Discover Wangen an der Aare

Wangen an der Aare is located in the rural Oberaargau region of the canton of Bern, right on the Aare between Olten and Solothurn. The old town, covered wooden bridge and paths along the water shape the possible highlights of a stay: you can explore local history, follow various themed trails on foot or enjoy activities on and along the Aare.

Old Town, Castle and Local History

The medieval old town is laid out in an almost square shape. Parts of the town wall have been preserved; two town gates and a corner tower are also part of the complex. Historic buildings stand close together in the town centre, including the old covered wooden bridge over the Aare. The castle now serves as an administrative building. Its main tower has a late-medieval helmet roof, while the north wing has a hipped roof with clipped gables. The history of the complex dates back to the 13th century and the 16th to 18th centuries.

The church also brings together different historical periods: its east wall features three frescoes from the third quarter of the 14th century, while the present-day church dates back to a comprehensive redesign carried out between 1824 and 1826. It houses a Mathis organ dating from 1982. After the Reformation in 1529, a former monastic administrative building was converted into a rectory. The town’s annual events include the May Market and Autumn Market.

The old town museum is housed in the municipal building and focuses on the old town and its history. Special topics include gingerbread moulds and prints related to the history of the Wangen «Schörlibecks». Beck-Mineli (1877–1959), sister of the last «Schörlibeck», later donated the objects to the museum. Guided tours of the old town are available for groups of no more than 25 participants by arrangement. They last around one hour and cost CHF 100; confirm the date and fee in advance.

Two themed trails starting at the railway station

The Fragrance Trail is 5.3 kilometres long and links 24 scents that tell stories with a route through the countryside. It starts at the railway station and partly follows the banks of the Oeschbach. On the way towards the Aare, fields, open landscapes and colours that change with the seasons accompany the route. A centuries-old wooden bridge leads to the opposite bank. The trail invites you to stop and smell the scents, walk and linger.

The Arnold Rikli Trail, around 6 kilometres long, also starts at the railway station. Information boards introduce Arnold Rikli and many of his healing practices. The trail is considered easy and varied, and can also be walked in sections. His birthplace and Rikliplatz are on the route. Comparing the two trails, the Fragrance Trail is slightly shorter; the Arnold Rikli Trail is also described as having the option of walking it in sections. You can therefore choose a route based on your preferred theme and distance, without inferring a walking time from the number of kilometres.

The Aare, canoeing and seasonal activities

The Aare riverbank at Wangen is largely natural and partly lined with riverside trees. If you want to experience the Aare over a longer stretch, the «Aare Canoe» route runs for 17 kilometres from Wangen an der Aare to Murgenthal. Its starting point is below the castle. The route passes trees and reed beds; farms and cow pastures extend almost to the water. It also passes through a nature reserve, where signs of beavers can be seen on the riverbanks. Observe the applicable conservation rules and check access conditions, as seasonal circumstances may affect access.

From May to October, the «pAAREdiesli» offers Sunday round trips from the wooden bridge to Bannwil in good weather, with an additional stop in Walliswil b. Niederbipp. From Monday to Saturday, the boat can be booked by the hour and accommodates up to twelve people. Check the timetable and booking options in advance. The swimming pool offers another kind of water experience: it has a heated 50-metre swimming pool with a depth of up to 1.9 metres, as well as an accessible non-swimmer pool with a ramp. As the facilities may change due to renovations, check the latest information about the pool before your visit.

Choose Wangen an der Aare as your destination

Wangen an der Aare brings together these varied interests in one place; the trails described differ both in theme and length. If you are travelling by bike, the town is on the Mittelland Route No. 5 and Aare Route No. 8 of Veloland Switzerland. Choose a hotel that suits your own requirements and check the specific details of the offer before booking.

Discover more destinations: Attiswil, Seeberg, Wiedlisbach, Oberbipp, Niederbipp, Wangenried, Wolfisberg

Go to the main travel overview: Wangen.