Aarau is the capital of the canton of Aargau, in northern Switzerland. It is a compact town, and much of its appeal lies in its old centre, where the medieval streets have kept their character and many of the houses are decorated with painted gables in bright colours. Walking through the centre is the main pleasure here: the distances are short, the pace is unhurried, and there is always another façade or corner to look at.
What to do
- Stroll the old town. The historic core is small enough to explore on foot, and the painted gables are the town's best-known feature.
- Visit the museums. Aarau has a good selection of museums, suited to visitors with a range of interests.
- Stop for coffee or a meal. The town has cosy cafés, well suited to a relaxed break between sights.
- Walk by the river. The Aare flows nearby, and its banks offer a calm place to spend time outdoors.
Aarau also works well as a base for day trips. Several castles lie within easy reach, so a visit to the town can be combined with an afternoon in the surrounding countryside.
Why visit
Aarau suits visitors who prefer a slower, more intimate Swiss town to the busier resorts and big cities. It rewards a few unhurried hours, and it makes a practical starting point for travellers who want to explore more of Switzerland's history and landscape from a quiet, central location.