Hallwyl Castle

Excursions for families and children

Hallwyl Castle offers great days out for families and children. Discover secret corners and solve tricky puzzles. Hallwyl Castle is an exciting destination for families whenever you decide to visit: during the week, at the weekend, in the holidays or on a rainy day. All exhibitions are also suitable for children. There are barbecue facilities in the surrounding area for a picnic. Offers for children (in German) Opening hours 1 April to 1 November 2026 Tue – Sun, holidays: 10 am – 5 pm Mon: closed Impressions

 
Lenzburg Castle

History

Construction history Residents and Owners Construction history The first buildings The residential tower is Lenzburg Castle's oldest building and was constructed by the powerful Counts of Lenzburg in around 1100. It was extended in 1170 with the addition of the southern tower and a small courtyard. A castle chapel was also added in the 11th or 12th century but this was dismantled in the 18th century. More Less 11/12th c. Extensions by the Habsburgs The Habsburgs expanded the complex: Duke Frederick II of Habsburg had the Knights' House built in around 1340. A residential tract was added on the western side which was demolished in 1509. This building complemented the fortification belt around the crest of the hill. The southern tower had two upper floors added to it between 1340 and 1344. More Less 13/14th c. Extension under the bailiffs of Bern After conquest by the Swiss Confederation in 1415, a series of Bernese bailiffs resided in the castle from 1442 onwards. This period saw the construction of the Bailiff's Castle and today's Stapferhaus in the Bernese style. Other buildings such as the bakery, washhouse, armoury and guards' house have been lost. A prison was installed on the first floor of the southern tower in the 16th century. Lenzburg Castle was then converted into a fortress in the 17th century: a double gate system with a bailey was erected on the northern side in 1625 and the height of the earth banks on the eastern and southern side was raised. An 11-metre high ridge was banked up between 1642 and 1646, thereby creating the Eastern Bastion. At the beginning of the 18th century, the vaults were added above the gatehouse with the guard's residence and the winch tower. More Less 15.-18th c. Lippe's educational institution The castle was converted into an educational institution under German educator Christian Lippe. The rear building was used as a schoolhouse while the bailiwick served as the teachers' residential tract. A garden for vegetables and other plants was laid out in the courtyard. More Less 1804-1853 Private owners: Wedekind – Jessup – Ellsworth Augustus E. Jessup had the castle extensively refurbished and fitted with central heating, water and electricity. The Eastern Bastion was lowered by six metres and rose garden was created. 1853-1956 From Historical Museum to Museum Aargau The castle once again underwent full refurbishment from 1978 to 1986, and French-style gardens were laid out in the south-western section of the castle grounds. From 1956 Residents and Owners Counts of Lenzburg The first mention of the castle dates back to 1077. It was the residence of the Counts of Lenzburg. The dynasty died out at the death of Ulrich IV in 1173. In his will the latter bequeathed the castle to the German Hohenstaufen emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The Hohenstaufen were ousted from Aargau in 1200. More Less 11/12th c. Kyburg and Habsburg dynasties In 1230 the castle passed by marriage to the Kyburg dynasty: the latter established a fortified market settlement by the castle hill that later developed into the town of Lenzburg. The male line of the Kyburg dynasty died out in 1264. Rudolf I, Count of Habsburg, purchased Lenzburg Castle in 1273. The Habsburgs resided in the castle up until 1344. After this the Schultheiss-Ribi family took up residence in the castle and used it as a base from which to administer the region on behalf of the Habsburgs. More Less 13/14th c. Bernese bailiffs After the conquest of Aargau by the Swiss Confederation in 1415, Bernese bailiffs resided in the castle from 1444 onwards. These were elected for four to six years from among members of the Council of the City of Bern. The best-known of them was Adrian I of Bubenberg, bailiff from 1457 to 1461. In 1624, Joseph Plepp made a precise drawing of the castle along with a layout plan. This was used for a large-scale fortification project which was only partially carried out. The last Bernese bailiff, Viktor of Wattenwyl, handed over the castle to the French in 1798. More Less 15-18th c. Canton of Aargau and Christian Lippe After the foundation of the canton of Aargau in 1803, the castle passed into state ownership and was rented in 1823 by the educator Christian Lippe who used it to house an educational institution for boys. After his death the castle changed hands several times.After the foundation of the canton of Aargau in 1803, the castle passed into state ownership and was rented in 1823 by the educator Christian Lippe who used it to house an educational institution for boys. After his death the castle changed hands several times. More Less 1804-1853 Private owners: Wedekind – Jessup – Ellsworth The Wedekind family emigrated from Germany to Switzerland and purchased Lenzburg Castle in 1872. The family's six children included the later poet Frank Wedekind, who spent his youth at Lenzburg Castle. In 1893 the American Augustus E. Jessup purchased the castle and moved into his new residence with his wife, Lady Mildred Marion Bowes-Lyon, who was related to the British royal family. In 1911, ownership of Lenzburg Castle passed to James Ellsworth, father of polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth. More Less 1853-1956 From Historical Museum to Museum Aargau In 1956 Lincoln Ellsworth's widow sold the castle to the canton of Aargau and the Municipal Authority of Lenzburg, who established a joint foundation. From 1978 to 1986 the castle was elaborately renovated and prepared for access by the general public. All collections relating to the history and culture of the canton of Aargau were assembled in Lenzburg Castle in 1987 and a permanent exhibition was established under the title Historical Museum of the Canton of Aargau. In 2007 the name was changed to Museum Aargau. More Less From 1956

