Hurbig

Hurbig is a 546 m hill rising above the village of Buchberg in the Swiss canton of Schaffhausen. It makes an easy, low-key outing with views over the Rhine country, and local walkers often pick it for family trips.

Where is the Hurbig?

Buchberg and neighbouring Rüdlingen form one of the two exclaves of Schaffhausen canton on the Rhine, ringed by Zurich territory and German Baden-Württemberg. The village sits on the slopes of the Hurbig, high above the small town of Eglisau. You can also start from Rüdlingen, so a loop covering both villages is simple to plan.

What do you find at the top?

The summit is a lookout point, but the hill is wooded, so the best views come in winter when the branches are bare. Up top there is a fire pit with benches and a grill, plus a playground right beside it, which suits families with children. A basic hut, the Hurbig hut, can be rented for about CHF 10 a day according to hiker-submitted route notes, so confirm the price before you go.

What else is nearby?

The Rhinsberg stands close by. It once carried a watchtower used by the canton of Zurich until the 19th century, and only the stone foundations survive. Another trace of the past is the castle hill of Alt-Tüfen, where an information board and the mound itself are all that remain. Both fit nicely into a walk around the Hurbig if you like local history.

When should you go?

The hill works as a short trip in any season. Winter and early spring give the widest outlook while the forest is open. In summer it is a shady spot for a barbecue. Bring your own firewood or charcoal and water, as there is no restaurant at the top.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Hurbig? 546 m above sea level. It is a modest hill and needs no special preparation.

Can you light a fire there? Yes, there is a designated fire pit with benches and a grill. Use only that spot and follow the local fire rules.

Is it good for children? Yes. A playground sits next to the fire pit and the walk to the top is short.

Can you rent the hut? A simple hut stands on the hill and is listed at roughly CHF 10 per day. Check details and booking with the Buchberg municipality.

Which municipality is it in? Buchberg, in the canton of Schaffhausen, right by the border with the canton of Zurich.