Arth(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Aarau, the Hotel Schloss Aarau stands out as a premier choice, housed in a historic castle with elegant rooms and panoramic views of the Aare River. It offers a refined dining experience at its on-site restaurant, serving regional Swiss cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. The hotel’s proximity to Aarau Castle Park and the historic town center makes it ideal for cultural exploration. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, spa access, and guided heritage tours—perfect for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity.

The Old Town (Altstadt) district is the most desirable area for lodging in Aarau, offering charming cobblestone streets, well-preserved 18th-century architecture, and easy access to major attractions like Aarau Cathedral and Schloss Aarau. This central location ensures convenience for shopping, dining, and walking tours. Many boutique hotels and family-run guesthouses are nestled here, providing a warm, intimate atmosphere. Nighttime ambiance is particularly magical, with soft lighting reflecting off the river and quiet alleys perfect for evening strolls.

In Aarau, visitors can explore the Aarau Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from the region's medieval past, including ancient weapons and religious relics. Don’t miss the annual Aarau Festival, featuring traditional Swiss music, folk dancing, and local crafts. For a deeper dive, join a guided walking tour through the Old Town’s hidden courtyards and underground passages. The city also hosts seasonal events such as open-air theater performances and artisan markets, blending history with vibrant community life.

Yes, several hotels in Aarau cater specifically to families. Hotel Adler Aarau offers spacious family suites, a children’s playroom, and an on-site mini golf course. The hotel provides babysitting services and organizes kid-friendly activities like treasure hunts and cheese-making workshops. Located near Aarau Park, it’s ideal for outdoor play. Additionally, many hotels offer breakfast buffets with child-sized portions and high chairs, ensuring a stress-free stay for parents and kids alike.

Begin your day with a morning walk along the Aare River promenade, followed by breakfast at Café Mühle with views of the old bridge. Visit Aarau Castle and its surrounding park for a dose of history and green space. Lunch at Restaurant Stadthaus, known for its hearty Swiss dishes. In the afternoon, take a short train ride to Löwenberg Castle or explore the Aarau Botanical Garden. End your day with a riverside dinner at Das Alte Kaffeehaus, then stroll back under the illuminated arches of the historic town center.

While Aarau itself is not a ski resort, it serves as a perfect base for winter adventures. Take a short train ride to Hinterland Ski Area or Ski Valley Aargau, where you’ll find groomed slopes and snow parks. During winter, the town hosts a festive Christmas Market featuring handmade gifts, mulled wine, and live carolers. Ice skating is available at the Aarau Winter Arena, and guided night walks through snowy streets offer a magical atmosphere. Cozy up at a local café with a hot chocolate after a day outdoors.

Most hotels in Aarau provide multilingual service, with English and German being standard. High-end properties like Hotel Schloss Aarau also offer French and Italian support, while some hostels and guesthouses include Spanish and Chinese speakers. Menus, room information, and welcome kits are typically available in multiple languages. Many establishments use digital platforms with multilingual interfaces, ensuring seamless communication for international travelers.

Local favorites in Aarau include Aargauer Rösti—a crispy potato dish often served with cheese and eggs—and Schweizer Spätzli, soft egg noodles in creamy sauce. Try Pfannkuchen mit Apfelkompott (apple compote pancakes) at Bäckerei Staub for a sweet treat. The region is renowned for its dairy, so don’t miss the Aargau Cheese Platter featuring local varieties like Bergkäse. Many restaurants source ingredients from nearby farms, emphasizing freshness and sustainability in every bite.

Absolutely. Aarau is well-connected via SBB trains, linking directly to Zurich, Bern, and Basel in under an hour. The city has a comprehensive network of local buses and trams, all accessible with the Swiss Travel Pass. Free shuttle services run during peak tourist seasons. Bike lanes and pedestrian zones make walking safe and enjoyable. With real-time schedules available online, navigating the city is effortless—even for first-time visitors.

Yes, Aarau is a photographer’s dream. Capture the dramatic silhouette of Aarau Castle against the sky at golden hour, or frame the reflection of the Aare River in the morning mist. The narrow alleyways of the Old Town, with their weathered facades and flower boxes, offer rich textures. Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage along the riverbanks, and snow-covered rooftops in winter. Many hotels allow photography in common areas, and local guides offer exclusive photo tours through hidden courtyards and historic vaults.