 
Museum Aargau

The Collection

The Museum Aargau Collection has been assembled from various holdings since 1830. It consists of bequests from Aargau's castles and monasteries, numerous donations, objects acquired from company archives and targeted purchases. The Collection is constantly being expanded and documents Aargau's history in tangible form through objects that can be experienced. Collecting, preserving, researching Collecting, preserving and researching objects are among the core tasks of a museum. A collection strategy defines the criteria according to which objects are collected. When an object is added to the Collection, it is inventoried, documented and preserved for storage by experts. If necessary, it is restored. The objects thus form the basis for research and for exhibitions that use originals to make the past come alive. The items on show in the permanent and special exhibitions of Museum Aargau (including the castles) and other cultural institutions are a mere fraction of what is stored in the Egliswil Collection Centre. Numerous objects are waiting to be exhibited and shown off to the public in the coming years.

 
Lenzburg Castle

Exhibitions

The museum and exhibitions at Lenzburg Castle explore 1,000 years of castle history. The texts are translated into English. Step over the drawbridge and immerse yourself in 1,000 years of history! The exhibitions at Lenzburg Castle are suitable for the whole family: the domestic life museum, for example, takes you on a journey through time from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The original cells can be seen in the prison, where condemned criminals languished. In the children's museum, young visitors to the castle can explore secret corners. And don't forget to see Fauchi: the castle dragon is waiting in his cave for our braver visitors. Opening hours 1 April to 1 November 2026 Tue – Sun, holidays: 10 am – 5 pm Mon: closed COLLECTION Portrait Collection Site in German Collection online Egliswil Collection Centre Visit the collection Impressions

 
Lenzburg Castle

Bistro

The Mercure Hotel Krone runs the self-service castle bistro in the renovated Bernese House. The historic rooms and the beautiful outdoor area near the baroque garden are a great place to relax. The small restaurant is open to visitors with courtyard or museum tickets during museum opening hours. CHF, EUR and credit cards (including Maestro, Visa and Mastercard) are accepted. Menu and further information (in German) Offers from Museum Aargau to accompany your bistro visit Round off your visit to the bistro with a guided tour of Lenzburg Castle. We'll be happy to advise you. Guided tours and workshop for groups

 
Lenzburg Castle

Events

NOTE: MEDIEVAL MARKET This weekend (Friday through Sunday, September 11–13, 2026), the big Medieval Market will take place at Lenzburg Castle. More information (in German) Experience Lenzburg Castle! Events and public guided tours take place regularly at the castle. Calendar of events (in German) Contact +41 (0)848 871 200 Send a message Telephone availability: Tuesday to Friday 9 am - 12 pm / 1 pm - 4:30 pm November to March only in the morning Impressions

