Brugg: Old Town, Roman Era and River Landscape

Brugg has a strong focus on urban history: a walk through the Old Town traces the city’s story from Roman times through the Middle Ages to the present day. Roman collections and historic buildings add further highlights; nearby, the Three Rivers Circular Trail passes through the floodplain landscapes of the Water Castle. When planning your stay, you can consider the city, museums and landscape as separate areas of interest.

Roman history and historic collections

The Vindonissa Museum displays the world’s largest collection of Roman wooden writing tablets. The permanent exhibition features original objects from excavations at Vindonissa. Films, audio stories and games offer an interactive way to explore the Roman past of the Brugg/Windisch region. The Vindonissa Roman Garden covers 450 square metres; its dimensions are unique in Switzerland. As access may vary seasonally, check the visiting conditions in advance.

The Brugg Town Museum is housed in the former municipal arsenal, built in 1673. The Stäblisaal displays the largest public collection of paintings by Adolf Stäbli (1842–1901). The museum also exhibits historic costumes from the estate of Luise Howald-Schmid. As exhibitions may change, it is worth checking the current programme before your visit. The collections thus offer different perspectives: Roman finds at the Vindonissa Museum, and paintings and costumes at the Town Museum.

Old Town, Black Tower and guided tours

Brugg Old Town is freely accessible year-round. A walk through it traces the city’s history from Roman times through the Middle Ages to the present day. The Old Town is a five-minute walk from Brugg railway station. Check locally whether temporary construction work or closures will affect your visit.

At the edge of the Old Town, right by the Aare Bridge, stands the Black Tower. It is the oldest building and one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. The Habsburgs built it in the late 12th century; originally, it served to protect an important river crossing. On a guided tour, the upper floor offers sweeping views over the Aare Gorge, the Water Castle and the rooftops of Brugg Old Town. If you would like to see the inside of the tower, plan your visit as part of a guided tour and check the booking conditions.

Brugg offers a choice of city tours on 14 different themes. Public guided tours of the Old Town are free, but registration is required because participant numbers are limited. Check the dates and registration details in advance if you are planning a tour.

Cultural offerings and special visiting times

Odeon Brugg combines a cinema, stage, bar and bistro. Its stage hosts music, cabaret, literature and events for children. If Odeon appeals to you, check the event dates, as programmes may change.

Visiting Bahnpark Brugg also requires planning around specific options: you can visit during its annual opening days over the Whitsun weekend or by booking a guided tour. Check the dates before travelling rather than planning a visit around regular daily opening hours.

Floodplain landscapes and routes around Brugg

The Three Rivers Circular Trail starts at Brugg railway station and leads through nearby floodplain landscapes in the area known as the Water Castle. This is where the Reuss, Limmat and Aare rivers meet. Habitats along the riverbanks support numerous animal and plant species. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Another scenic spot in the area is the Limmatspitz floodplain landscape, where the Limmat and Aare meet. The “Wasserschlossblick” barbecue area offers a view of the entire Water Castle. This gives you different ways to experience the river landscape: the trail through the floodplains, the scenic spot at the confluence and the view across the Water Castle. Choose what to include in your plans according to whether you prefer a walking route or a named viewpoint.

Discover more destinations: Schinznach-Bad, Schinznach-Dorf, Birr, Mönthal, Remigen

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