Baden is a town that lies at the meeting point of the two great Swiss landscapes of Jura and Mittelland. It is also known for its thermal waters. Their healing properties were already appreciated by the Roman legionaries who were stationed in the area of today’s Windisch municipality. They were so enthralled by the hot springs that they built thermal baths in a bend of the Limmat River, around which a lively urban settlement called Aquae Helveticae grew.
The old town of Baden
The start of the tour takes you through the streets of Baden’s old town to a wooden bridge and on to the other side of the Limmat River. Here, a narrow staircase directs hikers to a spot with a magnificent view of the old town.
The first thing that catches the eye is the towering, beautifully ornamented tower from the 15th century, which once served as the city’s northern gate. Even higher up, behind the tower, are the ruins of Stein Castle, to which this trail continues. Be warned that there are quite a few stairs here too.
Stein castle ruins
Stein Castle probably dates back to the 11th century. For a period of time it was used by the Habsburgs as an archive. Twice it was almost completely razed to the ground. The first time during the fierce battles against the Confederates in the 15th century, and then after the defeat of the Catholic and Protestant armies in the Second Willmerger War (Zweite Villmergerkriege). In turn, the demolition materials were used to build the church.
From the walls of the old castle you will see a fantastic panoramic view of the city. I can therefore assure you that the climb up the stairs will be well worth it.
Viewing point at the water tower
The next point on the route is the water tower with a viewing platform (Wasserturm). It was built in 1985 and is more than 38 metres high. Nearby is the old tower from 1905, which is only 12 metres high and is now part of the Baldegg restaurant. And, interestingly enough, the first restaurant was opened on this site in 1837.
The final leg of the trail
The trail continues through the forest to the community of Turgi and then by the Limmat River. From the railway bridge over the Reuss River, there is a view of the confluence of the two rivers Aare and Reuss.
Finally, there is also a walk around Königsfelden monastery, which I wrote more about in another text describing the route from Brugg to Wildegg, and the remains of a Roman amphitheatre.
The amphitheatre dates from the first half of the first century AD. It could seat around 11,000 spectators and had a total area of 111 x 99 metres. It is currently open to the public.