 
Museum Aargau

Privacy policy

With this Privacy Policy we provide information about the processing of personal data in connection with our activities and operations , including our website under the domain name museumaargau.ch . In particular, we explain which personal data we process, for what purpose, in what manner and where. We also provide information about the rights of persons whose data we process. We have drafted this Privacy Policy in German. In the event of publication in another language, the German-language Privacy Policy remains authoritative. For individual or additional activities and operations, we may publish further privacy policies or other information on data protection. Table of Contents 1. Contact Addresses 2. Terms and Legal Basis 2.1 Terms 2.2 Legal Basis 3. Nature, Scope and Purpose of the Processing of Personal Data 4. Disclosure of Personal Data 5. Communication 6. Data Security 7. Personal Data Abroad 8. Rights of Data Subjects 8.1 Data Protection Claims 8.2 Legal Remedies 9. Use of the Website 9.1 Cookies 9.2 Logging 9.3 Tracking Pixels 9.4 Comments 10. Notifications and Communications 10.1 Performance and Reach Measurement 10.2 Consent and Objection 10.3 Service Providers for Notifications and Communications 11. Social Media 12. Third-Party Services 12.1 Digital Infrastructure 12.2 Audio and Video Conferencing 12.3 Online Collaboration 12.4 Social Media Features and Social Media Content 12.5 Maps 12.6 Digital Content 12.7 Documents 12.8 E-Commerce 12.9 Payments 12.10 Advertising 13. Extensions for the Website 14. Performance and Reach Measurement 15. Video Surveillance 16. Final Remarks on this Privacy Policy 1. Contact Addresses Responsible for the processing of personal data within the meaning of data protection law is: Museum Aargau Effingerweg 6 CH-5103 Wildegg museumaargau@ag.ch In individual cases, third parties may be responsible for the processing of personal data, or there may be joint responsibility with third parties. We are happy to inform data subjects upon request about the respective responsibility. 2. Terms and Legal Basis 2.1 Terms Data subject: A natural person about whom we process personal data. Personal data: All information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. Sensitive personal data: Data on trade union, political, religious or philosophical views and activities, data on health, the intimate sphere or affiliation with an ethnicity or race, genetic data, biometric data that uniquely identifies a natural person, data on criminal and administrative sanctions or proceedings, and data on social assistance measures. Processing: Any handling of personal data, irrespective of the means and procedures used, for example querying, comparing, adapting, archiving, retaining, reading, disclosing, obtaining, recording, collecting, deleting, revealing, sorting, organising, storing, altering, distributing, linking, destroying and using personal data. 2.2 Legal Basis We process personal data in accordance with Swiss law, in particular the Federal Act on Data Protection (Data Protection Act, FADP) and the Ordinance on Data Protection (Data Protection Ordinance, DPO). 3. Nature, Scope and Purpose of the Processing of Personal Data We process those personal data that are necessary to carry out our activities and operations in a sustainable, user-friendly, secure and reliable manner. The personal data processed may in particular fall into the categories of browser and device data, content data, communication data, metadata, usage data, master data including inventory and contact data, location data, transaction data, contract data and payment data. The personal data may also constitute sensitive personal data. We also process personal data that we receive from third parties, obtain from publicly accessible sources or collect in the course of our activities and operations, insofar as such processing is permitted. We process personal data, where necessary, with the consent of the data subjects. In many cases we may process personal data without consent, for example in order to fulfil legal obligations or to protect overriding interests. We may also ask data subjects for their consent even where their consent is not required. We process personal data for the duration required for the respective purpose. We anonymise or delete personal data in particular depending on statutory retention periods and limitation periods. 4. Disclosure of Personal Data We may disclose personal data to third parties , have them processed by third parties or process them jointly with third parties. Such third parties may be, for example, specialised providers whose services we use. Such third parties may in turn disclose personal data to third parties. In the course of our activities and operations, we may in particular disclose personal data to banks and other financial service providers, authorities, educational and research institutions, consultants and lawyers, accounting and fiduciary service providers, debt collection agencies, interest groups, IT service providers, cooperation partners, credit and business information agencies, logistics and shipping companies, marketing and advertising agencies, media, parent, sister and subsidiary companies, organisations and associations, social institutions, telecommunications companies, insurance companies and payment service providers. 5. Communication We process personal data in order to be able to communicate with individuals as well as with authorities, organisations and companies. In particular, we process data that a data subject transmits to us when contacting us, for example by post or e-mail. We may store such data in an address book or with comparable tools. Third parties who transmit data about other persons to us are legally obliged to ensure the data protection of these data subjects independently. In particular, they must ensure that they are permitted to transmit such data, but also guarantee the accuracy of the data transmitted. We use selected services from suitable providers to enable and improve communication with individuals and other communication partners. With such services, we may also manage and otherwise process the data of the data subjects beyond direct communication, for example in connection with orders, services, projects and resource planning. 6. Data Security We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure data security appropriate to the respective risk. With our measures we ensure in particular the confidentiality, availability, traceability and integrity of the personal data processed, without, however, being able to guarantee absolute data security. Access to our website and our other digital presence takes place via transport encryption ( SSL / TLS , in particular using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, abbreviated HTTPS ). Most browsers warn before visiting a website without transport encryption. Our digital communication is subject – as is in principle all digital communication – to mass surveillance without cause or suspicion by security authorities in Switzerland, the rest of Europe, the United States of America (USA) and other countries. We cannot directly influence the corresponding processing of personal data by intelligence services, police authorities and other security authorities. Nor can we rule out that a data subject is being specifically monitored. 