Strolling Through Aarau's Medieval Old Town

Aarau is the capital of the canton of Aargau, and its medieval Old Town is one of the best-preserved in northern Switzerland. It lies on the south bank of the Aare, a short walk from the railway station, and its compact medieval core is largely traffic-free, which makes it an easy place to walk. The town was founded in the 13th century by the Counts of Kyburg and developed as a small trading town on a crossing of the river, and the layout of narrow lanes, squares and town gates has survived.

The most distinctive feature is above eye level. Aarau is known as the City of the Beautiful Gables, and the name comes from the painted undersides of the broad roof overhangs, the Dachhimmel, literally roof skies, that decorate many of the houses in the old town. The eaves of the buildings project far over the street and are covered with colourful designs in floral and geometric patterns, so that looking up becomes part of the stroll. They were a local tradition, and their survival gives the town a look that differs from other Swiss old towns, where arcades or oriel windows are more common. A separate entry for Aarau’s painted gables covers them in more detail, but you cannot miss them on a walk.

A stroll through Aarau’s Medieval Old Town can be made on a simple loop through the Old Town. Start at the railway station, cross the Bahnhofstrasse to the edge of the old town and enter through the gate towers, among them the Obertorturm, the upper gate tower, one of the town’s historic towers. Beyond it, the main streets lead past the town hall, the old guild houses, the town church and small squares with fountains. Water channels, the Stadtbäche, once ran through the streets and are still part of the town’s identity. Shops, cafés and bakeries occupy the ground floors, and the atmosphere is calm, with few tourists and a local population going about its business. Side lanes and courtyards invite exploration, and the castle-like Schlössli stands above the town on a rocky outcrop.

Aarau’s old town can be visited at any time, and there is no admission fee to walk the streets. Museums and guided tours have their own hours and prices, and the tourist office can provide route information and sometimes arranges guided walks. Combine the stroll with the Aargauer Kunsthaus, the Naturama museum or a walk along the Aare, all within easy reach. The town is small enough to see the highlights in an hour or two.

It suits architecture lovers, photographers, families and anyone looking for a relaxed, authentic Swiss town. Take a camera, look up often, and visit on a sunny day to see the colours at their best.