Maienzug
Aarau's most important festive day on the first Friday of July, a custom since the 16th century, with a ceremonial procession of schoolchildren, music and celebrations in the old town.
PlizioGo
The famous local carrot cake, usually glazed and decorated with tiny marzipan carrots.
Try excellent local wines like Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir) from the nearby vineyards.
A seasonal specialty found during the carrot market, a sausage infused with carrot bits.
A pleasant street in the Old Town filled with independent boutiques and specialty shops.
Visit the Graben area on Saturday mornings for fresh local produce and specialties.
A peaceful spot above the city offering a great panoramic view of the Alps.
The green paths along the river offer many quiet spots for sitting and relaxing.
Water temperature…
Aarau's most important festive day on the first Friday of July, a custom since the 16th century, with a ceremonial procession of schoolchildren, music and celebrations in the old town.
One of Switzerland's most renowned jazz festivals, held every April in Aarau since 1991, with world-class concerts, workshops and a youth talent programme.
Aarau is situated at the southern foot of the Jura Mountains on the Aare River and serves as the capital of the Canton of Aargau. Founded around 1240 by the Counts of Kyburg, it passed to the Habsburgs in 1273 and was later conquered by Bern in 1415. The city holds a unique place in Swiss history as it became the first capital of the Helvetic Republic in 1798, making it the de facto first capital of modern Switzerland. The pretty old town is renowned for its numerous intricately painted eaves, known as 'Dachhimmel', which mostly date back to the 16th century. Today, Aarau is a major administrative and service center, benefiting from its central location between Zurich, Basel, and Bern. It is also home to significant cultural institutions, such as the Aargauer Kunsthaus, which has one of the most important collections of Swiss art from the 18th century to the present day.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 65 | 82 | 83 | 129 | 118 | 124 | 124 | 87 | 96 | 80 | 92 |
See what it looks like near Aarau right now.
Aarau › North-west: Stadtkirche Aarau · 0.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day in the picturesque Old Town of Aarau, admire the famous painted gables and climb the historic Obertorturm for a first overview. At noon, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the region at the Schlössli and the Art Museum. End the day with an educational visit to the Naturama and a relaxing walk along the cool waters of the Aare river. Enjoy the compact and charming atmosphere of the city.
Start your day under the famous painted eaves of the old town, which provide shelter even in the rain. These 'Dachhimmel' are Aarau's unique architectural gem. At noon, the City Church offers a peaceful and dry refuge before you head towards the museum district. Spend the afternoon immersed in culture at the Aargau Art Museum and Naturama, where you can escape the damp weather. In the evening, a short walk along the Aare river offers a misty, mystical atmosphere; a sturdy umbrella is highly recommended.
Experience Aarau's winter charm as frost clings to the medieval eaves. The crisp air makes the colors of the famous roof paintings appear even more vivid. Warm up at noon in the City Church before exploring the Schlössli, which looks like a fairytale castle in the winter light. The afternoon is perfect for the heated galleries of the Art Museum, where modern art meets seasonal tranquility. With the early sunset around 17:00, the Aare river becomes a glittering backdrop, ideal for a brief, refreshing walk before the evening chill.
Start your bike tour at Aarau train station. Explore the Old Town before cycling along the picturesque banks of the Aare to the Art Museum. An impressive collection of Swiss art awaits you there. In the afternoon, a longer but rewarding route takes you to the Roggenhausen Wildlife Park, where you can observe the local wildlife. The tour ends with a relaxing ride back to the center, with an optional shopping stroll in Laurenzenvorstadt.
A bike tour in the rain requires proper gear, but Aarau offers plenty of dry stops along the way. Start at the station and head straight for the old town shelter. At noon, the Aare riverside paths offer a refreshing ride, provided you have mudguards installed. The Schlössli is a great spot for a break. The afternoon is perfect for parking your bike securely at the Art Museum and spending time exploring the indoor galleries. End the tour with a ride through Laurenzenvorstadt, where you can do some shopping while staying relatively dry under the buildings.
Winter cycling in Aarau offers clear views of the frosty Aare landscape. Start well-layered at the station and ride carefully through the old town alleys. At noon, the route takes you along the river, where hoarfrost creates a magical scene on the trees. A warming stop at the Schlössli is perfect now. The afternoon is best spent in the heated Art Museum galleries while your bike stays outside in the crisp air. Return via Laurenzenvorstadt before dark to enjoy the festive lights in the shop windows.
Start your day by car, parking conveniently near Aarau's Old Town. Explore the first historical cluster on foot, from the Town Hall to the Obertorturm and the City Church. At noon, drive to the second cluster, the cultural quarter, where you can visit the renowned Aargau Art Museum. Spend the afternoon in nature: a short drive takes you to the spacious Roggenhausen Wildlife Park. To finish, return to the city for a relaxing walk along the banks of the Aare.
By car, you can explore Aarau comfortably while staying dry between stops. Park centrally at the Flösserplatz garage for easy access to the old town. At noon, the short drive to the City Church is straightforward. Enjoy the view of the rainy city from the comfort of your dry vehicle. The afternoon at the Culture Cluster is ideal, with parking available in the immediate vicinity of both the Art Museum and Naturama. Conclude with a drive to Roggenhausen Wildlife Park, where you can observe nature from your car even in the rain before heading to the Aare bank.
A winter tour by car reveals Aarau at its most cozy. Start with a pre-heated vehicle and find a parking spot close to the old town center. At noon, the drive through the snow-dusted suburbs is particularly charming. Visit the City Church and Schlössli without enduring the cold for too long. The afternoon at the Art Museum provides a warm sanctuary while your car remains frost-free in an underground garage. End the day with a scenic drive along the Aare river before darkness sets in and the city lights reflect in the icy water.
The Aargau nature museum in Aarau has exciting insights into the environment and earth history.
Biobad Biberstein is a natural swimming pond with biological filtration in Biberstein near Aarau.
