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Aarau

Aarau, Aargau, Switzerland

Aarau, situated in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland, is a charming and historic town that offers a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences. The town's picturesque setting along the banks of the Aare Ri…

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Aarau.

Top Hotels in Aarau

Top Flights to Aarau

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Aarau.

Tours

Aarau Old Town Walk

Explore the charming old town of Aarau with its well-preserved medieval architecture and cobblestone streets.

Aarau Art Walk

Discover the artistic side of Aarau through its art galleries and public art installations.

Shopping

Aarau Farmers Market

Visit the bustling farmers market to enjoy fresh local produce and handmade goods.

Outdoor

Aare River Trail

A scenic walking trail along the Aare River, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Aarau.

Currency

CHF | CHF | Swiss Franc

Population

Information not available

Languages

German, German

Average weather

Aarau

Jan

3°-2°

Feb

5°-1°

Mar

10°1°

Apr

14°4°

May

18°8°

Jun

22°12°

Jul

25°14°

Aug

24°13°

Sep

20°10°

Oct

14°6°

Nov

8°2°

Dec

4°-1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Aarau.

What people love

Aarau, located in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland, has several pros for travelers:

Historical Charm: Aarau is a picturesque town with a well-preserved old town featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Aarau Castle, the Stadtkirche Aarau (Town Church), and the Obertorturm (Upper Gate Tower).
Access to Nature: Aarau is situated in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and the Aare River. There are several parks and green spaces within the town, making it a great destination for nature lovers who enjoy hiking, biking, or simply relaxing outdoors.
Cultural Attractions: Aarau has a vibrant cultural scene with museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing local art and history. The Aargauer Kunsthaus is a notable museum featuring Swiss art from the 18th century to the present day.
Convenient Location: Aarau is centrally located in Switzerland, making it a convenient base for exploring other cities and attractions in the country. It is well-connected by train and road, with easy access to destinations such as Zurich, Lucerne, and Basel.
Culinary Delights: Aarau offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Swiss cuisine to international fare. Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as cheese fondue, raclette, and Swiss chocolate.

Overall, Aarau is a charming town with a rich history, beautiful surroundings, cultural attractions, and convenient location, making it a great destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, exploration, and cultural experiences.

What to know

Traveling to Aarau, located in Aargau, Switzerland, may have some potential cons to consider. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

Cost of Living: Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, and Aarau is no exception. Accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment can be quite expensive compared to other destinations.
Language Barrier: While many Swiss people speak English, the primary languages in Aarau are Swiss German and French. Communication may be challenging if you are not familiar with these languages.
Weather: Aarau experiences cold winters and mild summers. If you are not a fan of cold weather, you may find the climate uncomfortable, especially during the winter months.
Limited Nightlife: Aarau is a smaller city, and its nightlife may not be as vibrant or diverse as in larger cities like Zurich or Geneva. If you are looking for a bustling nightlife scene, you may be disappointed.
Limited Tourist Attractions: While Aarau has some historical sites and museums to explore, it may not have as many tourist attractions as other Swiss cities. If you are looking for a wide range of activities and sights to see, you may find Aarau lacking in this aspect.

Overall, Aarau is a charming and picturesque city with its own unique character, but it may not offer the same level of excitement and amenities as larger Swiss cities.

Aarau is a city in the northern part of Switzerland, serving as the capital of the canton of Aargau. It is situated on the Swiss plateau, on the southern bank of the Aare River, from which it derives its name. Aarau has a rich history that dates back to the Roman era and has played a significant role in Swiss history.

Early History

Roman Era: The area around Aarau was settled during the Roman period. Archaeological findings suggest that there was a Roman castrum (military camp) in the vicinity.
Medieval Period: Aarau was officially founded in the 13th century, around 1240, by the Counts of Kyburg. It became a town with city rights in 1283.

Habsburg and Swiss Confederation

Habsburg Control: After the extinction of the Kyburg line, Aarau came under the control of the Habsburgs. The city was a Habsburg possession until 1415.
Entry into the Swiss Confederation: In 1415, the Swiss Confederates conquered the Aargau area, and Aarau became part of the Swiss Confederation. The city was then administered by Bern.

Modern Era

Helvetic Republic: Aarau has the distinction of being the first capital of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, a revolutionary French-backed state intended to replace the Old Swiss Confederacy. This was a short-lived period as the capital was moved to Lucerne later that year.
19th Century: Aarau became the capital of the newly formed canton of Aargau in 1803, following the Act of Mediation, which reorganized the cantonal boundaries in Switzerland after the collapse of the Helvetic Republic.

Landmarks and Architecture

Old Town: Aarau's old town is renowned for its gabled roofs and painted eaves, which are known as "Dachhimmel". The historic center is well-preserved and showcases medieval architecture.
Aarau Church: The Protestant church in Aarau, with its late Gothic architecture, is a significant landmark.
City Hall: Built in the 18th century, the City Hall is an important historical building in the heart of Aarau.
Naturama Aargau: This is a natural history museum located in Aarau, which exhibits the natural heritage of the Aargau region.
Aargau Art Museum: Known for its contemporary and modern art collections, the museum is a cultural highlight of the city.

Notable Historical Figures

Albert Einstein: Although not a native, Albert Einstein studied at the cantonal school in Aarau in 1895-96. His time here was influential in his development as a physicist.
Paul Klee: The renowned painter spent part of his youth in Aarau.

Significance

Aarau’s historical and political significance is highlighted by its role as the first capital of the Helvetic Republic and its current status as the cantonal capital of Aargau. Its rich architectural heritage and cultural institutions make it an important center in the region.

Aarau continues to be a vibrant city with a blend of historical charm and modern innovation, reflective of its significant place in Swiss history.