Badenfahrt
Occasional editions — check the next programme
Aargau's legendary ten-day city festival transforms Baden with stages, food stalls and parades.
- Where
- Baden
- Arrival
- Baden station
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Aargau · Travel guide
Language: GermanCapital: Aarau
Top sights
Habsburg Castle
Habsburg
Explore the hilltop seat of the dynasty that later ruled much of Europe. The compact ruins and museum trace the castle’s medieval story.
Visitor tip: Check Aargau Museums for opening days; the final approach is uphill from the village.
Plan your visitBaden thermal baths
Baden
Baden’s mineral springs have drawn visitors since Roman times, and the modern FORTYSEVEN complex makes bathing a contemporary wellness outing. Pair a soak with a walk through the historic centre.
Visitor tip: Review bathing rules, opening hours and booking details on the operator’s site.
Plan your visitAarau old town
Aarau
Aarau’s lanes are known for painted roof gables, historic houses and a riverside setting. A self-guided stroll gives a good introduction to the cantonal capital.
Visitor tip: Pick up a town map from Aarau Info and allow time for the covered arcades.
Plan your visit
Festivals & celebrations
The celebrations Aargau is known for — confirm exact dates on the official agenda before travelling.
Maienzug
First Friday of July
Aarau's traditional school and town celebration with a children's procession through the old town.
- Where
- Aarau
- Arrival
- Aarau station
Rüeblimärt
First Wednesday of November
Aarau's famous carrot market — the old town fills with carrot tarts, crafts and farm produce.
- Where
- Aarau old town
- Arrival
- Aarau station
Christmas & winter lights
Baden & Aarau Christmas markets
December
Atmospheric old-town markets with mulled wine, crafts and the Baden city lights.
Dates, programme & ticketsBefore you go
Dates above are typical periods, not confirmed schedules. Check opening hours, admission, age limits and accessibility with the organiser. Book popular concerts and accommodation early; public transport is usually the simplest way to reach busy town centres.
Summer spots
Aare riverside cycling
Aargau
Follow the Aare through Aargau’s river towns, farmland and wooded stretches; the route offers a largely gentle way to link waterside scenery with historic centres.
Visitor tip: Use the SwitzerlandMobility route map to choose a manageable stage and check bridges, diversions and bike-train connections before setting out.
Plan your visitRhine at Bad Zurzach
Aargau
The Rhine forms a broad riverside landscape beside Bad Zurzach, with paths for walking and cycling and views across the German border.
Visitor tip: Combine the river path with the town’s thermal-bath quarter; check river access locally and do not swim where currents or shipping make it unsafe.
Plan your visitLenzburg Castle
Aargau
A hilltop fortress above Lenzburg, the castle combines medieval rooms, exhibitions and ramparts with views over the Aargau plateau.
Visitor tip: The ascent from town is steep; check the castle’s seasonal opening calendar and allow time for the climb.
Plan your visit
Winter spots
FORTYSEVEN thermal baths
Aargau
Designed by Mario Botta, Baden’s FORTYSEVEN draws on the town’s historic thermal springs for indoor and outdoor bathing.
Visitor tip: Reserve or check admission arrangements directly, and bring swimwear; bathing is a relaxing indoor option when weather turns cold.
Plan your visitBad Zurzach thermal baths
Aargau
The mineral-rich thermal water is the focus of Bad Zurzach’s bathing complex, with indoor and outdoor pools for a restorative winter pause.
Visitor tip: Check the baths’ current access and pool information before travelling; pack swimwear and a towel or confirm rental options.
Plan your visitVindonissa Roman site
Aargau
At ancient Vindonissa, the legionary camp at modern Windisch, marked remains and the Vindonissa Museum reveal the Roman military settlement.
Visitor tip: The outdoor route involves walking between sites; check museum opening days and wear shoes suited to uneven paths.
Plan your visit
Check local weather, trail conditions and transport timetables before setting out. Mountain lifts and seasonal attractions may close; snow is not guaranteed.
Quick answers for visitors
- When is the best time to visit Aargau?
- Summer: Cycling along the Aare and Rhine, river swimming and castle hopping. Winter: Thermal baths in Baden and Bad Zurzach, Christmas markets.
- Which festivals is Aargau known for?
- Badenfahrt (Occasional editions — check the next programme) · Maienzug (First Friday of July) · Rüeblimärt (First Wednesday of November)
- Is there a Christmas market in Aargau?
- Baden & Aarau Christmas markets — December
Have a question about Aargau?
Ask locals and expats in the community forum — from guest cards to festival tips.
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