Brakel might not seem like the obvious choice for some. Still, 17,000 inhabitants can’t be wrong to choose it as their home town. And they are…
The best time to come is during the summer months. That’s when the whole town gets a cultural dose in the open air festivals and performances that are happening. There is the Open Air Stage that performs a children’s theater piece and a piece for adults from May to September.
The Alte Waage on the Marketplace is an interesting building to see. Built in the Gothic style of architecture, this building now has an exhibit inside for you to see. If you are walking around the old town and want to get out of the sun for a couple of minutes, then check it out.
Around the Marketplace in Brakel, there is also the Rolandsäule, which is just a 5.45 meter high column that was built in the 14th century and the Town Hall. Take a walk around the Marketplace during the day, and then come back again in the evening when it is all lit up.
Unfortunately, the town wall that was built in the 8th century is gone. Instead, there are four monuments made out of sandstone to commemorate where the wall was and the city’s long history.
Brakel is on the St. Jacob’s Pilgrimage way. This route that eventually ends up in northern Spain is a long walk. If you aren’t up to such a bit commitment, take a shorter hike through the area. There are six different paths that range from 12 kilometers to more than 20 kilometers that loop around the city. Make sure to take a map with you, because some of the paths don’t have many signs on them.
For those looking for even less of a workout than a 20 kilometer hike, get a bicycle and pedal through the area. There are five different major bicycle paths that go through the area, most of which will require you to back track if you plan on coming back to the city.
