Aargau region

Aarau

Aarau is the capital of the canton of Aargau and is located in the south of the Jura Park Aargau directly on the Aare river. On the edge of the old town stands the Schlössli from the 13th century. The old town is famous for late Gothic rows of houses and Baroque gabled houses with 70 painted gables. The 17th century Justice Fountain stands directly in front of the town church. The Aargauer Naturama displays mammoths, taxidermied and live animals. On the western edge of town is the Schachen quarter with a horse racing track, swimming pool and athletics facilities.

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Around Aarau

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Christmas in Aarau

Aarau Christmas Market 2026
Aarau Christmas Market 2026
«Advent i de Altstadt» takes place in Aarau's old town on three December weekends, from 3 to 20 December 2026 according to the Aarau Info planning calendar.
Journal
Advent i de Altstadt Aarau
Advent i de Altstadt Aarau
Event
Christmas markets in Switzerland 2026
Christmas markets in Switzerland 2026
Switzerland's Christmas markets 2026 with dates, opening hours and how to get there – plus day trips to Christmas markets just across the border.
Journal

Sights nearby

Hallwilersee
Hallwilersee
Lake
Thermal Bath Bad Schinznach
Thermal Bath Bad Schinznach
Pool & Bathing Spot
Wildegg Castle
Wildegg Castle
Castle & Ruin
Lenzburg Castle
Lenzburg Castle
Castle & Ruin
Wellness-Therme FORTYSEVEN
Wellness-Therme FORTYSEVEN
Pool & Bathing Spot
Thal Nature Park
Thal Nature Park
Nature Park
Zurich Golf
Zurich Golf
Golf
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne
Lake
Lake Zürich
Lake Zürich
Lake
Schlössli Aarau
Schlössli Aarau
Castle & Ruin · Aarau
Biberstein Waterfall
Biberstein Waterfall
Waterfall · Biberstein
Lake Hallwil
Lake Hallwil
Lake · Birrwil

Aerial image © swisstopo

Aarau on the mapBookable experiences, places and events at a glance

Train travel to Aarau

Official SBB partner

Getting around: passes & scenic trains

City Pass Aarau
City Pass Aarau
Aarau
from CHF 10.60
Day pass for all zones in the A-Welle fare association
Day pass for all zones in the A-Welle fare association
Aarau
from CHF 39.20
City Pass Baden
City Pass Baden
Baden
from CHF 10.60

Events in Aarau

All 331

Schweizer Meisterschaften Aerobic 2026Schachenhalle Aarau · 07:55–18:00 · ab CHF 5

ISPU 34th World Championship – working dog sportLeichtathletikstadion Schachen · 08:00–17:00 · Free admission International dog sport elite meets in AarauLeichtathletikstadion Schachen, Aarau · 08:00–17:00 Energy morningbel art pilates im Ballyhouse · 08:45–12:00 · until Sat, 31 Dec 2033

Trending in Aarau

Lucerne skydiving from the plane
Lucerne skydiving from the plane
Lucerne
from CHF 395
4.5(24)
Aquarena Sauna Ticket in Bad Schinznach
Aquarena Sauna Ticket in Bad Schinznach
Brugg
from CHF 43
5.0(3)
Ice skating ticket at Schüwo Park in Wohlen
Ice skating ticket at Schüwo Park in Wohlen
Bremgarten
from CHF 8
Combo ticket for Vehicle and Formula 1 Museum and Aquarium in Langenthal
Combo ticket for Vehicle and Formula 1 Museum and Aquarium in Langenthal
Langenthal
from CHF 19
Minigolf Ticket in Schüwo Park in Wohlen
Minigolf Ticket in Schüwo Park in Wohlen
Bremgarten
from CHF 7
Ticket Vehicle and Formula 1 Museum in Langenthal
Ticket Vehicle and Formula 1 Museum in Langenthal
Langenthal
from CHF 12
Aquarena fun ticket in Bad Schinznach
Aquarena fun ticket in Bad Schinznach
Brugg
from CHF 32
Langenthal Aquarium Ticket
Langenthal Aquarium Ticket
Langenthal
from CHF 12
Ticket Environmental Arena in Spreitenbach
Ticket Environmental Arena in Spreitenbach
Spreitenbach
from CHF 21
Urban Golf in Baden
Urban Golf in Baden
Baden
from CHF 18

