Image Copyright: Kurt Zich

The medieval townscape of Brüggen is very charming and a rewarding destination. There are many cafés, restaurants and hops in the winding alleys.

Brüggen has to thank its origin to its location. At the only passable place of the river Schwalm at the crossing of two trade routes between Rhine and Maas a settlement was built, which was first mentioned in 897.

All entries for Brüggen are available here.

Image Copyright: Kurt Zich

The earls of Kessel secured this place with a castle facility. The castle was set on a high gravel island based on the Dutch model.

In 1473 Duke Charles the Bold took over the Brüggen castle. Until 1794 the castle was owned by the duchy of Jülich and was the duchy's border stronghold.

Image Copyright: Kurt Zich

The castle was sold by the French occupier to a private person in 1804. Bit by bit three-quarter of the former four-tower castle as well as the huge stronghold facility fell victim to razing and wining of building material.

The Museum Human and Hunt has been housed in the residential quarters and donjon of the medieval castle since 1979. Since May 2000 the castle also houses the Tourist-Information of the community Brüggen and since September 2002 also a nature park information.