Attractions and Places To See in the Aargau - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in the Aargau include a diverse range of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural experiences. The canton features majestic castles, ancient Roman archaeological sites, and charming old towns. Its geography is characterized by rolling farmlands, dense forests, and significant waterways like the Aare River and Lake Hallwil. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions that blend history with outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see in the Aargau
- The most popular attractions is Wasserflue, a summit that offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the Black Forest. It is accessible from the Hard car park and provides impressive vistas in various weather conditions.
- Another must-see spot is Old Rhine Bridge, Rheinfelden, a historical bridge and border crossing between the two Rheinfelden towns. This pedestrian bridge, dating back to the 12th century, offers views of the old town facades and the Rhine.
- Visitors also love Linner Waterfall, a natural monument and the highest waterfall in the canton of Aargau. Located near an old quarry, it is 5.4 meters high and can be accessed via a short path to the stream bed.
- Aargau is known for its historical castles, Roman sites, and natural features such as lakes and rivers. The region offers a variety of attractions, from ancient landmarks to scenic outdoor areas, suitable for different interests.
- The attractions in the Aargau are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 370 highlights featuring more than 380 photos and nearly 380 upvotes.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Wasserflue
Highlight • Summit
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Old Rhine Bridge, Rheinfelden
Highlight • Bridge
The old Rhine Bridge is a Rhine and border crossing between the two Rheinfelden. Crossing is only permitted for pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, taxis and the local bus.
From the ferry to the bridge.
There was already a ferry in the area of today's bridge during Roman rule. The Zähringers, who expanded the market town of Rheinfelden into a town, also had a ferry connection across the Rhine. It ensured the connection to the road to the Zähringen possessions in Breisgau.
The first bridge was probably built in the second half of the 12th century, because in 1198 a citizen of Rheinfelden was referred to in a document as Heinricus de Ponte (Heinrich von der Brücke). It was therefore the oldest bridge between Constance and Strasbourg, even before the middle bridge in Basel, which was built in 1225.
Pedestrian bridge.
Except for taxis and the local bus, cars are no longer allowed to use the bridge. The crossing over the Rhine and the entire old town is reserved for bicycles at walking pace and pedestrians.
The Rhine bridge offers a wonderful view of the old town facades and the Park Hotel on the Rhine.
Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden
tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rheinbruecke
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Laufenburg Old Town and Rhine Bridge
Highlight • Settlement
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Rhine Cycle Route Wallbach–Bad Säckingen
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Rheinfelden Town Hall
Highlight • Historical Site
Centrally located, the town hall with its impressive baroque facade, massive tower and beautiful courtyard stands in the middle of Rheinfelden's old town.
An Austrian coat of arms on a Swiss town hall?
After the town hall burned down in 1531, it was rebuilt. The tower with its crenellated crown dates back to the Zähringer period. The baroque facade from the 18th century shows the coats of arms of Austria, the county of Hauenstein, Laufenburg, Säckingen, Rheinfelden, and the Truchsessen family.
Rheinfelden belonged to the Habsburgs and thus to Austria for almost 1000 years. Today, the entire city administration is located in the historic building.
Rudolf: The King of Rheinfelden.
When you enter through the gate on the left, there is a cast of the gravestone of Rudolf von Rheinfelden († 1080). The former court and market arcades are also here.
Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden
tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rheinfelder-rathaus
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Baden Old Town and Wooden Bridge
Highlight • Historical Site
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Old town Laufenburg
Highlight • Historical Site
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Linner Lime Tree
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Linner Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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Hallwyl Castle
Highlight • Castle
Culture and nature experience in the moated castle.
From the romantic moated castle it is only a jump into the unique nature reserve at the Hallwilersee. Back in the castle rooms, the exhibition tells the story of the life of a noble Aargau family and their subjects in the Seetal. The versatile program of events and activities is all about culture and nature!
