Things to do in Canton of Aargau, Canton of Aargau: The Best Sights & Landmarks

Surrounded today by gardens, pastures and vineyards, the castle was founded by the Habsburgs in the first half of the 13 century. Along with its domain the castle was owned by eleven generations of the Effinger dynasty. Immerse yourself in an authentic experience of historical gardening culture and comfortable living. Between 1483 and 1912 Wildegg Castle was the seat of the Effinger dynasty. The family was part of the landed gentry and had been admitted to the Bernese patriciate. During this time the castle and its outbuildings were repeatedly adapted to suit the changing requirements. The prestige of the dynasty was illustrated by the spoils of war that Bernhard Effinger brought back in 1683 from fighting the Turks outside Vienna, and by Holderbank Church which contains the family vault. An audio guide introduces selected members of the family and tells their life stories.

It is only a short hop from the romantic moated castle to the nature reserve on Lake Hallwil. Combine history, culture and nature to create an exciting experience! Travelling through time and space with the von Hallwyl family. Throughout its eight hundred-year history, the von Hallwyl dynasty, as part of the Argovian squirearchy, distinguished itself in a variety of ways: on confederate battlefields, at European courts, in science and politics, in trade and in the world of finance. On your tour of the castle premises you will discover medieval and post medieval areas of life divided into 11 themes. By means of an audio guide, selected family members will tell you the stories of their lives. However, the ordinary people, the farmers and subjects of the Lords of Hallwyl also have a voice.

Located on a rocky outcrop above the town of the same name Lenzburg Castle is one of the most beautiful hilltop castles in Switzerland. Today’s castle complex is the end result of 1.000 years of construction history. It evolved from a counts’ residence to a seat of administration of Bernese bailiffs to the private home of rich American families. Once you have negotiated the draw bridge and enter the castle courtyard through the wooden gate, you will immerse yourself in 1000 years of the castle’s history. In this original setting, history becomes an adventure. Especially for children and families: In the dragon research facility small researchers can explore much in a playful manner and visit the castle’s legendary dragon Fauchi. What child does not dream of being a princess or a knight. Secret nooks and hidden stairs invite children on a journey of discovery. Here they can play, make things and dress up as what ever they like.

The only Roman museum in Switzerland, which specialises in the history of the Roman legions, is the Vindonissa Museum in Brugg. At that time, the first attempts to read and write started in Switzerland, and the latest permanent exhibition invites visitors to learn more about the first 100 years of reading and writing in the Upper Rhine Region. 2,000 years ago, public and private news was written on Roman slates. Now they guide the visitors through the different sections of the exhibition and inform about history and everyday lives of the Roman legions. On the ground floor, visitors find pieces that showcase the power of Rome. The first floor hosts the new permanent exhibition that illustrates the everyday lives of the legionnaires in the legion camp Vindonissa.