Discover Buch Am Irchel
Accommodation in Buch Am Irchel
Buch am Irchel lies at an altitude of around 534 metres on the southern slope of the Irchel. Vineyards, orchards and forests shape the hilly landscape; more than half of the municipality’s area is used for agriculture. Viticulture and farming are also part of the village’s character, thanks to its fertile soils and mild climate. Historically valuable half-timbered and farmhouses stand alongside more modern homes and carefully planned new buildings. The village therefore brings its historic fabric and more recent development visibly together.
Landscape and hiking trails
Hiking and cycling trails lead through vineyards, forests and Irchel Park. An 11-kilometre hike from Buch am Irchel to Berg am Irchel passes, among other places, by the Irchel Tower. The route “In the Land of Owls on the Zurich Irchel” runs from Buch am Irchel, Oberbuch, to Berg am Irchel. It is 11.1 kilometres long, moderately difficult and takes 3 hours and 5 minutes. Check trail conditions before setting out.
The Buch am Irchel–Worrenberg–Ziegelhütte hike also passes through fields and orchards. It can be accessed via the hamlet of Desibach near Buch am Irchel. At the endpoint, the Thurauen Nature Centre is next to the “Flaach, Ziegelhütte” bus stop. The nature centre is also located near Buch am Irchel.
Local museum and architectural history
The Buch am Irchel Local Museum collects and preserves old objects, photographs and documents that have shaped the life of the municipality and its residents. It makes these records, as well as literature about the history of the municipality and its residents, accessible to visitors. The themed areas include a bedroom, kitchen, living room, sewing room, laundry and agriculture. Other sights in Buch am Irchel include the local museum and the historically restored HaumĂĽli.
Buch am Irchel was first mentioned in 1147 under the name “Buoch”. In Ober-Buch, the Reformed church dates back to 1661. The row of houses known as “Im Kloster” includes buildings from the 17th and 20th centuries. The last foundation remains of the eastern wall of a former church survive at its site; this church was probably mentioned as early as 1080. Roman tile fragments previously unknown in the area were found during archaeological work in Buch am Irchel.
The Irchel Tower
The 28-metre-high Irchel Tower was built in 1983, replacing an earlier tower. About 50 steps lead to the top, and the tower offers panoramic views. There is a rest area at the Irchel Tower that is considered well suited to families. Check current access arrangements before your visit.
Getting to the start of the hike
The hike from Buch am Irchel to Berg am Irchel starts at the Buch am Irchel, Station Post stop. From Zurich HB, take the S5 to Rafz, then PostBus No. 670. Check current connections before departure.
Regional natural area
The landscape of the lower Töss Valley, in the municipalities of Berg am Irchel, Buch am Irchel, Dättlikon, Eglisau, Embrach, Freienstein-Teufen, Neftenbach and Rorbas, is a nature and landscape conservation area of cantonal importance.
Discover more destinations: TrĂĽllikon, Oberstammheim, Dorf, Adlikon, Feuerthalen, Laufen-Uhwiesen, Flurlingen, Berg am Irchel
Back to the regional travel overview: Andelfingen.
