Aarberg: Wooden Bridge, Town History and the Old Aare
Accommodation in Aarberg
Aarberg is situated on a sandstone ridge that rises above the plain. The lord of the castle founded the settlement around 1220; Count Ulrich V granted Aarberg town rights in 1271. The earlier diversion of part of the Aare’s waters turned the rocky hill into an island. The terrain and the town’s history are among the defining features of the place.
Historic Centre and Notable Buildings
The historic town centre is arranged around a well-kept town square with picturesque façades, specialist shops and restaurants. Cross the famous wooden bridge to reach the centre of Aarberg. A landmark of the town, the bridge is a protected monument; the current wooden bridge was built on four sandstone pillars in 1568. It thus links a specific local history with a structure that continues to shape Aarberg’s appearance today.
The castle also tells the story of Aarberg’s past: from 1358 to 1830, it was the residence of around one hundred bailiffs. In the Reformed church, the present-day tower dates from 1526. The church also preserves historic choir stalls and a baptismal font bearing Gabriel Gross’s funerary inscription.
At Stadtplatz 28, AARinfo offers a multimedia, self-service tourist information service with changing thematic insights into the town’s history. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The hamlet of Spins, which belongs to Aarberg, has imposing farmhouses and well-kept orchards; the hamlet is a protected landscape and adds to the picture of the town’s built and natural character.
The Old Aare and Riverside Paths
The present-day Old Aare was formed as a result of the first Jura water correction, carried out from 1868 to 1891. During this project, the Aare between Aarberg and Meienried was reduced to a small watercourse. Later floodplain restoration created new pools, ponds and flood areas. Numerous animals and plants have settled there, including highly endangered species.
Near Aarberg, the Old Aare is a nature reserve; the section between Studen and Aarberg is considered a floodplain protection area of national importance. You can stroll, jog and hike along the Old Aare. A flat riverside hike starts in Aarberg, passes through the historic town and continues through the nature reserve to BĂĽren an der Aare. The section of the Aare between Aarberg and BĂĽren is also part of the Huguenot and Waldensian Trail. Please do not enter the riverside vegetation or the water in the Giessen and pools.
Markets and Events
The Supermärit Aarberg takes place every year in May in the historic Stedtliplatz. More than 40 market stalls offer regional specialities and fresh food to sample and buy. Market offerings may vary between editions, and dates may also change. Check the organisers’ latest information before visiting.
Traditional onion and garlic products are among the offerings at the Zibelemärit. Traditional food stalls run by Aarberg’s clubs are also part of the event. Here, too, the offerings may vary from one edition to the next. The Aarberger Puce has a different focus: this flea and antiques market was founded in April 1977. If you plan to visit one of these markets, the organisers’ latest information will help you choose a date.
The Aarberg Equestrian Days traditionally take place over Ascension weekend at Aarolina. The venue includes a 4,200 m² all-weather arena, a dressage warm-up arena and a grass arena for the show jumping competition. As event dates and venue arrangements may change, check the organiser’s latest information before making plans.
Visit the Sugar Factory
Visits to the Aarberg plant of Schweizer Zucker AG are possible during the beet-processing season, from mid-October to early December; advance booking is required. The tour lasts around 120 minutes, including the film. Visitors can observe the process, from unloading the beets to packing the sugar. Seasonal dates may change, so check the operator’s latest visitor information in advance.
Badi Aarbärg has a wheelchair-accessible pool entrance with a pool lift. Confirm these accessibility features before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Radelfingen, Rapperswil, Aarberg, Lyss, Kallnach, SchĂĽpfen, Seedorf, Burgdorf.
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