expect from a Swiss canton in the Mittelland. From majestic castles to Roman relics and prehistoric treasures, 2,000 years of history merge here into a fascinating mosaic of experiences.
What makes Aargau and its sights so special is their authenticity. No artificial world of experience has been created here; instead, real history has been brought to life. The intact natural landscapes and the loving care taken of historical sites testify to a respect for cultural heritage.
On all your travels, even if you visit nearby Lucerne after your visit to Aargau, for example, it is always best to have your American Express credit card with you. Depending on the card model you choose, you can benefit from attractive travel advantages. These include comprehensive insurance coverage, favorable car rental conditions, and dining benefits in exquisite Swiss restaurants.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Depending on the weather and your mood, there are various activities and sights in Aargau that are suitable for families. Lenzburg Castle, with its castle dragon Fauchi and children's museum, delights children of all ages. The Vindonissa Legionary Trail brings Roman history to life in a playful way, and Lake Hallwil is ideal for swimming and picnics.
Most attractions are easily accessible by public transport. Lenzburg Castle is located near Lenzburg train station. The Vindonissa Legionary Trail is about a 15-minute walk from Brugg.
The Aargauer Kunsthaus, Lenzburg Castle, and the Vindonissa Legionary Trail are ideal for rainy days. Many exhibitions and museums are indoors. At Lenzburg Castle, both the interior rooms and covered areas are accessible.
