Baden (Switzerland)

Baden is a town in the Zurich region of Switzerland. It has a lively shopping centre, and a beautiful old town with traditional Swiss buildings, and small castle, all on the banks of the river Limmat which flows from Lake Zurich. Half of the town is dominated by the industrial/office complexes of General Electric, ABB and Ansaldo and the local economy is dependent upon their power plant manufacturing, but historically people were attracted to Baden for its thermal baths.

It is a nice town of 19,00 people (2018) to stay in while visiting the larger and busier cities in the region, such as Zurich. In addition to Baden the neighbouring villages of Wettingen, Ennetbaden, Obersiggenthal and Neuenhof are covered in this guide.

Get in

By plane

Zurich Kloten airport is within easy reach by train. There are 5 connections between Baden and the airport per hour. One of them is a direct connection, with the others it is necessary to change trains at Zurich main station respective Zurich Oerlikon. The ride takes about 35 minutes.

By train

Baden is served by rail. 🌍 Baden train station is right in the heart of the town. Located just outside Zürich, it is served by the S6 (37 min) and S12 (30 min) lines of the Zürich S-Bahn commuter rail network. If you have an all-zone Zürich transport card and are coming from Zürich, you should buy a single ticket from Otelfingen (for S6) or Dietikon (for S12). Connections westwards are available by Aargau local trains S23 and S27 to Olten and Waldshut as well as interregional trains to Basel and Berne. For Zürich S-Bahn map, tickets and timetables see the Zürich local transport website . For Aargau local rail map, tickets and timetables see (German only). For interregional train connections see the SBB website .

By car

Baden is near the major A1/E30 motorway. Use either exit 55 Neuenhof or 54 Verzweigung Baden. Between those two exits, you drive through the Baregg, a famous tunnel . Famous, because it was a major source of traffic jam before the 3rd tunnel was built.

Get around

The town centre is small enough to walk around, with a pleasant pedestrianised shopping street, and riverside walkways.

To explore further afield you might like to take a bus from the main station. Pay with coins in the machine on board, or at certain bus stops. Alternatively, buy a 6-journey strip card from the train ticket office for the price of 5 journeys.

Note with all trains and buses the "halbtax" option ('1/2' button on the machines) is for local people who have spent Fr. 150 on an annual half fare pass.

See
  • 🌍 Stein Castle (Ruine Stein). Walk up the hill in the middle of town to the old ruins of a Habsburg castle, the Stein, for an excellent view of Baden, Wettingen, and surrounding communities. On clear days the Glarner Alps can be seen. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Historic Museum Baden & Bailiff’s Castle (Historisches Museum & Landvogteischloss), Wettingerstrasse 2 (next to the old wooden bridge), ☏ +41 56 2227574, . The museum gives a full historical overview about the baths and industry, that shaped the town. The museum is housed in a castle, which was used, among other things, as a school, hospital and prison before the museum moved in in 1913. Fr. 8. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Museum Langmatt, Römerstrasse 30, ☏ +41 56 200 86 70, . Tu-F 14:00-17:00; Sa Su 11:00-17:00; Dec 15-Mar 01 off. For those interested in Impressionist art. The museum is housed in the former villa of Sidney and Jenny Brown-Sulzer. Brown was the founder of BBC, which in 1991 - after the merger with Swedish Asea - was renamed to ABB. A beautiful self-service café belongs to the museum, which is perfect for a relaxing break after the museum visit. Fr. 12. 
  • 🌍 Children's museum (Kindermuseum), Ländliweg 7, ☏ +41 56 222 14 44, . If you are travelling with children then this museum could be an interesting option. Children Fr. 4, adults Fr. 12. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Covered wooden bridge (Holzbrücke). This is the fifth iteration of the bridge. The first one was constructed in the 13th century. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Lion's Fountain (Löwenbrunnen). The fountain was created in 1822 and was frequently remodelled. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Wettingen Abbey (Kloster Wettingen). This used to be a Cistercian monastery. It was founded in 1227 and dissolved during the secularisation of 1841, but re-founded at Mehrerau in Austria in 1854. The buildings are listed as a heritage site of national significance. Since 1976 the premises have been used by the Wettingen Canton School. Roman Catholic services are held every week in the former abbey church, and weddings are also celebrated there. Furthermore Restaurant Sternen, the oldest guest house in Switzerland can be found here. (updated Jun 2017)

