Buchegg: Castle History and the Buechibärger Circular Hike

When planning a trip with Buchegg as your destination, several interests come together: the history of Buchegg Castle and Buechischlössli, the multi-hour Buechibärger circular hike and regional products. When planning, the hike can shape your schedule as a longer activity, while castle history and regional production offer different thematic highlights.

History of the Castle and Buechischlössli

Buchegg Castle was probably built as early as the 11th century on the summit of a ridge in the Bucheggberg. During the Burgdorf War of 1383, troops of the Counts of Neu-Kyburg burned the castle down; it was never rebuilt. Today, only a few sections of wall remain from the once-mighty castle complex. The Buechischlössli tower dates from a later period: the Solothurn authorities built it in 1546 on the site of a medieval castle complex. For 250 years, Buechischlössli served, among other things, as a prison. The dates refer to different events: 1383 marks the destruction of the castle, and 1546 the construction of the tower.

Circular Hike: Timing and Shortcuts

The Bucheggberg circular hike, also known as the Buechibärger circular hike, is a themed trail and part of the Solothurn Forest Hikes. It starts and ends at the car park by Buchegg Castle, a castle in Kyburg-Buchegg in the canton of Solothurn. The route takes four to five hours. Various connecting paths allow you to take shortcuts, so you can choose between the full tour and a shorter option. The circular hike can be done year-round; however, check the weather and trail conditions before setting out.

Landscape, Views and Getting There

The Bucheggberg’s rolling cultural landscape is a patchwork of forest and fields, compact farming villages, hedgerows and small wooded areas. The Bucheggberg is a ridge about 650 m high and lies mostly in the canton of Solothurn. In the Mülitäli, there is one of the few stream courses in the Swiss Plateau that remains almost untouched by development. The circular hike offers views of the Jura and the Bernese Alps; from the viewpoint near Buchegg Castle, you can see into the Limpach Valley and, in good weather, across the broad Swiss Plateau to the Alps. A postbus route goes directly to Buchegg; check the timetable for your specific connection.

Regional Products and Other Activities

A small vineyard lies on the southern slope below Buchegg Castle. Buchegg is home to the only cheese dairy in the Buechibärg where cheese is still made; it produces several varieties of its own cheese. Bad Kyburg has its own brewery, called “Buechibärger Bier”. Tours of the brewery are available on request; check in advance if you plan to visit.

Another activity is “Llama Trekking in the Bucheggberg”. It is associated with Tanja Burkolter at Dorfstrasse 8, 4586 Kyburg-Buchegg. Confirm the provider’s details before your arrival.

Discover more destinations: Mühledorf, Aetingen, Hessigkofen, Kyburg-Buchegg, Nennigkofen.

Back to the main travel overview: Bucheggberg.