Schlössli Aarau

Schlössli in Aarau is a medieval defensive tower at the northeastern edge of the old town and the oldest building in the city. Today it forms the heart of the Stadtmuseum Aarau, the city history museum, at Schlossplatz 23 on the slope above the river Aare.

What is the Schlössli?

The name means "little castle", but the building began as a watchtower guarding a nearby crossing of the Aare. Tree-ring dating of its timbers places construction shortly after 1236/37, a few years before the town itself was founded. Earlier studies pointed to the 11th century, and some publications say around 1200, yet the cantonal heritage inventory of Aargau relies on the dendrochronological result. The first written mention dates only from 1334.

How did the tower change over time?

• In the 16th and 17th centuries it received a hipped roof.
• In 1624 the Bernese fortification builder Valentin Friderich rebuilt it, creating apartments inside the tower.
• After Johann Rudolf Meyer bought it in 1790, it gained an extra storey and a staircase.
• Owners changed frequently. In 1862 it belonged to Colonel Emil Rothpletz, whose estate passed to the city of Aarau as a foundation in 1930.
• After a thorough renovation in 1931-32, it opened in 1939 as the historical town museum "Alt-Aarau".

What can you see inside?

The museum reopened in 2015 after an extension, with the tower as its central part. The renovation and new building cost about 14 million Swiss francs. The old tower holds a permanent exhibition on the city's history, while the added wing hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops and educational programmes for schools and families. The contrast between medieval walls and the contemporary building is a highlight in itself.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

The museum stands at Schlossplatz 23, a short walk from the centre of Aarau's old town. Aarau is the capital of the canton of Aargau and has direct rail links with Zurich, Basel and Bern. Plan one to two hours for a visit. Opening hours change, so check stadtmuseum.ch before you go. The old town, with its painted eaves and colourful facades, is pleasant in every season, and the museum works well as a rainy-day stop.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Schlössli a castle you can enter? Yes, as a museum. The tower is part of the Stadtmuseum Aarau and is visited together with its exhibitions.

When was the Schlössli built? In the 13th century. Tree-ring dating points to shortly after 1236/37, and the first document mentioning it is from 1334.

Where exactly is it? At Schlossplatz 23, on the northeastern end of Aarau's old town above the Aare.

Is it the same as Schloss Lenzburg or Aarburg? No. It is a separate town landmark in Aarau itself; the other two castles stand in different Aargau towns.