Do
  • 🌍 Have a stroll around the Bäderquartier (Bathing quarter). It is located at the Limmat river 10 minutes by foot from the town centre. Enjoy a coffee in the georgeous Atrium Hotel Blume and marvel at the stunning atrium. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Fortyseven, Grosse Bäder 1, ☏ +41562691847. Daily 08:00-22:00. Once you are there you may want to go to a thermal bath. The city is named Baden (to bath/bathe) because of the natural geothermal springs were ducted into baths by the Romans. The springs are claimed to be the most mineral rich in Europe. The main bath is called Fortyseven. Fr. 39/3 hours. (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 Local food market, Weitergasse. Sa 07:00-11:00. Most Saturday mornings there is a local food market (Farmers Market) in Weitergasse and sometimes special events (e.g. cultural or sports activities or special markets) go on in front of the Train Station (Bahnhofplatz- Badstrasse) (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Swim in the Limmat. During the summer, walk along the beautiful Limmat (river). It is recommended to go for a swim on sunny days when the current is not too strong, however, be wary of the nearby dams. There should be warning signs if it is too close to a dam, but to be sure, you'll know it's a safe area if there are many locals nearby swimming as well. A safe and popular place is marked on the map. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Crest hike over the Lägeren. If you are an avid hiker you should go for this tour. It takes around 4 to 6 hours to do the 13 km all the way to Dielsdorf, but it is also possible to descend earlier towards Wettingen. You will be rewarded with views to the alps and the black forest in Germany. Proper shoes are important. Take a train/bus back from Dielsdorf to Baden. A gpx track can be found in the link to the MySwitzerland website. The start of the trail is close to the wooden bridge. (updated Sep 2016)

Buy
  • 🌍 Badstrasse & Weite Gasse. The main pedestrian street is bustling with shoppers during the day. Lots of clothes shops, and various chain stores including 'Manor' (huge department store) and 'Merkur' (get your Swiss chocolate here). Look out for the Badener Stein, locally made chocolate sweets with a high alcohol content. They are delicious. There's a market on Saturday morning near the Stadtturm, the old town clock tower. (updated Sep 2016)

Eat

Budget
  • 🌍 Elanet, Haselstrasse 21, ☏ +41 56 210 45 30, . M-Th 11:30-14:00, 18:00-22:30; F 11:30-14:00, 18:00-23:30; Sa Su 18:00-22:00. Very tasty Indian meals. Dishes starting from Fr. 13 (Ask for "Vegie"). (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Manora Restaurant. A self-service restaurant on the highest floor of Manor shopping mall. With outdoor terrace, which offers splendid views to the Stein ruin. Starting at Fr. 13. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Martinsberg Restaurant, Wiesenstrasse 32, ☏ +41 56 203 43 33, . M-F 11:30-13:15; late Jul to early Aug closed M. The canteen of the local vocational school. It is also popular with workers of the nearby companies due to its reasonable prices and good quality meals. It is possible to sit outdoors with nice views over Baden during the warmer months of the year. Fr. 11. (updated May 2017)

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Stadtbistro Isebähnli, Bahnhofstrasse 10 (Opposite Manor store), ☏ +41 56 222 5758. Tu-F 11:00-14:00, 17:00-23:30; Sa 11:00-18:00. Excellent (but expensive) Swiss style food. Often full (make a booking). Fr. 25-45. (updated Jun 2017)
  • 🌍 Schwyzerhüsli, Badstrasse 38 (Station end of the main shopping street), ☏ +41 56 222 6263. M-Th 09:00-23:00; F Sa 09:00-24:00; Su 09:00-22:00. Swiss specialities including fondue, at a reasonable price. Can be smokey inside. Average online ratings. Fr. 15-30. (updated Jun 2017)
  • 🌍 Restaurant Bar Hirschli, Badstrasse 9 (Behind the Credit Suisse bank), ☏ +41 56 210 0955. M-Sa 11:00-24:00, Su 17:00-24:00. Creative cooking, east meets west. Lunch menus at a reasonable price. Very good online ratings. Fr. 15-25. Dinner menus are a little more expensive. Fr. 30-60. (updated Jun 2017)
  • 🌍 Berner, Zürcherstrasse 82, Neuenhof, ☏ +41 56 406 19 92. Has fairly standard Swiss food garden seating for the summer. 
  • 🌍 Landhaus, Zürcherstrasse 128a, ☏ +41 56 406 29 37. An old-style Swiss restaurant, though it's led by a Finnish lady. Plain but good quality food - bring your appetite because portions are massive (in particular the 'Garettli'). It isn't open on Saturday evening and the whole of Sunday. They also have rooms to rent. 
  • 🌍 Posthorn, Zürcherstrasse 164, Neuenhof, ☏ +41 56 4062712. Daily 11:00-14:00, 18:00-00:00. It's a renovated Italian place with quality food in a classy atmosphere. above average. 
  • 🌍 Rüssler, Rüsslerstrasse 37, Neuenhof. An old-style Swiss restaurant up the Rüssler hill in Neuenhof. This is a favourable destination if you want to combine a solid meal with a nice stroll/hike - they're near a junction of hiking paths. 

