The Vindonissa Museum houses 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 also offer an interactive way to explore the region of Brugg/Windisch’s Roman past.

Museums spanning Roman times and urban history

The Brugg City Museum is housed in the former municipal arsenal, built in 1673. The Stäbli Hall houses the largest public collection of paintings by Adolf Stäbli (1842–1901). The museum also displays historic costumes from the estate of Luise Howald-Schmid; this display may change. Vindonissa and the City Museum therefore offer different points of interest: Roman finds and interactive formats at one, art and historic clothing at the other.

Old Town, Black Tower and guided tours

A walk through the old town traces Brugg’s history from Roman times through the Middle Ages to the present day. The old town is freely accessible year-round. It is a five-minute walk from Brugg railway station. Check locally for temporary construction work or closures.

For a guided look at the city, Brugg offers tours on 14 different topics. Public guided tours of the old town are free, but registration is required because participant numbers are limited. Check the dates and registration options in advance.

At the edge of the old town, right next to the Aare bridge, stands the Black Tower, considered the city’s oldest building and one of its most distinctive landmarks. The Habsburgs built it in the late 12th century; it originally served to protect an important river crossing. During a guided tour, the upper floor offers expansive views over the Aare Gorge, the Water Castle and the rooftops of Brugg’s old town. The guided tour is the stated way to access this viewpoint; booking conditions may change.

More cultural attractions

Odeon Brugg combines a cinema, stage, bar and bistro. The stage hosts music, cabaret, literature and events for children. As schedules may change, check the dates if you would like to combine your visit with a performance.

Bahnpark Brugg can be visited during its annual opening days over the Whitsun weekend or by booking a guided tour. Regular opening hours are not listed, so check the dates before travelling. The Vindonissa Roman Garden is a 450-square-metre site, unique in its scale in Switzerland. Access may vary by season.

From the railway station to the floodplain

The railway station is a convenient starting point for two different outings: the old town is a five-minute walk away, and the Three Rivers Circular Trail also starts at the station. Near Brugg, the trail passes through floodplains in the so-called “Water Castle”, where the Reuss, Limmat and Aare rivers converge. Riverside habitats provide a home for numerous animal and plant species. Trail conditions may change; check the current route status before setting out.

Nearby, the “Wasserschlossblick” barbecue area offers views of the entire Water Castle. The “Limmatspitz” floodplain, where the Limmat and Aare converge, is also nearby. Both are separate scenic points of interest that complement the circular trail; this does not imply that the trail connects the individual locations.

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

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