Buch in Tirol: History and Nature

Buch in Tirol offers several specific themes for your stay: the history of Rottenburg, traces of mining at Ringenwechsel, as well as nature and trails. If you are looking for accommodation, these highlights can help you tailor your time to your interests. The history of the castle and mining, nature at Bucher Waterfall, and a regional route appeal to different interests.

Rottenburg and Notburga

The former Rottenburg Castle is located above Rotholz. It was the seat of the powerful Lords of Rottenburg, who were also the holders of the Rottenburg district court. The castle ruins are protected as a historic monument by ordinance. This site brings together the history of a ruling family and the former court system.

The Notburga Chapel was built near the ruins in 1956/57. It commemorates the legend of Saint Notburga: according to the legend, Notburga served as a maid at Rottenburg and died there in 1313. The chapel adds a religious commemorative dimension to the story of the castle; the story of Notburga is clearly identified as a legend.

The dates also relate to different contexts: the death in 1313 is part of the legend, while the chapel was built in 1956/57. The two dates therefore do not refer to the same historical period.

Mining at Ringenwechsel

Silver and copper mining took place at Ringenwechsel in the 15th century. Above Troi, spoil heaps and numerous tunnels still bear witness to this period; many miners settled there at the time. Spoil heaps and tunnels represent different kinds of traces: spoil heaps are deposits of excavated material, while tunnels are underground passages. In contrast to Rottenburg, the focus here is not on lordship and the courts, but on working for raw materials and the settlement of miners.

Waterfall and nature

At Bucher Waterfall, the stream has shallow, calm spots for paddling and playing. The Notburga spruce is a natural monument and features in many local stories. Alongside local cultural themes, you can therefore find a stream with suitable places to play and a natural monument with a regional storytelling tradition.

Footpaths and the Tyrolean Silver Trail

For planning your time, you can distinguish between two footpaths that each take about 20 minutes: one hike leads from Gasthaus Esterhammer to the former Rottenburg; another walk follows a secured trail past impressive and varied flora. The estimated times are similar, but the routes have different features: one leads to the historic destination above Rotholz, while the other features the trail and plant life. Check the current trail conditions before visiting Rottenburg.

The Tyrolean Silver Trail is a regional long-distance route. It passes Sailberg and then continues into the last of the twelve municipalities, Buch in Tirol. This is on a different scale from the walk to Rottenburg: there, you follow directions from a starting point and an approximate walking time; here, you follow the order of municipalities along a route. Check the latest route information before setting out.

Discover more travel destinations: Laimach, Stans, Wiesing, Zellbergeben, Distelberg, Jenbach, Bruck am Ziller, Schwendau.

For the broader travel overview: Schwaz District.