Laufenburg, municipality in Germany
Laufenburg is a town situated on the border between Germany and Switzerland, straddling the Rhine River between the two nations. The old town center features narrow lanes lined with traditional timber-framed buildings that showcase typical regional architecture from centuries past.
The town originated in the Middle Ages as a trading settlement along the Rhine and remained divided between two nations for centuries. The Second World War brought destruction, but rebuilding efforts afterward preserved much of the character of the old center.
Spring through autumn offers the most pleasant conditions for walking through the town and exploring the riverside paths. The center is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with bridges connecting the German and Swiss sides.
Walking across the border bridges reveals striking contrasts between the German and Swiss sides, from street design to building styles. This direct juxtaposition makes it one of few places where a visitor can observe how two countries organize their urban spaces differently.
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