Augusta Raurica is the largest Roman archaeological site in Switzerland and an easy half day trip from Basel. Founded in the first century BC, it was a bustling colony on the Rhine with temples, a forum, baths, a theatre and an amphitheatre, and it once housed thousands of people. Today the ruins lie in the villages of Augst and Kaiseraugst, only about twenty minutes from the city centre by regional train or bus, in a landscape of fields and low hills. The site is more than scattered stones. The Roman theatre, which seated thousands, has been partly rebuilt and is still used for performances, and the Roman house, a reconstruction with painted rooms, a kitchen and a garden, gives a vivid picture of daily life. The museum displays everyday finds, from coins, glass and jewellery to tools, mosaics and games, alongside a large model of the city in its prime.
The highlight for many visitors is the Silver Treasure of Kaiseraugst, a spectacular hoard of late Roman silver tableware and ingots, found in the 1960s and displayed in a dedicated exhibition. It includes plates, dishes and cups decorated with mythological scenes, and is among the finest finds of its kind in Europe. Seeing it explains how important the Rhine frontier was to the late Empire.
A visit can be done in two to four hours. Start at the museum and Roman house, then walk to the theatre, the temples and the forum area on marked paths. The site is open air and mostly flat, with information panels in several languages, and you can bring a picnic. An audio guide or app helps with the trail, and guided tours run at set times, often in German with English by arrangement.
Families will find plenty to enjoy. The Roman house and museum offer hands on corners, with replica costumes, games and activities, and the site hosts special days where actors bring Roman life back with food, crafts and demonstrations. The annual Roman festival in late summer draws crowds, so check the calendar if you would like to coincide with it or avoid it.
Seasons matter. The outdoor ruins are open through the year, but some indoor attractions close in winter or have shorter hours, and the open air theatre is mostly used in summer. Opening days vary, so check before you travel, and wear sturdy shoes and a hat in warm weather. In wet weather, the museum and the Roman house keep the day enjoyable.
To get there, take a regional train or bus from Basel to Augst, with a journey of roughly twenty minutes, then follow signs to the museum. Many visitors combine the site with the nearby Rhine river path, or with a stop at the old town of Rheinfelden. For anyone who loves ancient history or travels with curious children, it is one of the most rewarding excursions around Basel.
Check the event calendar for demonstrations, family days and the late summer Roman festival, when costumed performers bring crafts, food and gladiator shows to the site. If you prefer a quiet visit, aim for a weekday outside the school holidays.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through Roman ruins, a reconstructed house, a museum and the Silver Treasure exhibition, set in open countryside.
Best time
Spring to autumn for the full site, with dry weekdays the most relaxed. Winter hours are shorter indoors.
How long
Three to four hours.
Tips
Check opening days, wear sturdy shoes and take the regional train or bus from Basel, about twenty minutes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and families with curious children.
- Families
- Excellent, with a Roman house, activities and open air space.
- Couples
- A relaxed half day trip with a picnic and a stroll.
- Pair with
- Rheinfelden, the Rhine path and an afternoon back in Basel.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel.
Good questions
How far is Augusta Raurica from Basel?+
About twenty minutes by regional train or bus to Augst, then a short walk to the museum and ruins.
What is the Silver Treasure?+
A hoard of late Roman silver tableware and ingots found at Kaiseraugst, shown in a dedicated exhibition.
How long should I allow?+
Three to four hours for the museum, Roman house, theatre and main ruins.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes. The reconstructed house, hands on corners and open space suit families well.
Is it open in winter?+
The outdoor site is accessible through the year, but indoor attractions may have reduced hours, so check before you go.