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Tips from the Community
The two Lauenburgs are a real discovery and well worth seeing 😊👍
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Rheinfelden Town Hall The Town Hall is a hidden gem full of history. It is located in the town hall and can be reached via the Gothic staircase in the inner courtyard. Inside, magnificent portraits of the Habsburg rulers and coats of arms await. Anyone who wants to get married in Rheinfelden can celebrate their civil wedding here. Cultural asset of regional importance. On the night of February 11, 1531, the old town hall in Rheinfelden fell victim to a fire. Shortly afterwards, a new building was built using the medieval tower that had been spared from the fire. This late Gothic building forms the core of today's town hall. Coat of arms & portraits of the rulers. The large council chamber was decorated on the north and south sides with coats of arms from the Ropstein workshop in Freiburg im Breisgau. These were donated by Austrian sovereigns, friendly forest towns and the county of Hauenstein, as well as local nobles who were in the service of the Habsburgs. 10 princes and 8 citizens' portraits depict personalities from Rheinfelden's history: Among others, Emperor Ferdinand I and Maria Theresa. Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden https://www.tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rathaussaal-rheinfelden
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Rheinfelden Town Hall Centrally located, the town hall with its impressive baroque facade, massive tower and beautiful courtyard stands in the middle of Rheinfelden's old town. An Austrian coat of arms on a Swiss town hall? After the town hall burned down in 1531, it was rebuilt. The tower with its crenellated crown dates back to the Zähringer period. The baroque facade from the 18th century shows the coats of arms of Austria, the county of Hauenstein, Laufenburg, Säckingen, Rheinfelden, and the Truchsessen family. Rheinfelden belonged to the Habsburgs and thus to Austria for almost 1000 years. Today, the entire city administration is located in the historic building. Rudolf: The King of Rheinfelden. When you enter through the gate on the left, there is a cast of the gravestone of Rudolf von Rheinfelden († 1080). The former court and market arcades are also here. Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden https://www.tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rheinfelder-rathaus
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Rhine Bridge "Border crossing between the two Rheinfelden" The old Rhine Bridge is a Rhine and border crossing between the two Rheinfelden. Crossing is only permitted for pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, taxis and the local bus. From the ferry to the bridge. There was already a ferry in the area of today's bridge during Roman rule. The Zähringers, who expanded the market town of Rheinfelden into a town, also had a ferry connection across the Rhine. It ensured the connection to the road to the Zähringen possessions in Breisgau. The first bridge was probably built in the second half of the 12th century, because in 1198 a citizen of Rheinfelden was referred to in a document as Heinricus de Ponte (Heinrich von der Brücke). It was therefore the oldest bridge between Constance and Strasbourg, even before the middle bridge in Basel, which was built in 1225. Pedestrian bridge. Except for taxis and the local bus, cars are no longer allowed to use the bridge. The crossing over the Rhine and the entire old town is reserved for bicycles at walking pace and pedestrians. The Rhine bridge offers a wonderful view of the old town facades and the Park Hotel on the Rhine. Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden https://www.tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rheinbruecke
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Rhine Bridge, Rheinfelden since 1150 Around 1150, Konrad von Zähringen had the first Rhine bridge built in Rheinfelden. This gave the newly minted town of Rheinfelden (which received town charter in 1130) a major economic boom. The bridge in Rheinfelden was the only bridge over the Rhine in the area at the time, and was even older than the bridges in Basel. Thanks to the island, building a bridge here was easier than elsewhere in the Rhine, as the island could be used as a bridge pillar. This is why the bridge still has a bend today. One night in 1897, the old wooden bridge burned down. "It is said that many a Rheinfelden resident shed a tear when this old landmark of the town, to which such a rich piece of history is linked, was consumed by flames." Construction of the bridge that still stands today began soon after. Fortunately, it is now fireproof, but still not completely out of danger. In 1995 it was almost washed away by floods, and in May 1999 the bridge also withstood the flood of the century. Text / Source: http://rheinfelden.net/rhf-p.htm http://rheinfelden.net/rhf-p.htm
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Rheinfelden Town Hall Centrally located, the town hall with its impressive baroque facade, massive tower and beautiful courtyard stands in the middle of Rheinfelden's old town. An Austrian coat of arms on a Swiss town hall? After the town hall burned down in 1531, it was rebuilt. The tower with its crenellated crown dates back to the Zähringer period. The baroque facade from the 18th century shows the coats of arms of Austria, the county of Hauenstein, Laufenburg, Säckingen, Rheinfelden, and the Truchsessen family. Rheinfelden belonged to the Habsburgs and thus to Austria for almost 1000 years. Today, the entire city administration is located in the historic building. Rudolf: The King of Rheinfelden. When you enter through the gate on the left, there is a cast of the gravestone of Rudolf von Rheinfelden († 1080). The former court and market arcades are also here. Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden https://www.tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rheinfelder-rathaus
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Inner courtyard of the Rheinfelden town hall The imposing Rheinfelden town hall with its baroque facade and coats of arms, the defiant tower, the courthouse and the beautiful inner courtyard with the proud open staircase. (The Rheinfelden town hall is often referred to as a miniature version of the Basel town hall! Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden Rheinfelden-rundgang-rheinfelden-2021_0
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Rheinfelden Town Hall The Town Hall is a hidden gem full of history. It is located in the town hall and can be reached via the Gothic staircase in the inner courtyard. Inside, magnificent portraits of the Habsburg rulers and coats of arms await. Anyone who wants to get married in Rheinfelden can celebrate their civil wedding here. Cultural asset of regional importance. On the night of February 11, 1531, the old town hall in Rheinfelden fell victim to a fire. Shortly afterwards, a new building was built using the medieval tower that had been spared from the fire. This late Gothic building forms the core of today's town hall. Coat of arms & portraits of the rulers. The large council chamber was decorated on the north and south sides with coats of arms from the Ropstein workshop in Freiburg im Breisgau. These were donated by Austrian sovereigns, friendly forest towns and the county of Hauenstein, as well as local nobles who were in the service of the Habsburgs. 10 princes and 8 citizens' portraits depict personalities from Rheinfelden's history: Among others, Emperor Ferdinand I and Maria Theresa. Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden https://www.tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rathaussaal-rheinfelden
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I enjoy in the Aargau region?
