Wildpark Roggenhausen

Wildpark Roggenhausen is a serene wildlife sanctuary nestled in a rare natural idyll just west of Aarau. Spanning roughly 15 hectares of forest, meadows, and rocky slopes, the park offers a peaceful encounter with nature where native Swiss animals and rare domestic breeds roam in spacious enclosures. Families, school groups, and nature lovers come here to walk the circular trail, enjoy the fresh forest air, and observe deer, wild boar, ibex, and marmots up close. The park is open 24 hours a day and entry is completely free, making it one of the most accessible outdoor attractions in the Aargau region. Whether you plan a short stroll or a half-day excursion, the combination of wildlife watching, a geology-themed nature trail, a historic granary, and a large playground ensures a memorable visit for all ages.

Visitors consistently praise the park for its calm, family-friendly atmosphere and the dedication of its animal keepers. Recent reviews highlight the joy of spotting marmots in their rocky habitat and the hands-on learning opportunities provided by the on-site staff. A rustic restaurant with a spacious terrace—currently undergoing a full renovation until mid-2026—remains accessible through a temporary catering setup, so guests can still enjoy a warm meal or a cool drink during their visit. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the park is easy to reach by car, bike, or public transport from downtown Aarau.

Animals and Habitats

The wildlife population at Roggenhausen reflects the rich biodiversity of Switzerland and selected European regions. As you follow the well-signed circular path, you’ll encounter fallow deer, axis deer, and majestic red deer grazing in open meadows. In shaded forest enclosures, families of wild boar root in the earth, while miniature pigs charm younger visitors with their small size and playful behavior. Higher up on the rocky ridge, alpine ibex and marmots have found a home that closely mimics their natural mountain environment.

Farm animal breeds with a conservation mission add another layer of interest. Bündner Strahlen goats, Valais sheep, and sturdy ponies represent heritage Swiss breeds that once played a vital role in rural life but have become rare in modern agriculture. Chickens, wild turkeys, and rabbits round out the collection, giving the park the feel of a living agricultural museum. The ancient Spycher—a wooden granary built in 1642—houses stone martens and serves as a tangible link to the rural history of the Roggenhausen valley.

• Deer species: Fallow deer, axis deer, and red deer in large, naturalistic enclosures.
• Alpine animals: Ibex and marmots on rocky terrain with excellent viewing platforms.
• Wild boar and mini-pigs: Fascinating social animals with dedicated observation areas.
• Heritage livestock: Rare Swiss goats, sheep, and ponies maintained as living cultural assets.
• Small animals and birds: Rabbits, chickens, wild turkeys, and martens in accessible setups.

Nature Trail and Geology

Parallel to the animal enclosures, a well-designed nature trail introduces visitors to the geological story of the Roggenhausen valley. Six information stations explain the local rock formations, the processes of weathering and erosion, and the fossils hidden in the limestone layers. The trail connects the underlying geology directly to the plants and animal life it supports, making it an excellent outdoor classroom for school groups and curious adults alike.

Along the route, interpretive panels detail the formation of sedimentary rocks millions of years ago and how glacial activity shaped the valley we see today. You’ll learn to recognize different rock types, spot signs of ancient marine life, and understand why certain wildflowers thrive on south-facing slopes while others prefer the damp, shaded northern exposures. The loop is easy to walk in about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, with plenty of benches and rest spots.

Orchard and Historic Landscape

At the southern end of the valley, a traditional high-stem orchard preserves a piece of Switzerland’s agricultural heritage. Approximately 50 standard fruit trees—including apple, pear, plum, cherry, and Zwetschge varieties—recall a time when more than 2,000 distinct fruit cultivars were cultivated across the country. The orchard bursts into bloom each spring and bears fruit from late summer into autumn, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds.

This historic landscape is managed without intensive chemicals, encouraging a rich undergrowth of wildflowers and grasses. Visitors are welcome to stroll between the trees, and interpretive signs explain the importance of traditional orchards for biodiversity. The orchard also provides a quiet picnic spot with lovely views back toward the main park area.

Playground and Family Amenities

The children’s playground at Wildpark Roggenhausen has long been a favorite destination for families in Aarau and beyond. While a safety-related removal of the main climbing tower has temporarily reduced the play options, several beloved attractions remain in operation. The traditional carousel and the battery-powered mini scooters (closed Mondays and Tuesdays or during very poor weather) continue to delight children under supervision.

Picnic tables and two public fire pits with grills are located near the ibex enclosure and the Spycher, inviting families to cook their own sausages or enjoy a packed lunch in the fresh air. Toilet facilities are available near the restaurant, and the park’s level gravel paths are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring broad accessibility. Because the park is open around the clock, families can plan visits that match their children’s energy levels—early mornings are especially peaceful for those hoping to see the most active animal behavior.

Visiting Information and Directions

Wildpark Roggenhausen is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and admission is free. The main entrance is located on Roggenhausenweg, just a few minutes’ drive or a pleasant 30-minute walk from the center of Aarau. By car, follow signs toward Wildpark Roggenhausen; two parking areas are available, though the main lot can fill quickly on sunny weekends. An overflow parking area is located a short distance further along the access road.

Bus connections from Aarau railway station drop passengers within a 15-minute walk of the park gate. Cyclists will find bike racks near the entrance, and the forest approach makes for a lovely family bike outing. Leashed dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas. Driving permits for the restricted access road can be requested at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the Ortsbürgergutsverwaltung at 062 843 05 79 or via email to annarosa.baumann@aarau.ch.

• Hours: Open 24/7, 365 days a year, no entry fee.
• Address: Roggenhausenweg, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland.
• Contact: +41 62 822 34 05 or annarosa.baumann@aarau.ch for driving permits.
• Parking: Two free lots on Roggenhausenweg; overflow parking available further up the access road.
• Public transport: Bus from Aarau station, then a short walk; cycling and walking paths are well marked.

Restaurant and Refreshments

The park’s restaurant, currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation until the second quarter of 2026, remains accessible through a temporary catering solution. The Chalet Roggenhausen provides a warm, covered space where visitors can purchase meals, snacks, hot and cold beverages, and ice cream. Exact opening hours depend on the weather and season; it is recommended to check the Chalet Roggenhausen website before planning a visit that relies on the restaurant.

For those who prefer to bring their own food, the two designated fire pits with grills and plentiful picnic tables offer a perfect open-air dining experience. Groups can reserve the fire pits in advance by contacting the park administration. The renovation work is carefully managed to minimize disruption to the animal park experience, and the construction zone is clearly separated from public areas.

Events, Tours, and Membership

Guided tours for school groups, clubs, and private parties can be booked throughout the year, led by the park’s knowledgeable wildlife caretakers. A special questionnaire for school classes helps teachers integrate the visit into biology and environmental science curricula. Seasonal events such as autumn markets and themed nature days are advertised on the park’s website and through the supporting association.

Wildpark Roggenhausen is operated by a dedicated non-profit association that relies on memberships and donations to maintain the enclosures, care for the animals, and fund educational programs. Membership offers benefits such as invitations to exclusive events and the satisfaction of directly supporting wildlife conservation and environmental education in the Aarau region. Information about becoming a member is available on the park’s official website.