Reformierte Kirche Buchberg-Rüdlingen

The Reformed Church of Buchberg-Rüdlingen sits in Rüdlingen in the canton of Schaffhausen, northern Switzerland, close to the Rhine. Two parishes, Buchberg and Rüdlingen, share the building, and its clock tower is a local landmark. It lies inside the Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park, among vineyards and fields.

What is the history of the church?

The site has medieval roots. A small church of St. Margaret was recorded in Rüdlingen as early as 1130, and it declined after the parish merged with Buchberg. A St. James church near the rectory also existed, originally part of the Lottstetten parish. When the canton of Schaffhausen turned Reformed in the early years of the Reformation, Buchberg and Rüdlingen were still a single community.

St. James was repaired repeatedly in the 17th and 18th centuries but kept deteriorating. The two villages decided to demolish it and build a new church on the present site. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates the work to 1848–1850. Rüdlingen split politically from Buchberg in 1839, yet the villages kept one parish and one church.

In 1972 fire destroyed the church. It was rebuilt on the same spot between 1972 and 1974, so much of what you see today dates from the late 20th century.

What will you see?

The clock tower is the defining feature. According to local tradition, Rüdlingen residents wanted the tower on their side of the village, but the ground there could not carry its weight. The builders chose a spot from which the clock face is still readable from Rüdlingen. The nature park lists the church as a viewpoint.

We do not describe the interior, because the available sources do not cover it. No opening hours are published, so contact the Buchberg municipality before visiting (tel. +41 44 867 13 11).

How do you get there?

Take public transport to the "Buchberg, Kirche" stop and check times in the SBB timetable. Two walking routes start and end in Buchberg: the Rhein-Reben-Route (13 km, about 3.5 hours) and the Buchberg Panorama Trail (13.9 km, about 3.6 hours). The church fits well into a walk between vineyards and the river.

When should you visit?

The nature park lists the site as available all season. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for vineyard walks and give the best views. The place suits adults, families with children and groups.

Frequently asked questions

Who uses the church?

The Reformed congregation of Buchberg-Rüdlingen. Two municipalities share one church.

When was the current church built?

The first replacement was finished around 1850. After the 1972 fire it was rebuilt in 1972–1974.

Can you go inside?

Sources give no opening hours. Ask the Buchberg municipal office before you travel.

Are there hiking routes nearby?

Yes. The Rhein-Reben-Route and the Buchberg Panorama Trail both start in Buchberg and run roughly 13–14 km.