Bülach can be discovered on two very different scales: the winding lanes of the Old Town contrast with the Planet Trail, which presents the solar system as a model at a scale of 1:5 billion. Historic buildings and a themed trail that illustrates astronomical proportions offer different ways to explore the city. Bülach lies in the Glatt Valley, east of the small Glatt River and about six kilometres north of Zurich Airport.
Old Town history and urban development
Bülach is considered a historic town and was first mentioned in 811 under the name Pulacha. Winding lanes and historic buildings define the character of the Old Town. The Old Town tour includes Hans-Haller-Platz; climbing the church tower, with around 170 steps and panoramic views, is an optional addition. After the tour, you can sample various Bülach wines from winemaker Beat Hildebrandt. This tasting is an optional bookable extra; check its availability for your chosen date.
A different perspective is offered by the tour of Bülach North. It explains how former industrial sites became a modern urban district and introduces the «Guss» and «Glasi» areas. Here, urban planning, sustainable living and working are brought together. While the Old Town is defined by historic buildings and lanes, Bülach North focuses on the development and design of a modern urban district. The permanent exhibition «Discover Bülach» adds to these impressions with a multimedia presentation on Bülach’s eventful history. Check the dates of your chosen tour and the conditions for the optional tower climb in advance.
Planet model and woodland theme
The Bülach Planet Trail explores the solar system along a footpath of around 2.7 kilometres. Its model is at a scale of 1:5 billion; QR codes provide additional information along the way. The trail ends at the Bülach Observatory and is also suitable for families with children. The model, trail length and destination provide three concrete points of reference: you can understand the walk’s theme, estimate its distance and know where it ends.
In Hardwald, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker Trail focuses on something different. It provides information about a rare bird species and its habitat in the oak forest. Nine information stations line the 2.3-kilometre trail; four forest windows show different stages of forest development. The trail starts in Hardwald near the Hirslen Sports Centre and the «Bülach, Hirslen» bus stop. It is about a five-minute walk from the stop. This combines wayfinding with a close-up look at bird habitat and forest development.
Hikes with different views
The hike from Bülach via Eschenmosen is 7.9 kilometres long and takes about two hours. It passes through Bülach’s Old Town to the Stadtweiher pond. From the edge of the forest, the view stretches north to Germany on clear days. To reach Bülach as a starting point, you can take the S3, S9, S36 or S41; check the timetable before travelling.
Another hike runs from Bülach to Embrach, combining unusual urban nature with expansive views of the Alps. The two routes offer different experiences: the route via Eschenmosen includes the Old Town, Stadtweiher pond and a weather-dependent view to the north; the hike to Embrach highlights urban nature and Alpine panoramas.
At Stadtweiher pond and Hirslen Sports Centre
Stadtweiher pond has a large playground with slides, swings and a sandpit. There are also animal enclosures with donkeys and goats, as well as an aviary. The hike via Eschenmosen therefore passes not only through the Old Town but also by a place where the playground and animal watching are part of the route.
Hirslen indoor swimming pool has a 25-metre deep-water pool, one- and three-metre diving boards, a non-swimmer pool with a children’s slide, and a baby pool. The wellness area at Hirslen Sports Centre includes a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, a cascade shower and experience showers, as well as a sauna garden. Use of the indoor pool is included in the price of the wellness offer; check the current offer conditions before making plans.
Exploring by bike and canoe
A combined cycling and canoe tour starts in Bülach and follows the Glatt River to Zweidlen, where you switch to a canoe at the Rhine. The tour is also suitable for children. There are numerous swimming and picnic spots along the route. Cycling and paddling are described here as parts of one tour, with the change of transport at the Rhine as a clear transition. Check current route conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Wallisellen, Opfikon, Kloten, Eglisau, Bülach, Zweidlen, Höri, Bassersdorf, Rafz, Embrach, Lufingen, Rorbas.
Go to the main travel overview: Zurich.
