Bülach: Old Town, Themed Trails and Nature

Bülach is considered a historic town and was first mentioned in 811 under the name Pulacha. The old town, with its winding lanes and historic buildings, gives the place its own distinctive character. Bülach lies in the Glatt Valley, east of the small Glatt River and about six kilometres north of Zurich Airport. During your stay, the town’s history meets a variety of options for tours and activities.

Experience the old town and its history

A guided tour of the old town includes Hans-Haller-Platz and optionally offers the chance to climb the church tower. There are around 170 steps to the panoramic view. The climb is an optional part of the programme; check the current tour and access options before taking part. Afterwards, you can book a tasting of various Bülach wines from winemaker Beat Hildebrandt as an optional extra. Check current availability.

A guided tour of Bülach Nord focuses on a different perspective on the town’s history. It explains how former industrial sites became a modern district and introduces the “Guss” and “Glasi” areas. There, urban planning, sustainable living and working are brought together. The multimedia permanent exhibition “Discover Bülach” also explores the town’s eventful history. It offers another way to learn about the development of the area.

Hikes with different perspectives

The hike from Bülach via Eschenmosen passes through the old town to the town pond. It is 7.9 kilometres long and takes about two hours. The S3, S9, S36 or S41 lines are listed for travel to Bülach; check the current timetable before setting off. At the town pond, there is a large playground with slides, swings and a sandbox. Animal enclosures with donkeys and goats, as well as an aviary, add to the waterside attractions.

The view of the surroundings changes along the way, too: in clear weather, from a forest edge along the Eschenmosen route, you can see north as far as Germany. Another hike goes from Bülach to Embrach and combines unusual urban nature with wide views of the Alps. The two routes offer different highlights, from the view at the forest edge to the interplay of town and countryside.

Themed trails for nature and space

The Bülach Planet Trail presents the solar system to a scale of 1:5 billion. The route along the footpath is around 2.7 kilometres long and ends at the Bülach Observatory. QR codes provide access to additional information along the way. The route is suitable for families with children. Compared with the 7.9-kilometre hike via Eschenmosen, the stated distance is shorter; here, the focus is on the model of the solar system.

In the Hardwald forest near the Hirslen Sports Centre, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker themed trail focuses on a rare bird species and its oak-forest habitat. Four forest windows show different stages of forest development; there are nine information stations in total. The trail is 2.3 kilometres long. It starts near the “Bülach, Hirslen” bus stop, about a five-minute walk away. Stops and route details may change, so it is worth checking them before travelling.

Indoor swimming, wellness and a waterside tour

Hirslen Indoor Pool has a 25-metre deep-water pool, as well as one-metre and three-metre diving boards. There is also a non-swimmer pool with a children’s slide and a baby pool. The wellness area at the Hirslen Sports Centre has a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, bucket and experience showers, and a sauna garden. Use of the indoor pool is included in the price of the wellness offer. As facilities and terms of the offer may change, check the latest information before visiting.

For a combination of cycling and paddling, a bike and canoe tour starts in Bülach. It follows the Glatt to Zweidlen; at the Rhine, you switch to a canoe. The tour is also suitable for children. There are numerous swimming and picnic spots along the route. As the route and provider may change, it is advisable to check the latest operating and route information before planning.

Plan your stay around your interests

The activities in Bülach vary by theme and distance. Plan your trip around the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Bülach, Kloten, Eglisau, Opfikon, Wallisellen, Lufingen, Zweidlen, Höri, Bassersdorf, Rafz, Embrach, Rorbas.

Go to the main travel overview: Zurich.