7. Personal Data Abroad We process personal data in principle in Switzerland. However, we may also disclose or export personal data to other countries, in particular in order to process them there or have them processed there. We may disclose personal data to all countries on Earth and elsewhere in the universe , provided that the law there guarantees adequate data protection in accordance with a decision of the Swiss Federal Council . We may disclose personal data to countries whose law does not guarantee adequate data protection, provided that appropriate data protection is ensured for other reasons, in particular on the basis of standard data protection clauses or other suitable safeguards. Exceptionally, we may export personal data to countries without adequate or appropriate data protection if the special data protection requirements for doing so are met, for example the express consent of the data subjects or a direct connection with the conclusion or performance of a contract. We are happy to inform data subjects upon request about any safeguards or to provide a copy of safeguards. 8. Rights of Data Subjects 8.1 Data Protection Claims We grant data subjects all claims under applicable law. In particular, data subjects have the following rights: Access: Data subjects may request information as to whether we process personal data about them and, if so, which personal data. Data subjects also receive the information necessary to assert their data protection claims and to ensure transparency. This includes the personal data processed as such, but also, among other things, information on the purpose of processing, the duration of retention, any disclosure or export of data to other countries and the origin of the personal data. Rectification and restriction: Data subjects may have inaccurate personal data corrected, incomplete data completed and the processing of their data restricted. Opportunity to state their own position and human review: In the case of decisions based solely on automated processing of personal data that have legal consequences for them or significantly affect them (automated individual decisions), data subjects may state their own position and request review by a human being. Erasure and objection: Data subjects may have personal data erased («right to be forgotten») and object to the processing of their data with effect for the future. Data disclosure and data portability: Data subjects may request the release of personal data or the transfer of their data to another controller. We may defer, restrict or refuse the exercise of the rights of data subjects within the legally permissible framework. We may point out to data subjects any conditions that must be met in order to exercise their data protection claims. For example, we may refuse to provide information in whole or in part with reference to confidentiality obligations, overriding interests or the protection of other persons. We may also, for example, refuse to erase personal data in whole or in part, in particular with reference to statutory retention obligations. We may exceptionally charge fees for the exercise of these rights. We inform data subjects in advance of any fees. We are obliged to identify data subjects who request access or assert other rights by means of appropriate measures. Data subjects are obliged to cooperate. 8.2 Legal Remedies Data subjects have the right to enforce their data protection claims through legal proceedings or to file a report or complaint with a data protection supervisory authority. The data protection supervisory authority for private controllers and federal bodies in Switzerland is the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) . 9. Use of the Website 9.1 Cookies We may use cookies. Cookies – both our own cookies (first-party cookies) and cookies from third parties whose services we use (third-party cookies) – are data stored in the browser. Such stored data need not be limited to traditional cookies in text form. Cookies may be stored in the browser temporarily as «session cookies» or for a certain period as so-called permanent cookies. «Session cookies» are automatically deleted when the browser is closed. Permanent cookies have a specific storage period. Cookies make it possible in particular to recognise a browser on the next visit to our website and thereby, for example, to measure the reach of our website. However, permanent cookies may also be used, for example, for online marketing. Cookies can be completely or partially deactivated, restricted or deleted at any time in the browser settings. The browser settings often also enable automated deletion and other management of cookies. Without cookies, our website may no longer be available in full. We actively request – at least insofar as and to the extent required by applicable law – express consent to the use of cookies. For cookies used for performance and reach measurement or for advertising, a general objection («opt-out») is possible for numerous services via AdChoices (Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada) , the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) , YourAdChoices (Digital Advertising Alliance) or Your Online Choices (European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance, EDAA) . 9.2 Logging For each access to our website and our other digital presence, we may log at least the following information, provided that it is determined or transmitted to our digital infrastructure by default during such access: date and time including time zone, IP address , access status (HTTP status code) , operating system including user interface and version, browser including language and version, the individual sub-page of our website accessed including the amount of data transferred, the web page last accessed in the same browser window (referer or referrer) . We log such information, which may also constitute personal data, in log files. The information is necessary in order to provide our digital presence in a sustainable, user-friendly and reliable manner. The information is also necessary to ensure data security – including by third parties or with the help of third parties. 9.3 Tracking Pixels We may embed tracking pixels in our digital presence. Tracking pixels are also referred to as web beacons. Tracking pixels – including those of third parties whose services we use – are usually small, invisible images or scripts written in JavaScript that are automatically retrieved when our digital presence is accessed. Tracking pixels can capture at least the same information as logging in log files. 9.4 Comments We enable you to publish comments on our website. In this context, we process in particular the information that a commenting person transmits to us, but also the IP address used as well as the date and time. This information is required in order to enable the publication of comments and to ensure protection against misuse, which is in our overriding legitimate interest. 10. Notifications and Communications 10.1 Performance and Reach Measurement Notifications and communications may contain web links or tracking pixels that record whether an individual communication has been opened and which web links were clicked. Such web links and tracking pixels may also record the use of notifications and communications on a personal basis. We need this statistical recording of usage for performance and reach measurement, in order to send notifications and communications effectively and in a user-friendly manner as well as sustainably, securely and reliably, based on the needs and reading habits of the recipients. 