The former Rottenburg Castle above Rotholz and the traces of mining at Ringenwechsel reveal two different sides of Buch in Tirol: the history of the Lords of Rottenburg and the area’s former mining industry. The Notburga Chapel, the Notburga Spruce, Bucher Waterfall and the Tyrolean Silver Trail complete the picture. When planning a stay, you can first consider whether cultural history, visible traces in the landscape or nature trails are your main focus.
Rottenburg and the Notburga tradition
The former Rottenburg Castle lies above Rotholz and was the seat of the powerful Lords of Rottenburg, who also held the office of judges of the Rottenburg district court. The castle site thus brings together family history and judicial functions. This dual role helps place Rottenburg in context as a historic seat of power and administration.
The Notburga Chapel was built near the ruins in 1956/57. It commemorates the legend of Saint Notburga: she served as a maid at Rottenburg and died there in 1313. The connection between the chapel and the castle site brings architectural history and local tradition together.
The different periods can be clearly distinguished: Notburga’s death belongs to the legend and the year 1313, mining at Ringenwechsel dates to the 15th century, and the chapel was built in 1956/57. The local stories thus bring together a tradition, a period of economic activity and a much later memorial site.
Mining history at Ringenwechsel
Silver and copper were mined 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; the traces in the landscape therefore point not only to silver and copper extraction, but also to settlement connected with mining. This offers a different perspective on local history than Rottenburg: the focus is on work, raw materials and the settlement of miners rather than on rule and judicial functions.
Trails and nature experiences
The Tyrolean Silver Trail passes Sailberg and then enters Buch in Tirol, the last of the twelve municipalities. This also lets you explore the village in the context of this longer trail.
The Notburga Spruce is a natural monument and features in many regional stories. It offers a different way to experience Buch in Tirol than the castle ruins and mining traces, with the natural monument and regional storytelling traditions taking centre stage.
The stream at Bucher Waterfall has shallow, calm spots for paddling and playing.
Two travel-time estimates are similar: the walk from Gasthaus Esterhammer to the former Rottenburg takes about 20 minutes; the walk described to Bucher Waterfall, along a secured trail, also takes around 20 minutes and passes through varied flora. Check trail conditions before setting out; both times are approximate.
Discover more destinations: Terfens, Juns, HinterriĂź, Vomp, Rohrberg, Stans, Schwendau, Hollenzen.
Back to the main travel overview: Schwaz.
