AARGAU
There is something magical about castles and Hollywood has certainly enhanced their appeal with tales of Robin Hood, Sir Lancelot, and more recently with the Harry Potter tales. Switzerland is dotted with castles and the Canton of Aargau has its fair share. Some of these are impressive, others less so but still very interesting. Do keep in mind that by definition castles are “private fortified residences”. If you like legends, you’ll want to visit Lenzburg Castle where it is told that a dragon was slain by two knights who then earned the right to live on that mountain hilltop. If you’re like me and have been fascinated by castles with moats, you will want to visit Hallwyl Castle which was built in the 11th century.
Spending any time in Switzerland you’ll soon learn that Swiss love to hold celebrations of all kinds. Many are associated with traditional religious holidays, some with the coming or passing of the 4-seasons, others date back to the more agrarian society of days of yore, and occasionally you’ll find a celebration simply for the sake of having a celebration. In the City of Aarau on the first Friday of July they celebrate the start of the summer holidays with the “Maienzug”. There is of course a parade and then the all-important banquet. One of the more interesting recent celebration which was intended to compete with Bern’s “Zibelemärit” is the “Aarauer Rüeblimärt”, a celebration of carrots which takes place in November.
A trip to Aargau wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the many thermal baths and spas scattered throughout the canton. One of the more famous spas, founded in the mid-1800s, is located in Rheinfelden. In the “sole uno” of the Parkresort Hotel you’ll be pampered and enjoy soaking in its wellness baths. Not far from Zürich is the well-known village of Bad Zurzach which features a number of “wellness” hotels. For a first-class experience, check out the four star Park-Hotel-Zurzach.
Brewpubs, or micro-breweries as we sometimes call them, are gaining greater popularity in Switzerland as they are here in Arizona, and if you’re a beer lover you certainly will want to check some out. While visiting Aargau you definitely do not want to miss a visit to the Feldschlösschen brewery in Rheinfelden. The factory looks like a palace and still houses the beautiful original copper kettles. The brewery was founded in 1876 and is now owned by the Carlsberg group.
Checkout the videos & web sites by clicking on the highlighted links above.
There is something magical about castles and Hollywood has certainly enhanced their appeal with tales of Robin Hood, Sir Lancelot, and more recently with the Harry Potter tales. Switzerland is dotted with castles and the Canton of Aargau has its fair share. Some of these are impressive, others less so but still very interesting. Do keep in mind that by definition castles are “private fortified residences”. If you like legends, you’ll want to visit Lenzburg Castle where it is told that a dragon was slain by two knights who then earned the right to live on that mountain hilltop. If you’re like me and have been fascinated by castles with moats, you will want to visit Hallwyl Castle which was built in the 11th century.
Spending any time in Switzerland you’ll soon learn that Swiss love to hold celebrations of all kinds. Many are associated with traditional religious holidays, some with the coming or passing of the 4-seasons, others date back to the more agrarian society of days of yore, and occasionally you’ll find a celebration simply for the sake of having a celebration. In the City of Aarau on the first Friday of July they celebrate the start of the summer holidays with the “Maienzug”. There is of course a parade and then the all-important banquet. One of the more interesting recent celebration which was intended to compete with Bern’s “Zibelemärit” is the “Aarauer Rüeblimärt”, a celebration of carrots which takes place in November.
A trip to Aargau wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the many thermal baths and spas scattered throughout the canton. One of the more famous spas, founded in the mid-1800s, is located in Rheinfelden. In the “sole uno” of the Parkresort Hotel you’ll be pampered and enjoy soaking in its wellness baths. Not far from Zürich is the well-known village of Bad Zurzach which features a number of “wellness” hotels. For a first-class experience, check out the four star Park-Hotel-Zurzach.
Brewpubs, or micro-breweries as we sometimes call them, are gaining greater popularity in Switzerland as they are here in Arizona, and if you’re a beer lover you certainly will want to check some out. While visiting Aargau you definitely do not want to miss a visit to the Feldschlösschen brewery in Rheinfelden. The factory looks like a palace and still houses the beautiful original copper kettles. The brewery was founded in 1876 and is now owned by the Carlsberg group.
Checkout the videos & web sites by clicking on the highlighted links above.