10.2 Consent and Objection You must in principle consent to the use of your e-mail address and your other contact addresses, unless the use is permitted for other legal reasons. For obtaining a doubly confirmed consent, we may use the «double opt-in» procedure. In this case you will receive a message with instructions for the double confirmation. We may log consents obtained, including IP address and timestamp , for evidentiary and security reasons. You may in principle object to receiving notifications and communications such as newsletters at any time. With such an objection you may at the same time object to the statistical recording of usage for performance and reach measurement. Necessary notifications and communications in connection with our activities and operations remain reserved. 10.3 Service Providers for Notifications and Communications We send notifications and communications with the help of specialised service providers. We use in particular: Mailchimp: Communication platform; provider: The Rocket Science Group LLC DBA Mailchimp (USA) as a subsidiary of Intuit Inc. (USA); information on data protection: Privacy Policy (Intuit) including «Country and Region-Specific Provisions» , «Mailchimp Privacy FAQ» , «Mailchimp and European Data Transfers» , «Security» , Cookie Policy , «Privacy Rights Requests» , «Legal» . 11. Social Media We are present on social media platforms and other online platforms in order to communicate with interested persons and to provide information about our activities and operations. In connection with such platforms, personal data may also be processed outside Switzerland. The general terms and conditions (GTC) and terms of use as well as the privacy policies and other provisions of the individual operators of such platforms also apply in each case. These provisions provide information in particular about the rights of data subjects directly vis-à-vis the respective platform, which include, for example, the right of access. 12. Third-Party Services We use services from specialised third parties in order to carry out our activities and operations in a sustainable, user-friendly, secure and reliable manner. With such services we can, among other things, embed features and content in our website. In the case of such embedding, the services used record, for technically compelling reasons, at least temporarily the IP addresses of users. For necessary security-related, statistical and technical purposes, third parties whose services we use may process data in connection with our activities and operations in aggregated, anonymised or pseudonymised form. This concerns, for example, performance or usage data in order to be able to offer the respective service. We use in particular: Google services: Providers: Google LLC (USA) / Google Ireland Limited (Ireland) in part for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland; general information on data protection: «Privacy Practices» , Privacy Policy , «How Google uses personal data» , «Google is committed to complying with applicable data protection laws» , «Privacy Guide to Google Products» , «How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services» , Cookie Policy , «Advertising you can control» (settings for personalised advertising) . Microsoft services: Providers: Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited (Ireland) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and the United Kingdom / Microsoft Corporation (USA) for users in the rest of the world; general information on data protection: «Privacy at Microsoft» , «Data Protection and Privacy» , Privacy Statement , «Data and Privacy Settings» . 12.1 Digital Infrastructure We use services from specialised third parties in order to obtain the digital infrastructure required in connection with our activities and operations. These include, for example, hosting and storage services from selected providers. We use in particular: Cloudflare: Content Delivery Network (CDN); Cloudflare Inc. (USA); information on data protection: «Privacy and Data Protection» , Privacy Policy , Cookie Policy . Google Cloud including Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Storage space and other infrastructure; Google Cloud-specific providers: national or regional Google companies depending on country and region ; Google Cloud-specific information: «Privacy Resource Center» , «Google Cloud and common privacy principles» , «Google Cloud Privacy Notice» , «Data Protection» . METANET: Hosting; provider: METANET AG (Switzerland); information on data protection: Privacy Policy , «Legal» including «Technical and Organisational Measures» . Ops One: Hosting; provider: Ops One AG (Switzerland); information on data protection: Privacy Policy . 12.2 Audio and Video Conferencing We use specialised services for audio and video conferencing in order to communicate online. With these we can, for example, hold virtual meetings or conduct online lessons and webinars. For participation in audio and video conferences, the legal texts of the individual services, such as privacy policies and terms of use, apply in addition. Depending on your life situation, we recommend that when participating in audio or video conferences you mute the microphone by default and blur the background or display a virtual background. 12.3 Online Collaboration We use third-party services to enable online collaboration. In addition to this Privacy Policy, any directly visible terms of the services used, such as terms of use or privacy policies, also apply. We use in particular: Asana: Platform for collaboration in organisations; provider: Asana Inc. (USA); information on data protection: «Trust at Asana» , Privacy Statement , Bug Bounty Program . Microsoft Teams: Platform for productive collaboration, in particular with audio and video conferencing; provider: Microsoft; Teams-specific information: «Security and compliance in Microsoft Teams», in particular «Privacy» . 12.4 Social Media Features and Social Media Content We use third-party services and plugins in order to embed features and content from social media platforms and to enable the sharing of content on social media platforms and by other means. We use in particular: Facebook (Social Plugins): Embedding of Facebook features and Facebook content, for example «Like» or «Share»; providers: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Ireland) and other Meta companies (including in the USA); information on data protection: Privacy Policy . Instagram Platform: Embedding of Instagram content; providers: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Ireland) and other Meta companies (including in the USA); information on data protection: Privacy Policy (Instagram) , Privacy Policy (Facebook) . X for Websites: Integration of features and content from X, for example posts or «Follow» buttons; providers: X Internet Unlimited Company (Ireland) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and the United Kingdom / X Corp. (USA) for users in the rest of the world; information on data protection: Privacy Policy , «Additional information about data processing» , «Personalization based on your inferred identity» , «Privacy controls for tailored ads» , Cookie Policy . Contentfry: Embedding of social media posts and other content. Privacy Policy: Privacy. 12.5 Maps We use third-party services in order to embed maps in our website. We use in particular: Google Maps including Google Maps Platform: Map service; provider: Google; Google Maps-specific information: «How Google uses location information» . 