Augusta Raurica

Augusta Raurica is the best-preserved Roman city north of the Alps, nestled within the greater Basel urban area in the canton of Aargau. Transformed into an open-air archaeological museum, it sits near (and partially within) the towns of Augst and Kaiseraugst. Its extraordinary state of preservation is because, unlike most Roman town sites, no subsequent settlement was built upon it after the Romans abandoned the site.

The site is compact and easily explored on foot. Each summer it hosts Römerfest (the Roman festival), an educational and entertainment event enjoyable for both children and adults. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is mild and the museum is fully open.

By Plane

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) is the nearest international airport, about 20 minutes by train or car from Kaiseraugst station. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is about 1 hour away by train.

By Train

Take the S1 train from Basel SBB, Frick, or Rheinfelden to Kaiseraugst station (not Salina Raurica). From the station it is about a 15-minute walk to the main museum and Roman ruins. Bus line 81 from Basel-Aeschenplatz or from Liestal to the Augst bus stop is also an option, followed by a similar walk.

By Car / Road

Augusta Raurica is accessible via the A3 motorway, taking the Kaiseraugst or Rheinfelden exits. Parking is available near the site.

The whole site is rather compact and best explored on foot. Signposted paths connect all major Roman structures within a 15–20 minute walk.

• Roman Theater — A well-preserved theatre that hosts activities during the Römerfest.

• Roman Amphitheatre — Daily 10:00–17:00 (closed 24, 25, 31 Dec and 1 Jan). Free entry. An amphitheatre at the archaeological site.

• Augusta Raurica Museum — Daily 10:00–17:00. An informative exhibition of local Roman archaeological finds. Adults Fr. 8, children/students Fr. 6 (includes admission to the Roman House). Wheelchair accessible.

• Hypocaust — An excavated Roman underfloor heating system from a luxurious Roman house.

• Roman House — A reconstructed Roman dwelling with period furnishings and decor.

• Römerfest (Roman Festival) — The largest Roman festival in Switzerland, held during the last weekend of August. Fr. 18.

• Guided tours — Educational tours of the Roman ruins and museum are available.

• Picnicking on the site — The grassy areas around the ruins are pleasant for a picnic.

• Rôtisserie Raurica — Dorfstrasse 32, Kaiseraugst, +41 61 811 26 31. Tu–F 11:30–14:30, Tu–Sa 18:00–24:00. Mostly meat-based dishes in a setting near the archaeological site.

The on-site café offers coffee, soft drinks, and local wines. For a wider selection, Basel's bars and restaurants are a short train ride away.

Overnight options near Augusta Raurica are limited; it is better to visit as a day trip from Basel.

• Mid-range: Cedro Römerhof — Giebenacherstrasse 31, Augst, +41 61 811 17 67. A simple hotel near the archaeological site. From Fr. 90.

A small museum shop sells books, replicas of Roman artefacts, and souvenirs. For regular shopping, head to nearby Basel or Rheinfelden.

• Basel — 15 minutes by train, a vibrant cultural city with the Kunstmuseum and Rhine riverfront.
• Rheinfelden — 5 minutes by train, a charming border town with a medieval old town and brewery.
• Zurich — 1 hour by train, Switzerland's largest city with world-class dining and shopping.
• Bad Säckingen — 20 minutes across the German border, a picturesque spa town on the Rhine.