Brugg between Roman times and the Aare

Discover Brugg through three themes: Roman heritage, the history of the Old Town and the river landscape. The traces of Roman times are brought to life at the Vindonissa Museum in particular: its exhibitions showcase the most significant original finds from excavations at Vindonissa. The museum is known internationally for its largest collection of Roman writing tablets. Around 40 plant species grow in the Vindonissa Roman Garden, all archaeobotanically attested at Vindonissa. The site covers 450 square metres and is considered unique in Switzerland for its scale.

The Vindonissa Museum offers “Treasures from Vindonissa – Become an Archaeologist!”. Before your trip, check whether it is available during your visit.

Old Town and history at the Aare crossing

Brugg’s car-free Old Town preserves historic houses with period façades. It is freely accessible year-round; it is a five-minute walk from Brugg railway station. Check local information before 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 most distinctive landmarks in the city of Brugg.

The Habsburgs built the tower in the late 12th century; originally, it served to protect an important river crossing. On a guided tour of the Black Tower, the upper floor offers sweeping views over the Aare Gorge, the Water Castle and the rooftops of Brugg’s Old Town. Tour availability may change; check before your visit.

A city tour also explores the history of the river crossing: it looks at how the crossing, already in use in Roman times, and the floodplain downstream have shaped the character of the city over the centuries. If you are planning a tour like this, check availability before booking.

Art, literature and stage performances

Zimmermannhaus Kunst & Musik presents contemporary art and chamber music. Four temporary exhibitions are held there each year. The Brugg Literature Days have been held every two years since 1986; the programme includes readings and a three-day supporting programme. If you would like to combine your trip with an event, check the relevant dates.

Odeon Brugg combines a cinema with a stage, as well as a bar and forum. The stage hosts cabaret, music, literature and children’s theatre performances. Salzhaus regularly organises concerts and exhibitions. Brugg thus offers a range of cultural events, from exhibitions and readings to cinema and stage performances.

Discoveries for young museum visitors and riverside routes

The Brugg City Museum is housed in the former municipal armoury, built in 1673. Children can explore it as museum detectives, solve puzzles and receive a small gift if they get the answers right. Before your trip, check whether the activity is available during your visit.

If you would rather focus on the river landscape, the Water Castle Bridge Hike takes you along a route crossing eight bridges from three centuries. It explores the river landscape around Brugg, where the Aare, Reuss and Limmat meet. Check local conditions before setting off. In Auenschachen Brugg, the river islands and floodplain are home to extensive hardwood forests and valuable softwood floodplain forests. Here, the river islands and floodplain forests offer a different focus from the city’s historic buildings and cultural attractions.

If you are looking for a hotel in Brugg, you can plan your trip around your interests: Roman times and city history, a cultural event or the river landscape each offer a different focus for your stay.

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

View the main travel overview: Aargau.