The old town in Canton Aargau dates back to the 12th century when it was founded by the Counts of Frohburg, then sold to the Habsburgs and finally annexed by the Bernese in 1415. Its location is undoubtedly strategic: the two main Swiss motorways converge here (the A1 north-south and the A2 east-west) as do the two main railway lines, the St Gotthard Basel-Chiasso line and the St Gallen-Geneva east-west axis. This crossroads made the town a must for artists, musicians, merchants and all those who travelled between northern and southern Europe. One of these was none other than the Mozart family, who stopped here back in 1766 on their way through Switzerland. A route called the Swiss Mozart Route traces their journey and the first commemorative plaque was placed here in Aarburg.
The old town centre takes the form of a triangle, separated on one side by the River Aare and on the other by an impressive rocky spur. The church, built in 1840 in neo-Gothic style with its distinctive symmetrical bell towers, towers above the rocky spur and dominates the entire region. A viewing terrace, which can also be reached by a modern lift, provides an incredible view from above for taking wonderful photographs.
From here, the majestic fortress is just a stone’s throw away: documents attest to its construction by the House of Frohburg around the year 1123. In 1299 it was sold by the latter to the Dukes of Austria, until Bern conquered the fortress in 1415 after a short siege. After the founding of Canton Aargau in 1803, it came into state possession and served for a time as the cantonal armoury and prison. In 1893, the fortress was (and still is) used as a reformatory for young offenders. For this reason, the castle cannot be visited freely, but from spring to autumn, a tour of its historic gardens is possible every Saturday.
On the way back to the lower part of Aarburg, take a break and sit at a table in one of the many bars and restaurants overlooking the square, where you can contemplate the monumental heart of the town with its iconic buildings. For example, the local museum housed in a magnificent 1750 Bernese Baroque-style house. In this historical setting, the permanent exhibition documents how people lived in the town in the 18th and 19th centuries. A reconstruction of an old kitchen with the rudimentary tools of the time is on display. The collection of historical weapons is also particularly valuable.
A modern bridge marking the boundary between Canton Aargau and Canton Solothurn separates the small town from an unspoilt environment of green pastures and dense forests where you can cool down on hot summer days. The flowing River Aare also provides a certain breeze and many people are not afraid to cool off in its waters. Be careful, however, not to get caught in the famous Waage, a natural vortex caused by the Tych stream flowing into the Aare in the opposite direction to the current, creating a phenomenon that has led Aarburg to be called the town where the river flows in reverse. This phenomenon led to the creation of a small river port where important trade exchanges took place in the past.
In short, every corner of the town is magical and seems to be in a children’s storybook with castles, princes and queens. Its obvious beauty has led the village to be chosen as the cover of the new – and first – official guide to the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, on sale in major bookshops.
Article edited by “The most beautiful Villages in Switzerland” Association.
Text by Christian Guerra and Kevin Quattropani
Photos by Christian Guerra
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