Rheinfelden

Rheinfelden is a historic town divided between Switzerland and Germany, with the Rhine River flowing through it and forming the border. The Swiss side lies in the canton of Aargau. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, with city walls and Roman-era river fortifications, as well as the Feldschlösschen Brewery, home to one of Switzerland's most popular beer brands.

The climate is temperate, with mild summers and cool winters, typical of the Upper Rhine region. The old town centre is the highlight, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and the bridge that serves as a pedestrian border crossing to the German side.

By Plane

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) is the nearest airport, about 15 minutes by train.

By Train

Rheinfelden has two railway stations. The Swiss station has two hourly IR trains to Basel (13 min) and Zurich (1 hour) via Brugg and Baden, plus S1 trains to smaller towns. The German station has hourly IRE trains to Basel and Radolfszell, and slower RB trains.

By Car / Road

On the Swiss side the A3 motorway runs just south of town, with exits at Rheinfelden and Rheinfelden Ost. The A861 connects to the German A5/A98 network.

The old town is compact and walkable. The bridge in the middle of town serves as a border crossing for pedestrians.

• Old Town — Medieval city walls and Roman-era river fortifications. The highlight of Rheinfelden.

• Feldschlösschen Brewery — Theophil-Roniger-Strasse, by appointment M–Sa. This "castle" brewery produces one of Switzerland's most popular beers. Tours are available. Fr. 15.

• Fricktaler Museum — Marktgasse 12, Tu, Sa, Su 14:00–17:00. Local history museum in the Frick Valley. Fr. 5.

• Stadtmuseum Rheinfelden — Sa, Su 12:00–17:00. A museum on the German side next to the old Rhine bridge. Free.

• Wasserturm Rheinfelden — A historic water tower landmark.

• Feldschlösschen Brewery Tour — Visit the original brewery with several tour options.

• Schleusenfahrt (Lock Boat Ride) — A two-hour boat ride to Basel through two locks.

• Cross-border walk — Walk across the bridge to the German side of Rheinfelden.

• Restaurant Rössli — Brodlaube 11, +41 61 831 71 70. Traditional Swiss cuisine.
• Bohème Art-Restaurant — Kupfergasse 8, +41 76 516 06 55, 11:30–22:00. Seasonal cuisine with rotating art exhibitions in a creative dining space.

Rheinfelden is the home of Feldschlösschen beer. The brewery tour includes tastings, and the beer is widely available in local bars and restaurants.

• Mid-range: Hotel Schiff am Rhein — Marktgasse 58, +41 61 836 22 00. 350 m from the train station with a restaurant and terrace facing the Rhine. Single from Fr. 145, double from Fr. 195.
• Upscale: Grand Hôtel des Salines — Opened in 1882, a historic grand hotel experience.

Shops in the old town on both sides of the border offer local products, Swiss chocolate, and souvenirs.

• Basel — 13 minutes by train, a cultural hub on the Rhine with world-class museums.
• Bad Säckingen — A short drive to the German spa town on the Rhine.
• Augusta Raurica — 10 minutes by train, the best-preserved Roman city north of the Alps.
• Frick — 10 minutes by train, in the scenic Frick Valley.