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About this place
Wildpark Roggenhausen is a free wildlife park on the edge of Aarau in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It sits in the small Roggenhausen valley, roughly 3 km southwest of the town centre, and is one of the most popular family outing spots in the area.
Where is the park and how big is it?
The grounds cover about 15 hectares. Most of the land belongs to the municipality of Aarau, while a smaller portion falls under neighbouring Eppenberg-Wöschnau. Forest and meadows surround the enclosures, so a stroll between the animals feels more like a woodland walk than a visit to a classic zoo. The town centre is a short trip away, which makes the park a convenient stop for anyone sightseeing in Aarau.
Which animals can you see?
The park is best known for its hoofed animals. Deer and ibex are the easiest to spot, along with fallow deer and axis deer. Wild boar, ponies including Shetland ponies, and miniature pigs live here too. Smaller residents include rabbits, marmots, martens and wild turkeys. Children can therefore see animals typical of the Alps next to species familiar from European woods and fields.
Is admission free?
Yes. Entry is free and the park is open every day of the year. That is a real advantage for families who want a few hours outdoors without budgeting for tickets.
Can you feed the animals?
Yes, but only with the special feed available on site. Restricting feeding to approved food protects the animals from digestive problems, so there is no point bringing your own snacks for them. Feeding is one of the highlights of the visit for younger children.
What else is in the park?
Besides the enclosures, visitors will find a nature trail, an orchard, barbecue spots, a children's playground and a restaurant. The nature trail offers a chance to learn about local fauna and flora while walking. The barbecue areas make the park a good place for a picnic with family or friends, and the playground gives children room to burn off energy after seeing the animals.
The restaurant runs on seasonal hours that change through the year. In winter it can be closed on certain weekdays, so check the park's official website for current information before you go. According to local job listings, the restaurant is due to reopen refurbished from summer 2026.
Can you bring a dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash. This keeps the animals calm in their large, open enclosures.
Who is it for?
Wildpark Roggenhausen suits families with children, lovers of short walks, and anyone looking for a quiet place close to town. Because entry is free and there is a barbecue area, a playground and food on site, you can spend an hour here or half a day. It also works well on a sunny weekend when you want to combine sightseeing in Aarau with time in nature.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Wildpark Roggenhausen cost? Nothing, admission is free.
When is the park open? Every day, all year round. Restaurant hours are seasonal.
How far is the park from Aarau? About 3 km southwest of the town centre.
Can you feed the animals? Yes, but only with feed sold in the park.
Are dogs allowed? Yes, on a leash.
Which animals are most common? Deer, ibex, fallow deer, wild boar, ponies, marmots and several smaller species.
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