ACTIVITIES IN AARAU
Aarau – named after the River Aare that flows directly through the city – combines history with a high quality of life. Founded nearly 750 years ago, the city experienced a long period of peace and economic prosperity under Kyburg, Habsburg, and Bernese rule. The beautifully painted roof gables in the old town still bear witness to this flourishing era and have earned Aarau the title “City of Beautiful Gables.”
In 1798, Aarau became the first capital of the Helvetic Republic – albeit only for a short time. A visible remnant from this period is the wide Laurenzenvorstadt, once a diplomatic government district and today an integral part of the vibrant cityscape. The city’s oldest building, the Schlössli, houses a museum that vividly showcases urban life in past centuries.
Today, Aarau is the capital of the canton of Aargau and a popular place to live, work, and explore. Its charming old town, diverse leisure activities, exciting cultural events, and proximity to nature all contribute to a high quality of life. Two traditional festivals – the Maienzug in July and the atmospheric Bachfischet in September – also make Aarau a place rich in living traditions and local spirit.