Hiking routes

Niedergösgen - Stüsslingen
Niedergösgen → Stüsslingen · 3.6 km · 1 h 10 min
Easy hike from Niedergösgen to Stüsslingen via Galgen
Niedergösgen → Stüsslingen · 6.5 km · 1 h 59 min
Niedergösgen - Niedererlinsbach
Niedergösgen → Niedererlinsbach · 3.5 km · 57 min
Easy hike from Schönenwerd Bahnhof via Schönenwerd SO
Schönenwerd Bahnhof · 7.4 km · 1 h 55 min
Niedergösgen - Erlinsbach Stauwehr
Niedergösgen → Erlinsbach Stauwehr · 2.5 km · 38 min
Easy hike from Schönenwerd SO via Schrannen
Schönenwerd SO · 6.6 km · 1 h 44 min
Easy hike from Suhr via Suhrerchopf
Suhr · 5.7 km · 1 h 43 min
Hike from Suhr via Distelberg
Suhr · 11 km · 3 h 6 min

Hikes nearby

Everything within a 15 min drive

"On the prowl with the huntress" Excursion in Jurapark Aargau
"On the prowl with the huntress" Excursion in Jurapark Aargau
Thalheim
from CHF 20
Aargauer Weg, Stage 3/6
Aargauer Weg, Stage 3/6
Wanderweg · Aarau → Brugg · 22 km · 6 h 43 min
Easy hike from Aarau via Bahnhof
Easy hike from Aarau via Bahnhof
Wanderweg · Aarau · 10 km · 2 h 37 min
Easy summit hike from Aarau via Haseberg
Easy summit hike from Aarau via Haseberg
Wanderweg · Aarau · 3.0 km · 58 min
Jura Crest Trail, Stage 3/16
Jura Crest Trail, Stage 3/16
Wanderweg · Staffelegg → Hauenstein · 20 km · 7 h 20 min
Easy hike from Rombach via Widler
Easy hike from Rombach via Widler
Wanderweg · Rombach · 9.8 km · 2 h 34 min
Hike from Buchs AG to Benkerjoch
Hike from Buchs AG to Benkerjoch
Wanderweg · Buchs AG → Benkerjoch · 10 km · 3 h 13 min
Easy hike from Buchs AG to Biberstein
Easy hike from Buchs AG to Biberstein
Wanderweg · Buchs AG → Biberstein · 4.8 km · 1 h 23 min
Hike from Rombach via Benkerjoch
Hike from Rombach via Benkerjoch
Wanderweg · Rombach · 13 km · 4 h 51 min
Summit hike from Biberstein via Gisliflue
Summit hike from Biberstein via Gisliflue
Wanderweg · Biberstein · 8.4 km · 3 h 22 min
Hike from Biberstein via Gatter
Hike from Biberstein via Gatter
Wanderweg · Biberstein · 9.8 km · 3 h 13 min
Hike from Niedergösgen to Barmelweid via Primarschule Erlinsbach
Hike from Niedergösgen to Barmelweid via Primarschule Erlinsbach
Wanderweg · Niedergösgen → Barmelweid · 11 km · 3 h 57 min

Food & drink nearby

Everything within a 30 min drive

Turicum Distillery Tour in Zurich
Turicum Distillery Tour in Zurich
Zurich
from CHF 65
"Turkish for Beginners" Cooking Class in Zurich
"Turkish for Beginners" Cooking Class in Zurich
Zurich
from CHF 185
Traditional Korean tea ceremony
Traditional Korean tea ceremony
Zurich
from CHF 150
Altstetten weekly market
Altstetten weekly market
Market · Zürich

