Buch between the Bregenzerach Gorge and Schneiderkopf

Buch brings together nature, hiking and winter activities with a distinct local history. The Bregenzerach Gorge Natura 2000 site also includes Buch; at Schneiderkopf, the new mountain cross and panoramic views of the Bregenzerwald mountains take centre stage. The small Schneiderkopf ski area is also located right in the village. This lets you assess Buch according to different interests rather than shaping your holiday around a single activity.

Gorge, forest and distinctive plants

The Bregenzerach Gorge Natura 2000 site covers 434.02 hectares and includes Buch. Ippach Forest, meanwhile, is one of the largest contiguous forest areas in northern Vorarlberg. The two landscape features offer different points of interest: the area of the gorge can be stated precisely, while the forest stands out for its contiguous expanse and its size in regional comparison.

The plant life is also described in specific terms. Bärwurz (Meum athamanticum) is a botanical rarity in the Nardus grasslands around Schneiderkopf and is threatened with extinction in Vorarlberg. The endangered lady’s slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) grows in the more open woodlands of the Bregenzerach Gorge. The habitats are therefore as distinct as the species: Nardus grasslands around Schneiderkopf on the one hand, and open woodland in the gorge on the other. This gives nature enthusiasts two different perspectives on Buch’s landscape.

Panoramic views and hiking trails at Schneiderkopf

A new mountain cross stands on Schneiderkopf, installed in August 2026. It is 3.55 metres high and weighs around 120 kilograms. The cross is just below the 971-metre summit, from where there are panoramic views of the Bregenzerwald mountains. The old mountain cross’s timber was also used to make a place to sit along the hiking trail on the Buch side, above the hamlet of Tobel. The old material thus creates a tangible link between the former cross and the new one.

One named hiking option is the “Panoramic hike: Over Schneiderkopf from Buch to Bildstein” route. It runs from Buch to Bildstein. The route name and the mountain cross offer two different points of orientation: the route describes a path between two places, while the cross stands just below the summit and is associated with views of the Bregenzerwald mountains.

Winter activities and local history

Winter also has a concrete presence in Buch: the small Schneiderkopf ski area is right in the village. Beginners learn their first turns on skis and snowboards at the Heimen practice lift. This provides a distinct winter-sports focus alongside hiking. When planning a trip, you can decide which activities to prioritise: a panoramic hike or your first turns on skis or a snowboard.

A prominent landmark in the village centre is Buch parish church. It stands on a rise at an elevation of 725 metres. Two historical dates are also part of the church’s history: in 1484, the Bishop of Constance, Daniel, consecrated a chapel with two altars in Buch. In 1794, a church was built on the site of a chapel. These details complement the landscape and activities with a long local history.

To decide whether Buch suits your trip, its main features are easy to distinguish: the Natura 2000 site, Ippach Forest and distinctive plants define its nature offering; the route runs from Buch to Bildstein as a panoramic hike; and the small ski area is right in the village. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Buch, this distinction can help you decide whether the village suits your planned mix of nature, hiking and winter sports.

Discover more destinations

Bregenz, Sulzberg, Hittisau, Alberschwende, Schnepfau, Riefensberg, Doren, Lauterach

For the main travel overview: Bregenz.