Discover Widen: views, local history and leisure

Widen is a municipality in Switzerland, in the canton of Aargau and the district of Bremgarten. It lies directly north of the Mutschellen Pass. Its attractions range from the sweeping views from Hasenbergturm and the privately owned Gyrenweiher to regional hiking trails and a long history of place names. Landscape, outdoor activities and history thus offer different perspectives on Widen.

Hasenberg: views and trails

Hasenbergturm is located within the municipal boundaries of Widen, at the entrance to the Hasenberg/Heitersberg local recreation area. It is a highlight of the Hasenberg local recreation area. From there, the view extends across the Limmat Valley, over the city of Zurich and across eastern and central Switzerland to the Bernese Alps. The panorama thus encompasses both the surrounding region and a broad sweep of the Alps.

A panoramic hiking trail runs along Hasenberg in the direction of Bellikon. There is also a forest nature trail maintained by the Bellikon Nature and Bird Association in the area around the tower. The viewpoint and hiking options offer different experiences: the tower opens up the view, while the trails explore Hasenberg from another perspective.

There is a barbecue area, benches and a fountain by the tower. Hasenbergturm is 200 metres beyond Haus Morgenstern Foundation, in the direction of Egelsee. The foundation has a small animal garden, a playground for children and a cafeteria serving light refreshments.

Sports and leisure

Burkertsmatt is a regional sports, leisure and community centre that has been in operation since 2011. It has two beach volleyball courts with nets and court markings; availability may vary. The athletics facilities are generally open to the public, although organised bookings may affect access.

The pump track is designed as a circuit with rollers and bends for bicycles, skateboards, scooters and inline skates. It offers fun and challenges for all age groups and skill levels. Use is free and no reservation is required. Before you travel, check for any changes to the usage information.

Gyrenweiher: a distinctive body of water

Gyrenweiher complements the sports and hiking options with a natural setting. It is a small lake of around 1.2 hectares in private ownership and the only significant open body of water in the municipality of Widen. It is of local importance as a fish and amphibian pond; water frogs and alpine newts have been recorded there.

The place name and regional hiking trails

The place name also has a long history. The phrase “quod dicitur in Wida” is considered the first recorded mention of the field name from which the place name Widen later developed. The forms “Widen” and “Wyden” have been attested since around the mid-14th century.

The Reformed Church of Widen is a Reformed church on the Mutschellen and lies within the municipal boundaries of Widen in the canton of Aargau. One regional hiking option is the Freiämterweg: this nature and cultural trail was established as a circular route in 2004 and runs for 190 kilometres through the natural landscapes of the Freiamt and past impressive evidence of the region’s cultural diversity. One section shown on maps is labelled Othmarsingen–Widen. While the panoramic trail on Hasenberg runs in the direction of Bellikon, the Freiämterweg is characterised by its regional scope and length.

Discover more destinations: Arni, Wohlen, Niederwil, Berikon, Zufikon, Villmergen, Oberlunkhofen, Bremgarten.

Go to the main travel overview: Bremgarten.