Lake Werdenberg and the sensory trail give Buchs a clear starting point for a nature stay. There are also marked hiking trails through the Rhine Valley landscape, opportunities for wildlife watching, and cultural and leisure activities. When planning your trip, it is worth taking the different highlights and seasonal conditions into account.
By Lake Werdenberg and along the trails
The sensory trail is a 1.5 km circular route by the lake, with eight sensory stations, picnic areas and barbecue spots. Picnic areas and barbecue spots may be maintained seasonally. The Volg sensory trail starts and ends at Lake Werdenberg in Buchs; it can be reached by bus from Buchs SG railway station. Bus services and seasonal operation may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling. The lake is also called “Seeli”. It lies entirely within Buchs; its western part borders the municipal boundary of Grabs.
The municipality’s marked hiking trail network leads through fields in the Rhine Valley, alder forests between old Rhine embankments and a large nature reserve. One hiking route runs from Buchs via Rhynerhus and the lower Tobelbrugg to Altendorf Mill. If you plan to take this route, check the signage and accessibility on site. The landscapes along these trails differ from the circular route by the lake: fields, stretches of forest and old Rhine embankments are also part of the landscape described here.
Wildlife watching
The Rietli natural area is a near-natural setting with diverse habitats for insects, amphibians, birds and plants. The Afrika nature reserve features meadows, bodies of water and woodland, where you can spot kingfishers, various species of duck, grey herons and dragonflies. The two areas offer different highlights: Rietli focuses on its diverse habitats, while specific species that can be observed are also named for Afrika.
At Buchs Bird of Prey Park, visitors can enjoy flight shows from 1 April to 31 October and observe the birds’ natural hunting behaviour. Guided park tours with an expert are available by prior registration and appointment; they introduce the animals and their habitats. The flight shows and guided tours are therefore different ways to visit: the shows are limited to the stated period, while tours must be arranged in advance. Take bus 400 to the Ackerweg stop; from there, it is about an 800-metre walk to the park. Check the latest transport information before travelling.
Leisure, culture and seasonal activities
The leisure centre in Buchs offers Pit-Pat, illuminated table tennis tables, a trampoline, electric children’s cars, a race track, simulators, a playground and a snack bar. Its facilities range from exercise and games to simulators; the snack bar is also part of the complex. Flös indoor swimming pool is open year-round and has a swimming pool and a non-swimmers’ pool. The difference in opening periods is worth noting: the flight shows are limited to 1 April to 31 October, while the indoor pool is open year-round.
As a winter activity, the Buchserberg Malbun ski area has a T-bar lift and can be reached by local bus. The Buchs Cultural Trail features 24 entries; some of the information boards may be undergoing revision. Buchs therefore offers trails and wildlife watching, as well as a clearly defined cultural attraction and other leisure activities. You can decide which ones to prioritise for your stay based on the time of year and your personal interests.
Discover more destinations: Wartau, Sevelen, Grabs, Sennwald, Gams
Return to the regional travel overview: Werdenberg.