12.6 Digital Content We use services from specialised third parties in order to embed digital content in our website. Digital content includes in particular image and video material, music and podcasts. We use in particular: Wistia: Video platform; provider: Wistia Inc. (USA); information on data protection: «Privacy and Data Protection» , Privacy Policy . YouTube: Video platform; provider: Google; YouTube-specific information: «Privacy and Safety Center» , «Your data in YouTube» . Interacty: Platform for interactive content and gamification: Contact , Privacy Policy . Riddle: Platform for embedding interactive content such as quizzes, surveys and games; provider: Riddle Technologies AG (Switzerland); information on data protection: Privacy Policy . 12.7 Documents We use third-party services in order to embed documents in our website. Such documents may include PDF files, presentations, spreadsheets and text documents. This allows us to enable not only the viewing but also the editing or commenting of such documents. 12.8 E-Commerce We operate e-commerce and use third-party services in order to successfully offer services, content or goods. 12.9 Payments We use specialised service providers in order to process payments securely and reliably. For the processing of payments, the legal texts of the individual service providers, for example general terms and conditions (GTC) or privacy policies, apply in addition. We use in particular: Worldline: Processing of payments, in particular with mobile payment solutions; providers: Worldline SA (France), Worldline Schweiz AG (Switzerland) and other Worldline companies worldwide (including in the USA); information on data protection: Privacy Policy , «Responsible Disclosure Program» , Cookie Notice . 12.10 Advertising We make use of the possibility of having targeted advertising displayed by third parties , such as social media platforms and search engines, for our activities and operations. With such advertising we wish in particular to reach persons who are already interested in our activities and operations or who might be interested in them ( remarketing and targeting ). For this purpose we may transmit corresponding – possibly also personal – information to third parties that enable such advertising. We may also determine whether our advertising is successful, i.e. in particular whether it leads to visits to our website (conversion tracking) . Third parties with whom we advertise and with whom you are registered as a user may be able to associate your use of our website with your profile there. We use in particular: Google Ads: Search engine advertising; provider: Google; Google Ads-specific information: advertising based, among other things, on search queries, whereby various domain names – in particular doubleclick.net, googleadservices.com and googlesyndication.com – are used for Google Ads, Advertising Privacy Policy , «Manage the ads you see directly from ads» . Meta Ads: Social media advertising on Facebook and Instagram; providers: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Ireland) and other Meta companies (including in the USA); information on data protection: targeting, including retargeting, in particular with the Meta Pixel and with Custom Audiences including Lookalike Audiences , Privacy Policy , «Ad Preferences» (login as a user required). TikTok Ads: Social media advertising; providers: TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited (United Kingdom) and TikTok Technology Limited (Ireland) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and the United Kingdom / TikTok Inc. (USA) for users in the USA / TikTok Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) for most users in the rest of the world; information on data protection: remarketing and targeting, in particular with the TikTok Pixel , Privacy Policy , «Privacy Policy for Younger Users» , «Privacy Policy for TikTok Partners» , Cookie Policy . 13. Extensions for the Website We use extensions for our website in order to make use of additional features. We may use selected services from suitable providers or run such extensions on our own digital infrastructure. We use in particular: Google reCAPTCHA: Bot protection (distinguishing between desired activities by humans and undesired activities by bots); provider: Google; Google reCAPTCHA-specific information: «What is reCAPTCHA?» . 14. Performance and Reach Measurement We try to measure the performance and reach of our activities and operations. In this context we may also measure the effect of third-party references or examine how different parts or versions of our digital presence are used («A/B testing» method). Based on the results of performance and reach measurement, we may in particular fix errors, strengthen popular content or make improvements. For performance and reach measurement, the IP addresses of individual users are recorded in most cases. In this case, IP addresses are in principle shortened («IP masking») in order to follow the principle of data minimisation through the corresponding pseudonymisation. Cookies may be used and user profiles may be created for performance and reach measurement. Any user profiles created include, for example, the individual pages visited or content viewed on our digital presence, information on the size of the screen or browser window and the – at least approximate – location. In principle , any user profiles are created exclusively in pseudonymised form and are not used to identify individual users. Individual third-party services with which users are registered may be able to associate the use of our online offering with the user account or user profile at the respective service. We use in particular: Google Marketing Platform: Performance and reach measurement, in particular with Google Analytics ; provider: Google; Google Marketing Platform-specific information: measurement also across different browsers and devices (cross-device tracking) with pseudonymised IP addresses, which are only exceptionally transmitted in full to Google in the USA, Privacy Policy for Google Analytics , «Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on» . Google Tag Manager: Integration and management of Google and third-party services, in particular for performance and reach measurement; provider: Google; Google Tag Manager-specific information: Privacy Policy for Google Tag Manager ; further information on data protection can be found with the individual integrated and managed services. Matomo: Performance and reach measurement; provider: InnoCraft Ltd. (New Zealand, free open source software); information on data protection: use on our own digital infrastructure and with anonymised IP addresses, «List of all Matomo Features» . 15. Video Surveillance We use video surveillance for the prevention of criminal offences, for securing evidence in the event of criminal offences and for exercising our domiciliary rights. We retain recordings from our video surveillance for as long as they are required for securing evidence or for another stated purpose. We may secure recordings from our video surveillance and transmit them to competent bodies, in particular courts or law enforcement authorities, insofar as the transmission is necessary for a stated purpose, in our overriding interest or on the basis of legal obligations. 16. Final Remarks on this Privacy Policy We have created this Privacy Policy with the Privacy Policy Generator by Datenschutzpartner . We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. We provide information about updates by publishing the current Privacy Policy on our website.

