Brilon Market Square

The city of Brilon is the most densely forested city in Germany (77.5 km²). The origin of the city dates back to the year 973, although the area was probably already being used for mining towards the end of the 1st century AD. In the Middle Ages, the city was bloodily fought over by the Paderborn church. For economic reasons, it was about the mining of lead, iron, silver and calamine. In 1252 the city was granted independence.

The market square in Brilon is the historic heart of the old town. It is surrounded by beautiful half-timbered houses and also has a market fountain, the Petrusbrunnen. To the south of the square is the town hall (built 1217-1250). During the Hanseatic era it was used as a guild hall and today it is one of the oldest town halls in Germany. On the corner of "Am Markt/Bahnhofstr." is the beautiful half-timbered ensemble of the Hotel Starke and opposite is the Haus Hövener Museum, to name just a few. All important events take place on the square itself, including the weekly and Christmas markets. This is also the starting point (0 km) of the Rothaarsteig.

Historic walls and romantic alleysBrilon's old town breathes history. The rich, well-preserved building culture of earlier centuries makes the individual charm. The half-timbered ensemble on the market square in particular immediately casts its spell over visitors. Surrounded by the remains of the old city walls, small jewels have been preserved in Brilon's city center. The town hall, built around 1250 with its baroque front, is one of the oldest in Germany. The building once served as a guild hall and is still a testament to the importance of Brilon as a Hanseatic city.Behind it, a little higher, the mighty west tower of the provost church rises impressively with its baroque dome. The Museum Haus Hövener, formerly the home of a Brilon entrepreneurial family, is built in the classical style. Against this backdrop, the Petrusbrunnen with the figure of the apostle and city patron splashes peacefully in the middle of the market square. The people of Brilon lovingly call their fountain "Kump". Around the market square and in the pedestrian zone, there are cafes and restaurants as well as charming little shops. Sitting there, relaxing and taking in the charm of the old town is part of the quality of life.