The Aargau offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore scenic hiking trails, cycle along the Aare River, or discover challenging mountain bike routes. Popular spots include the Aargau Jura Park for nature walks and Lake Hallwil for water sports and circular walks. The Wasserflue summit also offers excellent opportunities for hiking with panoramic views.
Which historical castles can I visit in Aargau?
Aargau is rich in historical castles. You can visit the impressive Hallwyl Castle, a beautiful moated castle on Lake Hallwil. Other notable castles include Lenzburg Castle, known for its dragon research station, Habsburg Castle, the ancestral seat of the Habsburg dynasty, and Wildegg Castle.
Are there Roman archaeological sites in the Aargau?
Yes, Aargau has significant Roman history. The Vindonissa Legionary Trail and Museum in Brugg/Windisch allows you to experience daily life in a Roman legionary camp from 2,000 years ago. You can see ruins of Roman thermal baths and the only functioning Roman aqueduct north of the Alps.
What family-friendly attractions are available in Aargau?
Families will find plenty to do. Hallwyl Castle is family-friendly, and Lenzburg Castle features a popular dragon research station. The Frick Dinosaur Museum offers prehistoric adventures, and Roggenhausen Wildlife Park hosts wild animals and an educational trail. Many old towns like Laufenburg and Baden are also great for family strolls.
Where can I find the best panoramic views in Aargau?
For breathtaking views, head to Wasserflue, a summit offering panoramic vistas of the Swiss Alps and the Black Forest. Habsburg Castle also provides sweeping views across the canton. The Oberturm tower in Aarau's Old Town offers panoramic views after climbing 144 steps.
Are there any notable natural landmarks or scenic spots to visit?
Absolutely. Linner Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the canton. Lake Hallwil is a popular spot for its largely untouched shoreline and boat trips. The Aare River Valley is perfect for cycling and birdwatching, and the Aargau Jura Park features untouched valleys and significant nature reserves. Don't miss the impressive Linner Lime Tree, considered the mightiest tree in Aargau.
What are some charming old towns to explore in Aargau?
Aargau boasts several charming old towns. The cantonal capital, Aarau, is known for its medieval old town with distinctive painted gables. Laufenburg Old Town and Baden Old Town offer historical charm. Bremgarten, set in a loop of the Reuss river, is another historic gem with sites like the Spittelturm.
When is the best time of year to visit Aargau's attractions?
The best time to visit Aargau generally depends on your interests. Spring and summer (April to September) are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lakes. The boat trips on Lake Hallwil run from March to October. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, especially in the natural parks. While some attractions might have reduced hours, the region can also be impressive in winter, especially for views from spots like Wasserflue with snow.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions or paths in Aargau?
Yes, some attractions in Aargau offer accessibility. The Old Rhine Bridge in Rheinfelden is accessible for pedestrians and bicycles. The Rhine Cycle Route Wallbach–Bad Säckingen is also noted as wheelchair-accessible. It's always recommended to check specific venue information for detailed accessibility details before your visit.
What cultural sites can I visit in Aargau?
Beyond castles and Roman sites, Aargau offers cultural experiences such as the Aargauer Kunsthaus in Aarau, which houses a comprehensive collection of Swiss art. Wettingen Monastery, the best-preserved Cistercian monastery in Switzerland, features extensive gardens. The unique painted gables of Aarau's Old Town are also a significant cultural feature.
Are there opportunities for cycling along the Rhine River?
Yes, the Aargau region offers excellent cycling opportunities along the Rhine. The Rhine Cycle Route Wallbach–Bad Säckingen is a popular option. You can also find more road cycling routes throughout the Aargau, including those with views of the Klingnauer Stausee.
Most popular routes in the Aargau
Most popular attractions in the Aargau
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