Leisure activities in the Canton of Aargau
A paradise with a wide variety of options
When you visit Aargau, allow plenty of time! Unique river landscapes and stretches of river meadows, fascinating forests, lakes and incomparable nature conservation areas await you. Visit the historical castles and multi-faceted arts centres and enjoy the wide range of sports and excursions available. Aargau is a true leisure paradise.
Observing and exploring nature
Cyclone Lothar left behind fallen trees in the natural forest reserve of Thiersteinberg-Homberg-Horn. These trees now provide a habitat for plants and animals.
Aargau's natural environment is unique and is protected accordingly with a variety of nature reserves. But humans are not barred – they are invited to observe and discover nature here.
- Go to the "jungle path" in the Thiersteinberg-Homberg-Horn natural forest reserve – with 165 hectares, it is the largest continuous forest reserve in the canton. You can trace the regeneration of the forest after Lothar, the worst windstorm of the 20th century, and explore a yew forest more than a century old.
- The river meadow conservation park – consisting of eight river meadow reserves along Aargau's rivers – provide a habitat for rare species of plants and animals. For example, the river meadows at the Klingnauer Stausee (reservoir) offer food and protection and a place to rest on their journeys for around 350 bird species. A particular gem is the Stille Reuss in Rottenschwil, the best preserved oxbow lake in Switzerland. Enjoy a long walk, observing insects, amphibians and birds.
- The banks of Lake Hallwil are still accessible to the public today on the grounds of a conservation decree. Thanks to continuous remediation, the lake has become a valuable ecosystem and offers a welcome opportunity to cool down on hot summer days.
See, hear and feel cultural diversity
The Canton of Aargau enjoys a rich historical heritage and an active cultural life, firmly anchored in the regions. It is known as the "canton of culture", and for good reason. Immerse yourself in high-profile cultural institutions, festivals and series of events bound very closely to the audience. The canton of culture's trademarks also include its retelling of history at historical sites and the wide range of cultural creativity in the present day. Many clubs and associations with active memberships champion the preservation of living traditions.
Museums and exhibition halls, drama and dance, music, film, literature or cultural heritage: listen to the culture, see it and feel it!
Become part of the canton of culture
Now it's your turn. Experience culture at historical venues or in one of the many local culture-related institutions. What will you choose? Strolling through the sensory world of the Stapferhaus's exhibitions? A visit to the Aargauer Kunsthaus art museum, dubbed "Switzerland's secret national gallery" by the NZZ newspaper? Or would you rather walk in the park at the Museum Langmatt, where you can study French Impressionism and contemporary art up close? Or join in the Canton of Aargau's volunteer programme as a culture volunteer and contribute to vibrant, diverse and innovative cultural creativity and cultural life in Aargau.
A successful excursion in every way
Whether you want fun and excitement, activity for young and old or relaxation pure and simple – Aargau offers countless opportunities for excursions. One MUST-DO is a visit to the wellness destination of Baden. The joys of the thermal bath were discovered here as far back as Roman times. Aargau with its idyllic landscapes and eventful history offers dozens of other destinations. Some options are a walk along the Chriesiweg to the ruined castle of Alt-Tierstein, a bicycle tour along the Wyna to Teufenthal or a visit to the Dinosaur Museum in Frick.
Hungry?
To be successful in every way, any excursion, evening or weekend has to include a good meal. How about the cantonal speciality of Aargau roast pork with prunes, accompanied by a glass of characterful red Aargau wine? Around 400 hectares of vines are under cultivation in the Canton of Aargau. This makes Aargau the fourth-largest wine-growing canton in German-speaking Switzerland. More than 90 varieties of grape are grown here by more than 600 wine growers.
And a tasty dessert naturally calls for a piece of widely known Swiss carrot cake (Rüeblitorte), Have you heard of Brändli Bombe chocolates, are you familiar with Fricktaler Kirsch or the multiple award-winner Badener Gin? Discover not only the gourmet food aspects of Aargau, but also its high-proof beverages.
Sports activities in Aargau
Sport and Aargau – the perfect combination! You will not only find a wide range of sports facilities in Aargau, but will also be very well entertained at the exciting games and competitions in the national sports leagues involving Aargau teams.
Something for everyone
While around a quarter of Aargau's population remains unmoved by sport, the majority pursue sporting activities at least once a week, and almost half of the population several times weekly. Whether biking, hiking, jogging, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, floorball, handball, football, yoga or attendance at one of the many fitness centres – exercise is good for you, whether indoors or outdoors, alone, in couples or in teams. Make use of Aargau's wide range of sports opportunities!
Off to the ticket shop
You can enjoy elite sport in Aargau in a very wide variety of disciplines. Are you familiar with the Aarau horse races? Tens of thousands of fans of the turf make regular pilgrimages to the Schachen venue. Visitors are also recommended to see a curling match at the Baden Masters, where the elite of curling meet every year. And of course there are countless other opportunities to enjoy live sport, whether in football, volleyball or floorball. Booked your tickets yet?
