The wire footbridge across the Thur is a defining feature of both a hike and the village’s history: on a route from Bütschwil via Oberhelfenschwil and back to Bütschwil, you cross it after just a few minutes and again towards the end. The local museum, historic sawmill, church architecture and nature trail add insights into homes, crafts and nature to the route.
The Wire Footbridge and Hiking Route
The well-known wire footbridge crosses the Thur at the village’s higher elevation in Bütschwil. It was built in 1962/63 through the cooperation of public bodies and companies. A hike runs from Bütschwil via Oberhelfenschwil and back to Bütschwil; it reaches the footbridge after just a few minutes and crosses it again towards the end. Crossing it twice gives the route a clear landmark. Check route conditions before setting out.
Local Museum and Sawmill: Homes and Crafts
The local museum at Eichelstock offers an insight into domestic life more than 200 years ago. The museum houses the living room of secondary school teacher Josef Halter (1877–1968) and an exhibition about Dietfurt postcard photographer Alfred Lichtensteiger (1873–1952). This places historic domestic culture and the work of a postcard photographer side by side as distinct topics.
At the old Hätschberg sawmill, the focus shifts from home life to crafts. The sawmill is a 20-minute walk from the village of Bütschwil. A large waterwheel powers the single-blade saw. Following the waterwheel’s refurbishment, demonstration sawing is possible again; arrangements may vary. If you plan to attend a demonstration, it is best to check what is currently available in advance.
Churches and Local History
The Catholic parish church of St. Kilian was built from 1885 to 1887 by architect Xaver Müller from Rapperswil. Bütschwil Church was built in 1906/07 in the Neo-Gothic style. The single-storey solid-masonry building has four longitudinal bays, a massive gable roof and a needle spire at the southeast corner; it is listed for protection of the village’s character. In addition to church services, the church’s acoustics make it particularly suitable for musical performances, especially by larger choirs. Its construction dates and architecture offer different ways to appreciate Bütschwil’s churches.
Bütschwil was first mentioned in 779 as “Bucinesvila”. The place name is explained as deriving from the Old High German personal name “Bûzzîn” and the root word “wil”, meaning “farmstead”. Its history includes connections with the Abbey of St. Gallen, the Counts of Werdenberg and the Counts of Toggenburg, as well as the Prince-Abbey of St. Gallen. Bütschwil lies at an elevation of 551 to 941 metres above sea level.
Nature Trail and Taamühle
The Zuckenmatt nature trail passes information boards covering various nature-related topics. It originally had 13 boards; two more were added later. The trail was thoroughly renovated in 2019: its route was adapted and extended, and all the boards were completely redesigned. Check the trail’s current condition before your visit.
The Taamühle offers a different kind of venue: since 1995, its former cider-press building has served as a venue for social events. The Taamühle can be rented at weekends. If you are planning an event there, check current rental availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Nesslau, Nesslau-Krummenau, Kirchberg, Libingen, Alt Sankt Johann, Oberhelfenschwil, Hemberg, Wattwil
Return to the main travel overview: Toggenburg.