Mountain railways & scenic rides

Everything within a 60 min drive

Gotthard Panorama Express Ticket
Gotthard Panorama Express Ticket
Lucerne
from CHF 176
4.8(20)
Voralpen-Express
Voralpen-Express
Panoramic Transport · Luzern
Globi-Express
Globi-Express
Panoramic Transport · Stansstad
Kambly round trip
Kambly round trip
Panoramic Transport · Bern
Schweizerische Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Untersee und Rhein (URh)
Schweizerische Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Untersee und Rhein (URh)
Panoramic Transport · Schaffhausen

Popular activities

Ticket "VINCENT – Between Delusion and Wonder" immersive exhibition Lichthalle Maag Zurich
Ticket "VINCENT – Between Delusion and Wonder" immersive exhibition Lichthalle Maag Zurich
Zurich · Trending
from CHF 31
4.7(26)
"Sim Racing" virtual driving experience in Opfikon
"Sim Racing" virtual driving experience in Opfikon
Zurich
from CHF 50
5.0(1)
Ticket Swiss National Museum Zurich
Ticket Swiss National Museum Zurich
Zurich
from CHF 13
5.0(6)
Zurich Standard Wellness & Fitness Pass
Zurich Standard Wellness & Fitness Pass
Zurich
from CHF 23
5.0(1)
"Duo Tour" WOW City Rally in Zurich
"Duo Tour" WOW City Rally in Zurich
Zurich
from CHF 21
From Zurich: City tour Zurich and surroundings with ferry and cable car
From Zurich: City tour Zurich and surroundings with ferry and cable car
Zurich
from CHF 70.50
4.3(6)
Wakeboard Tour Lake Zurich half or full day
Wakeboard Tour Lake Zurich half or full day
Zurich
from CHF 990
Ticket for Enter Technikwelt Solothurn
Ticket for Enter Technikwelt Solothurn
Solothurn
from CHF 15

Bike tours nearby

Everything within a 20 min drive

North-South Route, Stage 2/8
North-South Route, Stage 2/8
Cycling routes · Aarau → Luzern · 57 km
Mittelland Route, Stage 4/7
Mittelland Route, Stage 4/7
Cycling routes · Aarau → Solothurn · 58 km
Aare Route, Stage 7/7
Aare Route, Stage 7/7
Cycling routes · Aarau → Koblenz · 43 km
Herzschlaufe Seetal, Stage 2/2
Herzschlaufe Seetal, Stage 2/2
Cycling routes · Lenzburg → Eschenbach LU · 66 km
Belchen-Panorama-Route
Belchen-Panorama-Route
Cycling routes · Olten → Liestal · 46 km
Jurasüdfuss-Route
Jurasüdfuss-Route
Cycling routes · Olten → Genève · 255 km
Jurasüdfuss-Route, Stage 1/5
Jurasüdfuss-Route, Stage 1/5
Cycling routes · Olten → Grenchen · 52 km
Seetal–Bözberg, Stage 2/2
Seetal–Bözberg, Stage 2/2
Cycling routes · Lenzburg → Stein-Säckingen · 42 km
Wiggertal–Glaubenberg
Wiggertal–Glaubenberg
Cycling routes · Aarburg → Sarnen · 90 km
Wiggertal–Glaubenberg, Stage 1/2
Wiggertal–Glaubenberg, Stage 1/2
Cycling routes · Aarburg → Werthenstein · 45 km
Tiersteinberg Bike
Tiersteinberg Bike
Mountain bike routes · Frick · 32 km
Jurapark-Aargau-Route
Jurapark-Aargau-Route
Cycling routes · Brugg · 105 km