 
Wettingen Abbey

History

Foundation and construction of Wettingen Abbey The Cistercian Abbey of Wettingen was endowed in 1227 by Heinrich II of Rapperswil. Little is known about its foundation. Legend has it that, in distress at sea he called upon the Virgin Mary for help and promised her an abbey if he was rescued. The storm subsided. A bright star, the Maris Stella, appeared in the sky, which Heinrich interpreted as a sign from Virgin Mary. Count Heinrich of Rapperswil, tracing of a lost 17th-century mural in the cloister of Wettingen Abbey. (Zurich Central Library) Back home, it took him some time to find the place for "his" abbey at the bend of the Limmat river. After the land was purchased from the lords of Dillingen and the Cistercian General Chapter and the Bishop of Constance had given their approval, the abbey was founded. As usual, a mother abbey was sought, which sent some monks to the new abbey. Thus the first twelve monks came to Wettingen from the abbey of Salem near Überlingen. They began building the abbey complex. Life in the abbey The Cistercian Order emerged from the Benedictine Order in 1098. Some monks were dissatisfied with the development of the Benedictine Order. The Benedictine rules and the guiding principle of "ora et labora" had given way to wealth. First at Molesme, then at Cîteaux, many returned to the origins of monastic life. At the beginning of the 12th century, with the arrival of Bernard of Clairvaux, the Cistercians began to flourish. In addition to the monks, who devoted themselves primarily to prayer and contemplation, the institution of the converses, also called lay brothers, emerged. Thesey were responsible for the hard physical work in the fields, in the gardens and in the abbey. The Wettingen monastic community was also divided into these two groups. Often the monks were also ordained priests and responsible for the religious services in the surrounding villages. Agriculture was an important element of abbey life. Wettingen Abbey had a vegetable garden and a herb garden as well as vines. The abbot had a small private garden built around his house. The quiet cloister garden was a good place to meet for contemplation. Today these gardens have been partially reconstructed and can be visited. Difficult times in the 16th century After the abbey was almost completely destroyed by a devastating fire in 1507, monastic life was soon in danger again in 1529 due to the Reformation. Most of the monks converted to the new faith and married. However, until they could be financially independent, they continued to live in the abbey. A monastic life in silence and faith was no longer possible. No sooner did the Catholic monks have "their" abbey back than they were hit by another wave of plague. The abbey flourishes under Abbot Peter Schmid Peter Schmid was elected abbot of Wettingen Abbey in 1594. He assumed office determined to help the abbey flourish again. Many new buildings were erected. But he also laid down new rules to bring abbey life back into the community. Good education for the monks was very important to him. After 1651, the two Roman catacomb saints Getulius and Marianus provided the income. This purchase brought pilgrims to Wettingen and with them donations in the form of money. Wettingen Abbey in around 1710 (Cantonal Historic Monuments Preservation Department) Revolution and dissolution of the abbey The outbreak of revolution in France in 1789 ushered in a new era for everyone in Europe. "Egalité, Fraternité, Liberté" was the slogan. Everyone was to have the same rights and duties. The class order of the Middle Ages collapsed. Wettingen Abbey found itself in the middle of the war zone and had to accommodate numerous officers of all warring parties (French, Austrians, Russians). However, much more drastic was the scepticism of the revolutionaries towards religion. In the 19th century, this scepticism was also widely shared in the young canton of Aargau. The existence of the large and rich abbeys was an affront to many. In 1841, the Grand Council in Aarau resolved to dissolve Aargau's abbeys. Wettingen's monks had 48 hours to leave their home. It took 13 years for the Wettingen Cistercians to find a new home in Mehrerau near Bregenz in Austria. They still live there today. The abbey in modern times The abbey buildings were subsequently used as a teacher training college. The greatest advocate of the abbey’s dissolution, Augustin Keller, became rector of the school. He moved into the abbot's apartment and ran the teacher training college with the same rigour as abbey life had been run in the past. In 1976, Wettingen Cantonal School was founded, and has been housed in the former abbey premises ever since. More than 1,100 students attend either the secondary school or specialised school here. The Aargau teachers' seminar training college in Wettingen in 1864 (Aargau State Archives). Industrial culture The canton sold large areas and buildings on the peninsula to businessmen. Johann Wild founded a very successful cotton spinning mill on the Limmat, whose striking building is now used as a cultural and commercial centre. Former workers' houses are still inhabited today. Cultural heritage In addition to the richly decorated church, the cloister with its stained glass of figures and coats of arms is a striking feature. These stained-glass windows were created by outstanding craftsmen in Europe. They mostly came to Wettingen Abbey as a donation. Museum Aargau As of 1 April 2022, Museum Aargau will operate a museum in the exterior and in selected interior rooms. The museum's "School makes museum" project breaks new ground. There is no permanent exhibition to see, but an evolving display with interactive personal mediation of the topics of faith, power and knowledge. Pupils make museum concepts, realise them and carry them out. Aerial view of Wettingen Abbey from 1964. (ETH Library Zurich, Image Archive / Photographer: Comet Photo AG (Zurich) / Com_F64-02602 / CC BY-SA 4.0) Further reading Meng, Heinrich: 750 Jahre Kloster Wettingen 1227-1977: Festschrift zum Klosterjubiläum, 1977. Hoegger, Peter: Das ehemalige Zisterzienserkloster Wettingen, Kanton Aargau, GSK Band 604/605, Bern 1997. Hoegger, Peter: Glasmalereien im Kanton Aargau, Kloster Wettingen, 2002. Kottmann A., Hämmerle M.: Die Zisterzienserabtei Wettingen, 1996.

