- Aarau briefly served as the capital of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, making it the first capital of Switzerland for a short period.
- The city is nationally recognized for its 'Dachgiebel' (painted eaves), a tradition dating back to the 16th century that uniquely decorates the undersides of roof gables.
- Aarau hosts the annual 'Maienzug', a historic youth festival that dates back to the 16th century and remains a central pillar of local social identity.
- The city's urban planning layout has been significantly influenced by its position along the Aare river, which historically acted as both a defensive barrier and an economic lifeline.
About Aarau
Aarau serves as the capital of the Canton of Aargau, distinguished by its exceptionally well-preserved Old Town and its unique collection of gabled roofs painted with elaborate frescoes. Visitors can engage with local heritage at the Stadtmuseum Aarau or observe indigenous fauna at the Wildpark Roggenhausen. The city balances its medieval architectural roots with modern cultural hubs like the concert venue KIFF. Outdoor enthusiasts often head to the Gisliflue ridge for expansive views of the Aare valley landscape.
Highlights of Aarau
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Zoos
See native Swiss wildlife, including fallow deer and wild boar, in a forested environment.
Parks
Explore this landscaped park historically associated with the Bally shoe dynasty, offering peaceful walking paths.
Venues
Visit this cultural venue housed in a former warehouse for diverse live music performances and community arts events.
Places of interest
Hike this prominent ridge to reach a vantage point offering panoramic views of the Jura mountains and the Aare valley.
Museums
View expansive local historical exhibits within a facility that blends modern design with the original 13th-century Schlössli tower.
Places of interest
Cross this historic bridge that spans the Aare river, serving as a primary connector between the old and newer districts.
Top things to do in Aarau
The 60 highest-rated places in Aarau, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Jurapark Aargau is a designated regional nature park in Switzerland that protects the unique landscape of the Jura Mount...
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Zoos
Wildpark Roggenhausen is a wildlife enclosure located in a protected forest area on the outskirts of Aarau, Switzerland....
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Parks
Bally Park is an English-style landscape garden located in Schönenwerd, commissioned by the Bally shoe company family in...
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Venues
KIFF is a prominent concert venue in Aarau housed in a repurposed industrial building near the city's railway tracks. Th...
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Temples
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Historical places
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Temples
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Natural attractions
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Venues
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Temples
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Aarau on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Aarau
May to September, when the mild weather facilitates exploring the extensive pedestrian-friendly Old Town and the surrounding Aare valley hiking trails.
2 days, which provides enough time to explore the historic city center, local museums, and the nearby parks.
The historic center is highly walkable, while the rest of the city and surrounding areas are efficiently serviced by an extensive bus network and regional trains.
Stay in the Altstadt (Old Town) for immediate access to historic sites and traditional architecture, or near the Aarau train station for maximum convenience in regional travel.
Switzerland is generally an expensive destination, and Aarau follows typical Swiss pricing for dining and accommodation.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 60 curated attractions in and around Aarau, ranked by traveller ratings.
Jurapark Aargau is the highest-rated place to visit in Aarau right now.
The largest category is temples, with 18 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
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