Zoos & theme parks

Everything within a 30 min drive

Wildpark Roggenhausen
Wildpark Roggenhausen
Zoo & Animal Park · Aarau
Vogelpark Ambigua
Vogelpark Ambigua
Zoo & Animal Park · Zeihen
Kleintierzoo
Kleintierzoo
Zoo & Animal Park · Aarau
Wildpark Mühletäli
Wildpark Mühletäli
Zoo & Animal Park · Starrkirch-Wil
Stadtvoliere Vögeligarten Olten
Stadtvoliere Vögeligarten Olten
Zoo & Animal Park · Olten
Voliere Trottenweiher Zofingen
Voliere Trottenweiher Zofingen
Zoo & Animal Park · Zofingen
Kart-Bahn Wohlen
Kart-Bahn Wohlen
Theme & amusement parks · Waltenschwil
Trampolino
Trampolino
Theme & amusement parks · Dietikon
Belli's Mini-Freizeitpark
Belli's Mini-Freizeitpark
Theme & amusement parks · Roggwil (BE)
Wildpark Heitern
Wildpark Heitern
Zoo & Animal Park · Zofingen
Schongiland
Schongiland
Theme & amusement parks · Schongau
Hirschpark Fulenbach
Hirschpark Fulenbach
Zoo & Animal Park · Fulenbach

Playgrounds nearby

Everything within a 30 min drive

Rolling Rock Skate- & Sportcenter
Rolling Rock Skate- & Sportcenter
Playground · Aarau
Schongiland Adventure Park
Schongiland Adventure Park
Playground · Schongau
Ruggächeranlage playground
Ruggächeranlage playground
Playground · Zürich
Looächeranlage playground
Looächeranlage playground
Playground · Zürich
Pfingstweidpark playground
Pfingstweidpark playground
Playground · Zürich
Eichrain playground tennis court
Eichrain playground tennis court
Playground · Zürich
Playground Zurlindenhof I
Playground Zurlindenhof I
Playground · Zürich
Heiligfeld playground
Heiligfeld playground
Playground · Zürich
Hardau playground
Hardau playground
Playground · Zürich
Bullingerhof playground
Bullingerhof playground
Playground · Zürich
Fritschiwiese Playground
Fritschiwiese Playground
Playground · Zürich
Hardaupark playground
Hardaupark playground
Playground · Zürich

Museums & exhibitions

Everything within a 5 min drive

Forum Schlossplatz
Forum Schlossplatz
Museum · Aarau
Stadtmuseum Aarau
Stadtmuseum Aarau
Museum · Aarau
Aargau Cantonal Library
Aargau Cantonal Library
Museum · Aarau
Gabi Fuhrimann
Gabi Fuhrimann
Exhibition · Aarau
Neue Sonderausstellung: «Die Katze. Unser wildes Haustier»
Neue Sonderausstellung: «Die Katze. Unser wildes Haustier»
Exhibition · Aarau
Es läuft. Vom Instandhalten der Dinge
Es läuft. Vom Instandhalten der Dinge
Exhibition · Aarau
Aargauer Kunsthaus
Aargauer Kunsthaus
Museum · Aarau
Sport – was uns bewegt
Sport – was uns bewegt
Exhibition · Aarau
Kinship
Kinship
Exhibition · Aarau
Artificial Creativity
Artificial Creativity
Exhibition · Aarau

Mountain huts & restaurants

Everything within a 60 min drive

General-Wille-Haus SAC
General-Wille-Haus SAC
Mountain Huts · Hauenstein-Ifenthal
Isletenhütte
Isletenhütte
Mountain Huts · Sissach
SAC Waldweid
SAC Waldweid
Mountain Huts · Waldenburg
Mittleres Brüggli
Mittleres Brüggli
Mountain Restaurant · Selzach
Mountain restaurant Oberes Brüggli
Mountain restaurant Oberes Brüggli
Mountain Restaurant · Selzach
Du Raimeux
Du Raimeux
Mountain Restaurant · Crémines
Auberge du Graitery
Auberge du Graitery
Mountain Restaurant · Court
Romontberg
Romontberg
Mountain Restaurant · Romont (BE)
Alpwirtschaft Räb
Alpwirtschaft Räb
Mountain Restaurant · Greppen
Schauenburg
Schauenburg
Mountain Restaurant · Selzach
Backi
Backi
Mountain Huts · Welschenrohr-Gänsbrunnen

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