In the Bremgarten district, the Reuss takes on different forms: Flachsee lies along a dammed section of the river, while the Reuss flows freely for around 25 kilometres from Bremgarten to its confluence with the Aare at Windisch. The nationally significant Flachsee nature reserve stretches across around 140 hectares between the Rottenschwil bridge and Bremgarten-Zufikon. It is also a habitat for numerous birds: 58 species breed here, including eleven species on the Red List of endangered species, such as the common ringed plover, northern lapwing, common kingfisher and great reed warbler. Floodplain areas totalling 265 hectares line the river’s free-flowing stretch. A still-water habitat has also been created in the Hegnau bend of the river near Bremgarten.
Reuss floodplains and paths through the landscape
Near Eggenwil, the Foort Reuss floodplain landscape offers natural riverbanks. Beavers build lodges there, while kingfishers dig their nesting burrows into steep banks. A hiking trail runs through the Foort nature reserve right alongside the Reuss, winding through a jungle-like floodplain forest. Flachsee and Foort offer different kinds of nature watching: at Flachsee, the breeding bird species and the importance of the reserve are key features; at Foort, it is the riverside floodplain landscape, its banks and wildlife habitats.
The Old Town and Bremgarten’s history
In Bremgarten, the Reuss surrounds the Old Town on three sides. Its well-preserved medieval townscape, with its well-kept lanes, market square and half-timbered houses, is a cultural monument of national significance. The church quarter, with St. Nicholas Church, St. Anna Chapel, the Chapel of Our Lady and St. Clara Chapel, forms a historic ensemble in the heart of the Old Town. It is also worth noting for getting around: the Upper Town and parts of the Lower Town are largely car-free.
The Bremgarten City Museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions devoted to the history of the town and its people, with a particular focus on everyday life. Highlights include a model of the Old Town designed by Erich Russenberger. The Reuss Power Station Museum offers a different perspective on hydropower, demonstrating how mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. Tours for private groups and school classes must be arranged in advance by telephone.
Museums and discoveries in Muri
Museums in Muri focus on different subjects. The Caspar Wolf Museum displays the artist’s oil paintings, gouaches, drawings and prints; a permanent presentation of his work is complemented by changing cabinet exhibitions on Caspar Wolf, his art and his time. The Museum of Medical History Books in Muri takes visitors further back in time: its permanent exhibition includes fine volumes and rarities from the Early Modern period, from 1480 to 1800. An interactive touchscreen beside each book display explains the author, the historical context and the work’s significance. The exhibition is organised around the themes “Images of the Body”, “Knowledge of Nature” and “Medical Practice”. The Muri Abbey Museum tells stories about the lives of abbots and monks, as well as the Habsburgs.
The Swiss Straw Museum also combines cultural history with interactive features, showing how work evolved from rural handicrafts to an export-oriented industry. The mascot Zaggli leads children to stations where they can take part in activities. A free guided tour of the permanent exhibition takes place on the first Sunday of each month; check the date before your visit.
Hiking trails and water experiences
There are two different scales to choose from for hiking. The sixth stage of the Habsburg Trail runs between Bremgarten and Muri. Historic buildings and small information panels share the history of the Habsburgs along the way. The Freiämterweg, by contrast, is a regional nature and culture trail: established as a circular trail in 2004, it covers more than 190 kilometres through natural landscapes and past cultural landmarks in Freiamt. It can be divided into several stages and is accessible by public transport at many points. More than 50 panels along the trail provide information about history, geography and places of interest. Muri is one of the listed starting points; the Freiämterweg also passes directly by the Museum between Plough and Grain, which makes historic farming equipment accessible to a wide audience.
Those who want to experience the Reuss on the water can consider the Reuss Kanu canoe tour. It starts at the Bruggmühle power station in Bremgarten and passes wooded banks, rapids and numerous islands. It is about a seven-minute walk from the “Bremgarten Obertor” tram stop to the launch site. As transport connections, access and water conditions may change, check these details before setting off. In Zufikon, the Emaus Chapel stands above the banks of the Reuss, near the forest and a former hermit’s retreat. The masonry chapel was built in the first half of the 15th century by an unknown benefactor. Inside, picture cycles from the 17th century depict the stories of St Anthony the Hermit and Niklaus von der Flüe; the small crypt can also be visited.
Discover more destinations: Berikon, Wohlen, Bremgarten, Widen, Rudolfstetten-Friedlisberg, Oberlunkhofen, Villmergen, Zufikon, Dottikon, Niederwil, Arni.
Return to the main travel overview: Aargau.
