Rich salt deposits governed the economic development of the small city on the Hochrhein in Canton Aargau. Today Rheinfelden is an important spa and wellness centre and also the site of the country’s largest beer brewery.

Rheinfelden in Canton Aargau is Switzerland’s oldest Zärhringer city and has close historical, economic and social ties with its German twin of the same name on the opposite banks of the Rhine. From Rheinfelden, the Rhine is navigable to the North Sea.

The city’s economic boom began in 1844 with the discovery of rich salt deposits. The use of brine for healing purposes began in 1846, almost at the same time as salt exploitation and Rheinfelden became a world-famous spa. As an example, the «Sole uno» spa and sauna landscape and the Rheinfelden Spa Centre still cater for relaxation and good health.

While the western section of the historic city wall no longer exists, the eastern and southern parts have been preserved intact, complete with battlement and towers. The main axis of the semi-circular old town is the Marktgasse, running from the bridge to the Storchennestturm (Storks’ Nest Tower). The Fricktal Museum next to the baroque-style Rathaus (town hall) provides fascinating facts on the history and culture of Rheinfelden and Fricktal.

To the west, on a hill outside the city is Feldschlösschen, the seat of the Feldschlösschen Getränke AG and still a brewery. Built from 1882, the factory buildings are in the style of a medieval castle. The elegant art-deco-style brewery is well worth a visit. Beer is still delivered to the surrounding area in old traditional style, with Switzerland’s only six-span of Belgian dray horses.

Highlights

• Wellness and taking the waters in Rheinfelden’s saline baths - since 1864, the salt deposits have also been used to promote health and well-being.
• Lock trip - a Rhine cruise from Rheinfelden to Basel travels though locks at the Augst and Birsfelden river power stations. (Scheduled cruises mid-April to mid-October).
• Augusta Raurica - amphitheatre, Roman museum, Roman house and Roman pets park offer an invitation to discover the oldest Roman colony on the Rhine.
• Feldschlösschen - factory buildings of Switzerland’s largest brewery in the style of a medieval castle.
• Former brine shaft towers towards Möhlin