Aarau

programme & arrival

Aarau – the Tour de Suisse rolls in two times

Aarau will be dominated by cycling on 16 and 17 June 2025. The second stage of the Tour de Suisse starts on Monday 16 June. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the preparations of the TdS cycling pros and cheer them on at the start.

Aarau surprises

Attractive Centre for work, culture and nature

The city of Aarau, with a population of 21,000, is at the heart of a diverse region and offers a high quality of life. In addition to its important role as the cantonal capital, Aarau is today an attractive business location with a broad mix of industries. The catchment area, which includes 17 municipalities, comprises over 100,000 residents and 1 million highly skilled workers.

Central location

Aarau benefits from its central location within the city quadrangle of Zurich-Basel-Berne-Lucerne and is well connected by all modes of transport. Distances within Aarau are short and venues and accommodation are conveniently located close together.

Cycling

The Aarau region offers routes along the River Aare as well as challenging climbs in the Jura mountains. As well as stunning views, the region boasts an extensive network of quiet side roads and nature trails, making it an excellent training ground for ambitious cyclists.

Diverse city centre

Aarau is a popular destination and a hidden gem for those seeking fine dining, relaxation and culture. The picturesque lanes of the old town are lined with small, mostly owner-operated boutiques, and charming restaurants invite visitors for a coffee or a leisurely dinner. In total, there are more than 300 shops and restaurants in the centre of Aarau. Weekly and monthly markets are a tradition in Aarau and are popular meeting places for the entire region.

Renowned culture

Cultural events take place in two prominent venues, the Aargauer Kunsthaus and the Alte Reithalle, as well as in Aarau’s museums, which are popular beyond the city limits. A wide range of theatre performances, concerts and festivals enrich Aarau’s cultural calendar.

Exciting nearby recreational areas

Aarau’s proximity to unspoilt countryside makes it an ideal base for cycling and walking tours to and from the city. The Aare river area, a popular and lively spot within walking distance of the Old Town, is a perfect starting point, with cosy summer restaurants inviting visitors to relax. A popular family destination is the nearby Roggenhausen Wildlife Park.

Living traditions

As a historic town with a rich past, Aarau is home to a number of traditional festivals and celebrations that have a wide appeal. The “Maienzug”, Aarau’s youth festival, is the most important celebration in Aarau’s annual calendar and is held on the first Friday in July, with a children’s parade and banquet. The “Bachfischet” is considered the oldest living tradition in Switzerland, the highlight of which is the lantern parade by schoolchildren through Aarau’s old town. Twice a year, on two Sundays in spring and autumn, horse racing enthusiasts and others gather for a social event at Aarau’s Schachen, home to Switzerland’s most beautiful racecourse.

Impressions