 
Museum Aargau

Contact & About us

Contact and reservation Phone 0848 871 200 Telephone availability: Tuesday to Friday 9 am - 12 pm / 1 pm - 4:30 pm November to March only in the morning Send a message Address Museum Aargau Schloss Wildegg Effingerweg 5 5103 Wildegg Organisation Museum Aargau Management Member Contact Dr. Marco Sigg Director E-Mail Sibylla Fischer Head of Marketing & Communications E-Mail Rahel Göldi Head of Museum Programme E-Mail Andrea Lehner Head of Guest Services E-Mail Thomas Lüscher Head of Operations & Administration E-Mail Dr. Rudolf Velhagen Head of Collection & Conservation E-Mail

 
Vindonissa Legionary Trail

Roman sites

ROMAN SITES Amphitheatrum Amphitheatre Porta Decumana North Gate Porta Principalis West Gate Contubernia Soldiers' quarters Culina Centurionis Officer's kitchen Aquaeductus Water main Cloaca Maxima Large sewer Aedes Flag shrine Balneum Baths Valetudinarium Military hospital Via et Porta Praetoria Main street and main gate HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH History The only Roman legionary camp in Switzerland Archaeological research A whole series of spectacular finds

Gradian
Mystische Flugaufnahme von Schloss Wildegg

Wildegg Castle

Baroque castle and garden experience

Mystische Flugaufnahme von Schloss Wildegg

Experience a taste of the aristocratic lifestyle at Wildegg Castle: magnificent gardens and a museum with talking castle residents take you back to the Baroque era.

RESTRICTIONS DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER

Due to storm damage caused by hail, the castle is only partially accessible until further notice. Some rooms will remain closed for the time being. However, the garden is open to visitors as usual.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

 
Besucherinnen und Besuche betrachten ein sprechendes Video-Porträt in der Ausstellung von Schloss Wildegg.

Museum and
exhibitions

The only talking castle in Switzerland  

 
Ein Falkner in historischer Kleidung. Er lässt auf Schloss Wildegg einen Greifvogel fliegen

Events and
public guided tours

Calendar of events (in German)  

 
Luftaufnahme Schloss Wildegg mit Rebberg und Umland im Morgenlicht

Opening hours
and entrance fees

Open from April to October  

 
Luftaufnahme vom Schloss Wildegg

Getting
here

Directions  

SCHOOLS, FAMILIES, GROUPS

 
Ein Knecht und eine Magd mit Schulklasse im Wohnmuseum von Schloss Wildegg

For
schools

Guided tours and workshops  

 
Mädchen und Junge reiten auf einem Holzpferd im Pferdestall auf Schloss Wildegg

For
families

Children's area and stables  

 
Workshop im Garten: Eine Gruppe Frauen setzt am Tisch und kocht Salbe; im Hintergrund der Garten von Schloss Wildegg

For
groups

Guided tours and workshops  

GARDEN

 

Discover magnificent gardens

Baroque kitchen garden and rose garden

HISTORY AND COLLECTION

 
Schloss Wildegg mit dem Nutzgarten fotografiert von unten

History

Wildegg Castle and the von Effinger  

 
Ein gelber Heizlüfter, Objekt im Sammlungszentrum Egliswil

Collection

Treasure trove of Aargau's history  

 
Grosses Handy in der Hand eines Benutzers, auf dem Bildschirm ist die "Sammlung online" von Museum Aargau dargestellt.

Collection online

Site in German  

Impressions

Luftaufnahme Schloss Wildegg mit Rebberg und Umland im Morgenlicht
Besucherinnen und Besuche betrachten ein sprechendes Video-Porträt in der Ausstellung von Schloss Wildegg.
Weissrote Tulpen im Schlossgarten Wildegg
Mehrere Schüler betrachten ein Kettenhemd in der Ausstellung von Schloss Wildegg
Raum mit Tisch, Stühlen und Vitrine mit Porzellan im Wohnmuseum von Schloss Wildegg.
Besucherinnen und Besucher in der Ahnengalerie, einem dunklen Raum mit Video-Porträtbildern auf Schloss Wildegg.
Greifvogel-Show auf Schloss Wildegg