Bürchen

Access

To reach Bürchen, the main link is the road up from Visp and Turtmann, which can be reached in about 17 minutes by car from Visp, about 11 km. From Raron, the nearby villages of Eischoll and Unterbäch can be reached by cableway. Alternatively, there are regional public transport connections and the village is also well served for hikers, who can use it as a base for hikes in the Valais.

Introduction

Bürchen is a mountain municipality located in the Upper Valais region of the canton of Valais on a sunny, panoramic plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley. The village is strategically located in the Augstbord, surrounded by the nature of the Alps, with a view of the imposing Bietschhorn, and belongs to the renowned Moosalp area, famous for its intact landscape and pure air. The locality is known for its abundance of birch trees, which has earned it the nickname 'birch village'. An educational themed trail allows visitors to discover the botanical variety and curiosities associated with these trees.

Description

Bürchen is renowned as an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts: it offers more than 220 km of hiking trails, 70 km of mountain bike routes and a winter sports area for everyone. In the summer months, herds of cattle descend from the Moosalp pastures, creating typical scenery and keeping the Alpine tradition alive. The Valais houses, historic barns and genuine architecture of the village bear witness to an authentic rural history that has never been interrupted, and are the perfect setting for those seeking peace and quiet and typical Valaisian flair.
The history of the municipality is intertwined with the history of the valley: a traditionally German-speaking environment, with villages that have grown up close to the alpine pastures and a strong agricultural and pastoral vocation, which today is accompanied by modern tourist services, without affecting the authenticity of the place. Over the years, Bürchen has preserved its historic centre and a well-preserved building heritage, while welcoming new infrastructures that facilitate accessibility and improve the quality of life.
From a cultural point of view, Bürchen celebrates its alpine roots with traditional festivals dedicated above all to the agricultural seasons and conviviality, while the community is characterised by a multilingual (German, French, English, Portuguese) administration and a strong local identity. There is no shortage of opportunities to meet, festivals, sports events and areas dedicated to children, particularly in the summer months.

Information

Area: 13.44 km²
Altitude: 1,283m
Maximum elevation: 2.972m - Augstbordhorn
Number of inhabitants: 767 (as of 31 December 2024)
Name in dialect: Birkendorf ("birch village")
Inhabitants: Bürchener
Patron Saint:
Neighbouring municipalities: Raron, Törbel, Unterbäch, Zeneggen
Internet site: www.gemeinde.buerchen.ch