The Aare, its Towns, Nature and Jura Water Correction

12 March 2025

The Aare flows into the Rhine at Koblenz (Canton of Aargau). On its 295-kilometer journey from its source in the Oberaar Glacier, it flows through the Aareschlucht (Aare Gorge), Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, the capital Bern, Lake Biel, Solothurn, and through various places that bear its name, such as Büren an der Aare, Aarwangen, Wangen an der Aare, Aarburg, and Aarau, the capital of the Canton of Aargau.

In the 19th century, the Aare was regulated during the first Jura Water Correction (1868-1891), a century before the Dutch equivalent, the so-called Deltawerken.

Afterwards, some adjustments were made, including during the Second Jura Water Correction (1962-1973). Since then, the country’s most water-rich river, with more water than the Rhine, has been “tamed”.

The inhabitants of the many beautiful villages and towns, agricultural areas, and infrastructures are spared from floods, except in some exceptional circumstances.

Wangen an der Aare

One of these beautiful medieval towns is Wangen an der Aare (Canton of Bern). In the 11th century, a Benedictine priory of the Abbey of Trub existed. The Dukes of Zähringen founded the town, which the Counts of Kyburg later acquired after the extinction of the Zähringen dynasty in 1218.

After the devastation by the Guglers (French mercenaries during the Hundred Years’ War, 1337-1453) and the conquest of Aargau, Bern acquired the town in 1437. The bailiff resided in the bailiff’s castle (15th-18th century).

Wangen was then an important transhipment point for shipping on the Aare. Salt was one of the most precious goods. It came from Bavaria, Tyrol, and Lorraine. The striking salt house (1775) reminds us of this time. The prosperity is still visible.

The Salzhaus

The wooden bridge over the Aare was built in 1552. The rich past is also evident in the town hall, the clock tower (Zytgloggeturm), and a monumental centre.

(Source and further information: Gemeinde Wangen an der Aare)

Aarwangen

Aarwangen is also such a small place that one passes by. However, Aarwangen is also worth a visit. The Celts, Romans, Alemanni, and Burgundians were familiar with this location on the Aare because it served as a transhipment point for goods between the west and east of Switzerland. The first written mention dates back to 12129.

The Lords of Aarwangen lived in the castle on the banks of the Aare. Their successors were the Lords of Grünenberg, who served the Habsburgs. After the conquest of Aargau, Bern acquired the town in 1437.

The bailiff resided in the castle until 1798. Seventy-five bailiffs ruled until 1798, when the Helvetic Republic (1798-1803) was created. The castle shows the coats of arms of these 75 bailiffs in a gallery. Since 1803, when the new Confederation (1803-1813) was established, Aarwangen has been the capital of the Aarwangen district in the canton.

(Source and further information: Gemeinde Aarwangen)