Last Updated on June 17, 2024 by Darla
Have you checked out Wildpark Roggenhausen Aarau? It’s a zoo located in Roggenhausen Valley, on the western edge of Aarau near the Solothurn border. It’s renowned as Switzerland’s most beautiful deer park. And the best part is that it’s free to visit!
Wildpark Roggenhausen Aarau spans approximately 15 hectares. While it’s primarily under the ownership of the Aarau municipality, part of it also extends onto Solothurn land. It is a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and animal lovers.
Visitors can enjoy a short walk through the park while observing the animals and taking in the stunning views of the region.
Wildpark Roggenhausen Aarau: What to Expect
Curious about what awaits you at the Wildpark? Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highlights you can look forward to.
Animals to See
| Alpine Marmot | Bantam Chicken | Rabbit | Mini Pig |
| Axis Deer | Fallow Deer | Guinea Pig | Peafowl |
| Red Deer | Shetland Pony | Ibex | Alpine Chamois |
| Valais Blacknose Sheep | Welsh Mountain Pony | Wild Boar | Wild Doe |
Free Admission – Accessible at All Times
One of the things I appreciate about Wildpark is its accessibility—it’s open to the public year-round and completely free to visit.
There’s a convenient car park right at the entrance, and if it’s full, you can easily find parking in Aarau and either take a stroll or hop on public transportation to get here.
It’s no wonder it’s a beloved spot for locals; it’s not just beautiful, but also costs nothing to enjoy!
Spacious Deer Enclosures
At Wildpark Roggenhausen Aarau, you’ll encounter a variety of animals, but the ones that truly thrive in spacious and picturesque enclosures are the Fallow deer, Axis deer, and Red deer. In fact, over half of the park is devoted to these majestic deer species.
The deer enclosures in this park are quite roomy, much like the ones you’d see in Zurich Langenberg. They truly have ample space to wander, graze, and retreat if they wish. We even stumbled upon some white deer, although they didn’t seem to be albino.
Right by the initial deer enclosure, there’s this green machine where you can purchase food to give animals at the Wildpark. We gave it a go and attempted to feed the animals, but the deer seemed a bit too shy to nibble on the treats. The goats, on the other hand, were quite excited to eat the food pellets.
Alpine Animals
In addition to deer, the Wildpark is home to marmots, Alpine ibexes, Valais Blacknose Sheep, and goats —common alpine animals found throughout Switzerland. The goats were particularly friendly and eager to be fed.
- Marmots are cute, furry creatures that are native to Switzerland and can be found in the Swiss Alps. These ground squirrels are known for their round bodies, dark brown fur, short legs, and pointy snouts.
- The Alpine ibex is a species of wild goat that is native to the Alps. It is one of the most iconic animals of Switzerland and even features in the flag of Canton Graubünden. They have a distinctive appearance with curved horns that can grow up to a meter long, depending on their age.
- The Valais Blacknose Sheep originates from the Valais region of Switzerland. This cute breed has a unique black face coupled with thick white fleece and is typically raised for their wool and meat. These typically live on mountainous terrain.
Restaurant Dining or Picnic
Near the rabbits, at one end of the Wildpark, you’ll find Restaurant Roggenhausen. The restaurant caters to both indoor dining and a self-service outdoor option. Right outside, there’s a playground that’s a hit with the kids.
For details on the opening hours of Restaurant Roggenhausen, you can always visit their website at https://www.restaurant-roggenhausen.ch.
If you prefer a picnic, there’s a public area available, along with spots for grilling.
How to Get to Wildpark Roggenhausen Aarau
Getting to the Wildpark is simple, whether you’re driving or taking public transportation.
| Car | Parkplatz Roggenhausen Roggenhausenweg 5000 Aarau |
| Bus | Aarau, Roggenhausen |
| Train | Aarau (18-minute walk) |
Ticketing and Hours
Wildpark Roggenhausen Aarau is open year-round. Visitors can experience the changing seasons and the different behaviors of the animals throughout the year.
It is also free of charge. If you’re keen to show your support, you may consider becoming a member by paying an annual fee starting at just CHF 30 CHF. Or, if you prefer, you can donate any amount without becoming a member. Every little bit helps! Donations are much appreciated and go towards maintaining the animal enclosures.
Final Thoughts: Wildpark Roggenhausen Aarau
You know, it’s not the most famous spot around, but if you happen to be in Solothurn or Aarau and fancy a pleasant stopover, I’d suggest checking out this Wildpark. You can easily spend an hour or two strolling from end to end, taking in all the animals. Plus, there are some nearby hiking trails and educational paths in the valley, so you could make a whole day out of it if you like.
If you’re looking for other free zoos in Switzerland, you can check out our article 11 Best Free Zoos in Switzerland.
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Darla is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country. Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.