On the edge of Brugg’s Old Town, the Black Tower stands right beside the Aare Bridge. It is the oldest building and one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. The Habsburgs built the tower in the late 12th century, originally to secure an important river crossing. On a guided tour, the view from the upper floor takes in the Aare Gorge, the Water Castle and the rooftops of the Old Town. Check before your visit whether a guided tour is available.

Brugg on the Aare: Tower and city history

A city tour also explores the historic river crossing, which was already in use in Roman times. The tour also looks at how the floodplain downstream has shaped the city’s character over the centuries.

Roman finds and garden in Vindonissa

The Vindonissa Museum displays the most significant original finds from excavations at Vindonissa in its exhibitions. It is internationally renowned for having the largest collection of Roman writing tablets. One activity is called “Treasures from Vindonissa – Become an Archaeologist!” Check before your trip whether it is available. Around 40 plant species that are archaeobotanically attested at Vindonissa grow in the Roman Garden of Vindonissa. The garden covers 450 square metres and is considered unique in Switzerland in terms of its dimensions.

Old Town and culture in Brugg

The car-free Old Town preserves historic houses with period façades. It is freely accessible year-round; check locally for access information before your visit. The Old Town is a five-minute walk from Brugg railway station. Brugg City Museum is housed in the former municipal arsenal, dating from 1673. Children can explore it as museum detectives, solve puzzles and receive a small gift if they find the right answers. Check before your outing whether the activity is available.

Zimmermannhaus Kunst & Musik presents contemporary art and chamber music and holds four temporary exhibitions each year. At Odeon Brugg, cinema and stage come together with a bar and forum; the stage hosts cabaret, music, literature and children’s theatre. Salzhaus regularly organises concerts and exhibitions. The Brugg Literature Days have been held every two years since 1986 and include readings and a three-day supporting programme. If you are planning your trip around these events, check the dates of each one.

Bridges and floodplain landscape

The Water Castle bridge walk crosses eight bridges spanning three centuries and explores the river landscape around Brugg, where the Aare, Reuss and Limmat meet. Check local conditions before setting out. In Auenschachen Brugg, the river islands and floodplain landscape are home to extensive hardwood and valuable softwood floodplain forests. This offers different ways to experience the region, from historic buildings and cultural attractions to riverscapes and floodplain forests.

Discover more destinations: Schinznach-Bad, Brugg, Remigen, Schinznach-Dorf, Mönthal, Birr, Lenzburg, Rheinfelden.

Return to the main travel overview: Aargau.