The Hansetown of Brakel lies between the Egge range and the river Weser in the mountainous Brakeler Highlands. Even today the historical town cen-tre reflects the former economic heyday in the Middle Age, when Brakel`s membership of the Hanseatic League and its long-distance trade secured her a place amongst the most important communities in the Principality of Paderborn. The oldest buildings, for example the St. Michael Church, date back to the 12th century and the present-day lay-out of the central streets has its origin in the medieval trade routes. You will find additional information on Brakel and its historical development on Brakel´s homepage www.brakel.de.
Online-Card - Brakel
Today Brakel is a prosperous town, surrounded by lively villages. Productive agriculture domineers in the “Brakel Basin” and natural forestry is characteristic of the mountainous area. Brakel, an official air health resort, with Bökendorf, an exemplary cultural village, and Bellersen, an exemplary touristic village, offers a wide spectrum of cultural, sporting and spare time activities. The landscape is characterised by its attractive valleys and gently rising hills. There is a special site for mobile homes, a network of hiking and cycling trails, an open air stage, a town-museum etc.. Brakel`s historical town centre with its attractive and with its rest-areas offers a place of genuine communication for every age group.
Brakel is a dynamic community with a rising number of inhabitants and new jobs. There are major industrial firms famous for their metal, wood and plastic products. Additionally the economic scene is characterized by several smaller and medium-sized businesses of trade and skilled handicraft. Brakel offers a number of regional offices and institutions and a well-developed school-system in the very heart of the county Höxter.
Brakel is a grounder member of the Westphalian Hanse League.
