The German city Brüggen

Brüggen Castle and watermill

In the centre of Brüggen stands Brüggen Castle which among other things today houses a museum on the topic of ‘people and hunting’. There is also a tourist information centre and an information point about the Schwalm-Nette nature park. Other rooms are used for exhibitions, talks and concerts, and rental bikes are available. The castle also has a watermill dating from 1289.

Brüggen Castle forms the backdrop for countless events. In the summer months, open-air concerts and theatre performances are held in the castle courtyard, and concerts are held all year round in Brüggen Castle’s ‘Cultural Room’. Art exhibitions called ‘Kunst in der Burg’ are organised several times a year. Furthermore, the ‘Kultschloss Dilborn’ results in a variety of cultural events in conjunction with Niederrhein Theater.

Kruisheren monastery and Brachter mill

Founded in 1479, the Kruisheren (Crutched Friar) monastery and Catholic church of St. Nicholas form the heart of Brüggen. Also worth a visit is the Brachter Molen mill museum, which has a beautifully designed exterior, the evangelical church in Bracht dating from 1699, the gothic church of St. Peter in Born (1136) and the Catholic church of St. Mary of the Assumption in Bracht (1484).

Events

Apart from at Brüggen Castle, events are also held in the town centre and on various town squares in the summer months. Das Burgfest, das Altstadsfest and das Brachter ‘Dohlenfest’, which features lots of musical entertainment, are definitely worthwhile. There are numerous restaurants in the town centre serving international or German cuisine, so there is something for every taste.

Nature

The ‘Naturschutzgebiet’ nature reserve is particularly unique. Until 1996 this area was one of Western Europe’s largest ammunition depots. After the departure of the British forces, the area gradually reverted to heathland and it is currently one of the most important such places in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Borner See lake, created by peat digging in the 17th and 18th centuries, is a popular and well-known recreational area that is now a conservation area.

Brüggen is surrounded by the Maas-Schwalm-Nette nature park. The River Schwalm flows through the area. A 120km-long network of cycle paths and walks gives visitors the opportunity to explore this part of the Lower Rhine countryside.