If you are interested in Bremgarten’s Old Town, take a closer look at its location on the Reuss: the river surrounds the Old Town on three sides, and it is considered a cultural monument. It is also one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Switzerland. If you are interested in urban history and architecture, there are several ways to explore it—from the historic bridge and church district to museums and guided tours.
Bridge, Old Town and church district
The Reuss Bridge was built between 1544 and 1549. It is around 100 metres long, of which about 50 metres are covered by the wooden bridge section. The third span has a small, half-timbered oriel chapel on each side: one is dedicated to Saint Agatha, the other to Saint Nepomuk. When comparing the figures, note that the two measurements refer to different parts of the bridge—the total length and the covered section.
Another focal point is the area around the Church of St. Nicholas. Several chapels and ecclesiastical buildings form a cohesive historic ensemble there. Locals call the church district the “Little Vatican”. On guided tours of the Upper and Lower Town, you can discover Bremgarten’s history through specific places, including the town hall, arsenal, Schellenhaus, former prison and preserved town fortifications.
Themed tours offer different ways to explore the town. On the special “Heinrich Bullinger and His Time” tour, you visit Bullinger’s birthplace and the town church, where he served briefly as a Reformed town pastor. On the theatrical night-watchman tour, the dark alleys and moats of old Bremgarten provide the setting, with performers joining the night watchman. This tour takes place only during the winter months. Check the latest tour information before travelling.
Museums with a range of themes
The Bremgarten Town Museum is located at Kornhausplatz in the Lower Town. Highlights of its permanent exhibition include a model of the Old Town designed by Erich Russenberger. At the faithfully reconstructed workshop of shoemaker August Jauch, you can explore the history of craftsmanship around the middle of the last century.
The Reuss Hydropower Plant Museum explains how electricity is generated from hydropower and also demonstrates how old machines operate. You can reach the museum on the Bremgarten-Dietikon railway via the Obertor or Isenlauf stops. Check the latest train information before travelling.
Discover hikes and waves on the Reuss
If you would like to go hiking, the routes vary in destination and course. The Aargau Trail from Bremgarten to Muri leaves the historic Old Town and follows the left bank of the Reuss to the hydropower plant. The sixth stage of the Habsburg Trail also leads from Bremgarten to Muri. A scenic circular hike runs from Bremgarten via the Heitersberg and around the Reuss. Check route conditions and possible diversions before setting out.
Two standing waves form on the Reuss in Bremgarten. The lower weir near the former bleachery, the Honegger weir, creates one of the few surfable river waves in Switzerland. Kayakers will find especially good conditions at the upper weir near the wooden “Fällbaum” bridge. Water levels affect the waves and surfing conditions; local safety requirements must also be observed at the upper weir.
What else you can do in Bremgarten
The Easter Market in Bremgarten has a tradition stretching back almost 800 years. When planning your visit, bear in mind its scale: more than 400 stalls and around 90 artists and craftspeople. The size and programme may vary from year to year. If the market is important to your travel dates, check the latest event information.
The Isenlauf bathing complex includes an outdoor pool and an indoor pool. Facilities include a 25-metre pool, a non-swimmer area and a diving tower; check opening arrangements before your visit. On the Bremgarten Crime Trail, you solve a fictional murder case; on the Sato Code, you search for the lost Angelus Key and crack secret codes. Check the current availability of these activities in advance.
Discover more destinations: Niederwil, Zufikon, Widen, Arni, Berikon, Rudolfstetten-Friedlisberg, Villmergen, Oberlunkhofen.
Back to the main travel overview: Bremgarten.
