This quiet Swiss town along the Aare River has a medieval stone bridge from 1455 and was the birthplace of Habsburg dynasty founder Rudolf I in 1218.
Three rivers - the Aare, Reuss, and Limmat - converge in Brugg, a town of 12,738 residents in Switzerland's Aargau canton. You can climb the 25.7-meter Black Tower for views across the medieval center, examine Roman legionnaire equipment at the Vindonissa Museum, or cool off in the Aare river's swimming areas. The Swiss Railway Park displays vintage locomotives, while the old town's reformed church from 1220 still holds regular services beneath its vaulted ceiling.
River Activities and Walking Routes
The Aare River flows past designated swimming spots where locals and visitors gather from June through September. You can join guided boat trips on the river between April and October, or walk along the maintained riverside paths. These trails connect to a network of hiking routes leading into the Jura mountains, with clear signs marking the way throughout the year.
Three Rivers and Medieval Architecture
The Aare River cuts through Brugg's medieval center, separating the Swiss plateau from the first slopes of the Jura mountains. The 25.7-meter Black Tower (Schwarze Turm) dominates the townscape, with ancient Roman stones visible in its base. Local builders extended the tower's height in 1535, creating the town's most recognizable structure. The reformed church, built around 1220, retains its late-gothic elements from a 15th-century expansion.
Transportation Connections
Two major highways cross in Brugg - the A3 (Basel-Zürich-Chur) and A5 (Lausanne-Biel/Bienne-Waldshut). The central railway station connects three Swiss Federal Railways lines, with trains to Zürich running every 30 minutes. The Bözberg line between Zürich and Basel makes Brugg easily accessible from both cities.
Education and Research
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland operates a modern campus in Brugg, bringing students and researchers to the town. The Swiss Farmers' Union headquarters adds to the town's role in agricultural research and policy-making. The university campus includes public spaces and a cafeteria open to visitors.
Roman History at Vindonissa Museum
The Vindonissa Museum contains a collection of Roman artifacts from daily life in the settlement. You can examine military equipment used by Roman legionnaires, household items from ancient homes, and building materials from Roman structures. The museum adds new items to its collection as archaeologists continue excavations in the surrounding area.
