Mellingen: Old Town, Markets and the Reuss

Mellingen lies in the Baden district, 352 metres above sea level on the left bank of the Reuss. Its medieval old town forms the centre of Mellingen. Its layout roughly resembles an isosceles triangle; the old town stretches along the left bank of the Reuss. In the Mellingen area, the river flows from southeast to northwest. Shops, restaurants and cultural attractions are just a short walk away in Mellingen. You can shape your stay around the town’s history, its markets or the paths and activities along the river.

From Mellingen Heitersberg S-Bahn station, you can reach the greater Zurich area in less than 25 minutes. Check the timetable for your connection before travelling. If you would like to combine a stay in Mellingen with a visit to the greater Zurich area, you can factor this travel time into your plans alongside the activities available locally.

Old Town and Town History

Two dates help put the town’s history into context: around 1230, the Kyburgs founded the actual town on the left bank of the Reuss; in 1296, the Habsburgs granted Mellingen town rights. The old town’s landmarks include the Hexenturm, a medieval round tower that marks its northwestern boundary. Since opening in 1997, the local history museum in the old town has presented the town’s history in a permanent exhibition. The MUK also runs permanent exhibitions in the Stadtscheune and in the courtroom in the gatehouse of the former town hall.

A treasure hunt through the winding lanes of the medieval old town takes you on an adventurous journey of discovery, with cryptic clues, tasks and unexpected twists. It combines exploring the town’s lanes with an active challenge. Between the old town, the local history museum and exhibitions at other venues, you can encounter Mellingen’s history in different forms.

Markets Throughout the Year

The market commission organises three markets a year in the old town. On Sundays in May and September, flea and antiques markets feature around 140 stalls. The Chlausmarkt is held on the first Friday in December, with stalls selling handcrafted goods and gifts. The markets therefore differ both in timing and in what they offer. If you would like to plan your visit around a market, check the specific dates for your travel year, as they may vary.

The Reuss, Paths and Water

You can enjoy walks and hikes along the Reuss near Mellingen; from Mellingen, the well-developed Reuss Valley can be explored on foot or by bike. Two stages of the Habsburg Way also offer different points of interest. The fourth stage runs from Baden via Tüfels-Chäller and Fislisbach to Mellingen. The fifth leads from Mellingen to Bremgarten along the right bank of the Reuss. There, woodland and fields alternate with a natural, meandering river landscape and floodplains.

As well as walking, you can also enjoy boating on the water. A rocky spur reinforced with stone blocks at Ibergwiese projects into the Reuss and makes it easier, in particular, to land inflatable boats. The «Reuss Kanu» canoe route passes Gnadenthal Monastery and Mellingen, and ends at the landing point in Gebenstorf. The Reuss Bridge has spanned the river for centuries and today invites you to take a walk by the water. When planning, you can choose from different options: a tour of the historic town, paths along the Reuss or a canoe route with a named endpoint.

Discover more destinations: Gebenstorf, Baden, Wettingen, Spreitenbach, Künten, Würenlos, Würenlingen, Stetten.

Go to the main travel overview: Baden.