Canton Aargau – Home To Magical Castles Pristine Lake Hallwyl

Aargau is rich in history with hilltop and lakeside castles that tell the story of Switzerland and the conquerors of Europe who passed through. These landmarks are within a few kilometres of each other so can easily be visited in one or two days. Some of the castles offer pretty garden terraces and vineyards, while others are close to historical town centres or close to idyllic lakes.

Below is more information about the castles, their surroundings, and where to go if you want to check out a Roman Legion’s camp.

Where to find culture and nature in Canton Aargau

Vindonissa Roman legion‘s dwellings

Around 2,000 years ago Vindonissa Park was once the site of a Roman Legion‘s camp. This was developed from a military post under Emperor Tiberius (14-37AD) and housed around 6,000 legionnaires. The park has been specially set up for the visitor to experience what everyday life was like here. The main attraction is the Legionnaires’ discovery trail which shows the day to day routine of the soldiers by using different sights, smells and sounds.

On this trail you will find:

• The Officer’s Kitchen
• Ruins of the Roman Thermal Baths
• The only Roman Aquaduct north of the Alps that is functioning today.
• The Garrison‘s dwellings. These have been authentically reconstructed. The only one of its kind in Europe. The builders used exactly the same building methods with wood, clay and limestone, as was used originally with the reconstruction based on archaeological findings. You can still see the remains of the original foundations and east gate.  

The most important artifacts can be found at the Vindonissa Museum which is in a completely separate building on the west side of the Brugg train station.

Getting There: It’s a 15-minute walk from Brugg Train Station with signposts showing the way. Buses 361/2/3 go to the Legionary Trail Visitors Centre bus stop and take about 2-3 mins. By Car: Go on the A3 Motorway, Brugg exit, then take the expressway to Windisch (about 10 minutes). Paid parking spaces are available at the Campus car park near Bahnhofstrasse. From there it is about 10 minutes walk. Food & Drink: There is a bistro on-site as well as several possibilities for picnickers. Vindonissa Museum is in a different building on the other side of the train tracks with parking right next door in Eisi Parkhaus.

More Information: Go to this link: Museum Aargau

schloss habsburg

Photo 75339835©Lightpoet: Dreamstime.com

Habsburg Castle was built between 1020 to 1030 by the founders of the Habsburg Dynasty – one of Europe’s greatest Dynasties.

The castle houses an exhibition complete with an audio tour and, while here you can really dive into the Middle Ages by using virtual reality. Just put on the VR glasses and experience something that could never be done in reality – a 360-degree flight over the castle in around the year 1200.

For more information see the Habsburg Castle page on Museum Aargau’s website

Schloss wildegg

Schloss Wildegg: Image by Mintmount from Pixabay

On a hilltop, about 8km down the road from Schloss Habsburg is the pretty Schloss Wildegg. It is surrounded by a baroque garden and rose gardens, orchards and vineyards. Within the castle itself, you will find a treasure trove of antiquities. Spring and summer are magical times to experience this castle.

For more information on the history of this castle with a detailed timeline go here.

schloss lenzburg

WasserSchloss Hallwyl

Wasserschloss Hallwyl, Photo by A.Leggett

The lovely Wasserschloss Hallwyl (Water-Castle Hallwil) is very photogenic. It is in reality, two small castles, surrounded by the Aabach river, joined by a bridge. The solid walls and turrets of these compact castles reflect beautifully in the waters of the surrounding moat. You won’t be able to resist a few photos before entering via the drawbridge. It’s in a lovely position within walking distance to the idyllic Lake Hallwyl. To travel from here by car to Aarau is 19km and 30km to Baden.

Further information can be found on the Hallwyl Castle page on Museum Aargau’s website.

Lake Hallwyl

Historical Boathouse on Lake Hallwyl, Photo by A.Leggett

There are restrictions in place that mean the banks of Lake Hallwyl are largely undeveloped, giving this lake a natural beauty and giving the natural environment a chance to thrive. The elegant wooden boathouses here and there, along with the Hallwyl Castle just up the Aabach River, give this area a nostalgic and very charming feel.

A walking path follows the river between the castle & the lake, then along the lake’s banks, alongside fields, through trees and past vineyards. There are several simple bathing areas, some with wooden slats terraces for sunbathing and others with BBQ possibilities. Tennwil bathing area with camping and a restaurant is about 3.5 km from the castle. Another option to stock up on food supplies in Tennwil is to pop across the field to Fischer’s Hoflädeli (farm shop). Here you will find fresh bread, fruit and veggies plus other locally sourced produce. For opening times go to the Hoflädli website (in german).

Hike around Lake

If you are feeling energetic there is a circular hike around the lake. You can either start south of the Lake at Mosen where parking is available or the northern end at the castle – parking is across the road. As per normal, the parking is metered. The circular walk takes about five hours, with most of the path directly on the lakeshore. Various ports for the lake ferry offer the possibility of shortening the hike.

The path is marked as «Seeuferweg» (lakeshore path) – at the north end of the lake.

Worth a look: There is a reconstruction of a lake-dwelling on stilts in Meisterschwanden.