Lenzburg in the Aargau and Lenzburg Castle

Hi Nigel
You made my day by posting a question that is not about the Berner Oberland or Luzern ;) As much as I understand why those are the hot topics, it's always nice to see something different pop up on the forum, especially when it is about "my" canton! Aargau is often skipped over by tourists (and locals), but it has a lot to offer and I have visited most corners of the region, so I'm happy to help anyone who is ready to go off the beaten path...

Lenzburg itself is a fairly small town - it's cute but won't take more than a short walk through to see the old town. In my opinion, either the canton capital Aarau or Baden have nicer old towns. However, Lenzburg castle is definitely a worthy attraction with its dramatic hilltop location above the town. There's a small museum and you can walk around the castle, which indeed has an intriguing history both old and more recent, as well as the grounds - they often hold interesting events, though mostly in German, and sometimes concerts in the summers. Lenzburg also has a museum that deals with contemporary societal issues, the Stapferhaus, that just won European Museum of the Year. The exhibits rotate so it just depends if the current one is of interest to you.

I would also suggest having a look at the other nearby castles in Aargau -- Schloss Hallwyl (small moated castle on the picturesque Hallwilersee; also an intriguing history here with Swedish links - there is a Hallwyl museum in Stockholm), Schloss Habsburg (near Brugg, free, just ruins but the first home of the Habsburg family, so of interest for history buffs like me!) and Schloss Wildegg (known for its gardens). All are easy to access with public transport and also have nice walking routes between them. You can buy a "Castle Pass" if you plan to visit all of them, good for 2 years with discounted entry.

Brugg also has the remains of Roman Vindonissa, nowhere near as extensive as Augusta Raurica near Basel, but interesting if you're in the area anyway. The "Legionnaire's Trail" is fun. Museums Aargau has a pretty good overview of all of this https://www.museumaargau.ch/en/home

Let me know if I can offer any further insight or answer specific questions...

Thanks very much for your insight, hopper18!

I'd like to visit the whole area, which is new to me. When, dunno, but when I can.

I'm intrigued about the other areas you mention. I love old towns. It was the setting of Lenzburg Castle which attracted me, in the late afternoon sun on a railway youtube.

Ready to travel when we can...

Yes, it does have a dramatic setting - I always like going by on the train, especially on a foggy morning when the castle looks mysterious and forbidding, like out of a fairytale! They hold a fun "Middle Ages Market" at the castle every September too.

Besides Aarau and Baden, if you enjoy old towns, it's also worth having a look at Solothurn. It's on the main Zurich-Geneva rail line, about 25 mins past Aarau (or 35 mins from Bern). Beautiful Baroque town along the Aare river.

Hope you'll be able to come visit Switzerland soon - and in the meantime, I'm always here for any other Aargau-related queries!

you tempt me strangely.

good info.

Been past Solothurn many times, never stopped to look in the box. Travel is like that....

We enjoyed the touristy Stein am Rhein, but Aarau is quite a special old-town. And it does have the feel of a place where people actually live. Took a bit of local driving and parking time. Augusta Raurica is well worth a detour, but is short of dining options. Ideal picnic site, if permitted.

My dad grew up in Aargau, about 16 miles from Aarau. Visited there at least a couple dozen times staying with family.
Everything written so far is spot on. A very under rated and seldom visited canton.