Splurge
  • 🌍 Hertenstein Panorama Restaurant, Hertensteinstrasse 80, ☏ +41 56 221 10 20. Tu-F 11:00-24:00. High quality meals with beautiful views. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Rebstock Baden, Untere Halde 21, ☏ +41 56 221 12 77. M 17:00-00:00, Tu-Sa 11:00-14:00 & 17:00-00:00. Creative French Kitchen in Old Town Baden. Chef Didier Mortaigne, entertains both in humor and good food. Fluent in English, French, German, and Swiss German. The interior is warm and inviting. Winter menu is Wild Game, Lamb, Sqaush and Pumpkin Harvest Foods, and Lille style Mussels and Fries. Great for business entertaining, romantic interlude, or comfort French food with friends. 50 m to parking. 10 minutes walk from the Baden Train Station. Views, possibly most authentic in Baden. Reservations recommended. Fr. 40, Fr. 100 full meal. 
  • 🌍 Restaurant Schloss Schartenfels, Schartenfelsstrasse, 5430 Wettingen, ☏ +41 56 426 19 27, . Considered one of the best (and priciest) restaurants in the region with beautiful views over Baden. Located in a castle. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Gasthof Sternen, Klosterstrasse 9, ☏ +41 56 427 14 61. The oldest restaurant in Switzerland. Classy quality food, nice rustical setting and a nice selection of wines. Bit on the high-end regarding budget and a very popular destination at times. Also has rooms to stay. 

Drink
  • 🌍 Müllerbräu Biergarten Baden, Dynamostrasse 6, ☏ +41 79 598 50 32, . M-F 11:30-23:00; Sa 16:00-23:00; Su 16:00-22:00. Big beer garden round the back of the brewery. Popular and crowded, but only open in the summer, if there is no rain. 
  • 🌍 Triebguet Frischluftbar, Kanalstrasse, . Only summer 16:00-23:00, on weekends from noon onwards. An outdoor bar on a deck by the river under the tall Mellingerstrasse bridge. 
  • 🌍 Mr Pickwicks, Löwenplatz 8, ☏ +41 56 222 63 40. English-themed chain pub. Smokey. Popular with English speaking expats and Swiss people who want to practice their English. Has Sky Sports. 
  • 🌍 Mojo, Nordhaus 3. Japanese-themed bar and sushi restaurant near the station. Spacious, stylish, and modern. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 LWB Baden, Stadtturmstrasse 1. Big club under a concrete railway underpass. Very young (teenaged?) crowd. 
  • 🌍 Rossini, Haselstrasse 29, ☏ +41 56 222 08 81, . M-F 17:00-02:00, Sa Su 18:00-02:00. Has a large selection of Cuban cigars. Every Thursday, drinks are half price from 18h to 20h. Keep in mind that smoking is allowed in this bar. It smells accordingly. 

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Pension Frau Meise, Untere Halde 15, ☏ +41 565355901. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. A small and cute guesthouse with its own little café in the middle of the old town Fr. 100. 
  • 🌍 Gasthaus zum Hirschen. Outside Baden, in Kirchdorf dorf; a charming little village further up the valley. There's a bus every 20 min into Baden, which takes 15 min. Good clean modern rooms in an old traditional Swiss building. Single room Fr. 95. 
  • 🌍 Zys Hotel, Alberich Zwyssig - Strasse 78, Wettingen, ☏ +41 56 437 01 01, . single from Fr. 86, double from Fr. 156. (updated Jan 2017)

Splurge
  • 🌍 Du Parc, Römerstrasse 24, 5400 Baden, ☏ +41 56 2031515, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Central location. Piano lounge bar. Very close to ABB/GE/Ansaldo offices. Starting at Fr. 150. 
  • 🌍 Blue City Hotel, Haselstrasse 17, 5400 Baden, ☏ +41 56 200 18 18, . Business hotel. The hotel offers single and double rooms, meeting rooms, a restaurant and a bar/lounge on top of the building. Very central (1 minute to the train station, 2 minutes to the ABB/GE/Ansaldo complexes), quite expensive. Starting at Fr. 170. 

Go next

Hop on a train into Zurich, or in the other direction to Basel or to Bern (via Olten).

There is one direct and one change-over train to Waldshut in Germany every hour.

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