Affoltern am Albis(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Aarau, top choices for families include Hotel Alpenblick, a family-run boutique hotel located steps from St. John's Church and the historic Altstadt Aarau. Its rooms feature mountain-view balconies, organic breakfast, and child-friendly amenities like play areas and baby cots. The hotel also offers an outdoor wooden deck overlooking the Alps, perfect for family relaxation.

Another excellent option is Bergland Hotel, nestled beside Lake Aarau with access to natural hot springs and guided nature activities for kids. Both properties use local wood and stone in their design, reflecting authentic Swiss architecture, and provide smoke-free environments and eco-friendly policies—ideal for a safe, sustainable family getaway.

The Altstadt Aarau (Old Town) is the prime district for hotel stays. It’s centrally located near key landmarks such as the Town Hall, St. John’s Church, and the Aarau Museum, and features charming cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings.

Guests can easily walk to all major attractions and enjoy dining at local favorites like Gasthaus zum Roten Hahn, known for traditional Swiss cheese fondue and dark rye bread. Just a 10-minute walk west leads to the scenic Lake Aarau, ideal for morning strolls or sunset views. Located just 5 minutes from Aarau Train Station, this area offers perfect access for exploring northern Switzerland.

Visitors to Aarau must attend the Aarau Festival, held annually in summer, a vibrant celebration combining classical music, street performances, and artisan markets centered around the Town Square—drawing over 100,000 guests.

Explore the Schloss Aarau ruins to discover medieval Swiss history through archaeological exhibits and ancient manuscripts. Art lovers should visit Kunstverein Aarau, a contemporary art gallery showcasing modernist works from Switzerland and Northern Europe. These experiences highlight Aarau’s identity as a cultural hub in the Swiss heartland.

While Aarau itself isn’t a ski resort, its strategic location—just 45 minutes by car from the Bernese Oberland—makes it a gateway to premier destinations like Brig-Glarus and Spiez.

Hotels such as Hotel Alpenblick provide ski rental, private coaching, and snow shuttle services. For hikers, they assist with bookings for trails like the Lake Aarau Loop and Altau Forest Path, offering guided tours and trail maps. Many accommodations also include outdoor storage lockers and rain gear, ensuring travelers are always ready to explore the alpine landscapes surrounding the city.

Must-try dishes in Aarau include Aarauer Käsefondue, made with local Emmental and Berner Alpkäse cheeses, served with red wine sauce for a rich flavor profile. Another favorite is Rösti mit Spätzle, a hearty mix of fried potatoes and handmade egg noodles topped with fresh butter and chives.

Visit Gasthof Sankt Johann, a centuries-old restaurant preserving 19th-century recipes, for daily specials like pork sausages with sauerkraut. Don’t miss the Markthalle Aarau market on Saturdays, where you can sample freshly baked Swiss chocolate bread and artisanal jams—perfect for experiencing authentic local cuisine.

For couples, Hotel Alpenblick offers a "Starlight Suite" with panoramic windows and a private balcony facing the Alps, perfect for stargazing. The hotel provides custom candlelit dinners and romantic packages.

Another top pick is Bergland Hotel, featuring mountain-view rooms with private hot tubs and lavender-scented baths. Complimentary champagne and chocolate boxes enhance the intimate atmosphere. Both hotels offer couple’s massages and city night tours. A sunset stroll across the Old Town Bridge to Lake Aarau completes the perfect romantic escape.

Yes, Aarau hosts several business-oriented hotels. Hotel Alpenblick features modern conference rooms equipped with high-speed fiber internet, video conferencing systems, and soundproof walls—ideal for meetings of up to 80 people.

It also offers 24/7 executive concierge services, printing facilities, and a business center. Bergland Hotel provides dedicated business floors with quiet workspaces and smart lighting. Both are near the Aarau Exhibition Center and within 1 hour of Zurich Airport, making them perfect for short-term assignments. Corporate travel packages and group discounts are available.

The peak tourist seasons in Aarau are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing and hiking.

Spring brings blooming cherry blossoms along the Lake Aarau and flower-decorated streets in the old town. Autumn features harvest festivals like the Wine Festival (Weinfest) and Apple Cider Market, drawing large crowds. Summer (July–August) sees high visitor numbers but can be crowded; HopeGoo early is recommended. Winter (December–February) is quieter, perfect for Christmas markets and spa retreats—ideal for travelers seeking tranquility.

Photographers should visit: the St. John’s Church Tower for panoramic views of the old town and the winding Aarau River; the Old Town Bridge (Altstädter Brücke), whose 16th-century arches create stunning reflections;

The serene waters of Lake Aarau at dawn offer perfect conditions for long-exposure shots. The Town Square fountain and festive lighting during events provide dramatic urban scenes. Finally, the moss-covered ruins of Schloss Aarau deliver compelling textures and historical depth—ideal for fine-art photography. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens for best results.

Aarau Train Station is a key SBB railway hub, offering frequent direct trains to Zurich (~30 min), Basel (~1 hour), and Bern (~45 min).

The city has multiple bus lines connecting the old town, lakefront, and surrounding villages, all compatible with the Swiss Travel Pass. The station is just a 5-minute walk from downtown, passing historic buildings and green paths. Electric bike rentals are also available for short-distance exploration. With excellent connectivity and efficient transit, Aarau is an ideal base for day trips across northern Switzerland.