The historical roots of the settlement date back to the early Middle Ages. The area was first mentioned in documents in 765 AD under the Latin name de Pogio in the will of Bishop Tello. The modern name Buchs began to appear in chronicles later, around 1213.
Key Factors of Development
The transformation of a small settlement into a significant community was driven by a combination of geographical and political factors:
Geographical Location: The city is located in the strategically important Rhine Valley. Its proximity to the river made it a natural point for crossings and interaction with neighbors, particularly with the territory of modern-day Liechtenstein.
Political History: Initially, Buchs was part of the County of Werdenberg. A major turning point occurred in 1517, when the county came under the administration of Canton Glarus. This period of external administration lasted until 1798 and had a significant impact on the city's administrative structure.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
Before the industrial era, the economy of Buchs was predominantly agricultural. Residents utilized the fertile lands of the valley for farming and livestock, although they frequently faced the threat of flooding from the Rhine. An important element of the early economy was the river crossing, which facilitated local trade and laid the groundwork for the city's future role as a major border and transport hub.
Timeline
Key Milestones in the History of Buchs
765 AD — First documented mention of the settlement under the Latin name de Pogio ("on the heights") in the will of Bishop Tello.
1213 — The modern name Buchs appears in historical chronicles for the first time; at this time, the settlement is owned by the Counts of Werdenberg.
1517 — The County of Werdenberg, including Buchs, is purchased by Canton Glarus, passing under its administrative control for nearly three centuries.
1526 — The Reformation is officially introduced in the region, fundamentally changing the religious life of the local inhabitants.
1798 — During the era of the Helvetic Republic, the city is liberated from the rule of Glarus and temporarily becomes part of Canton Linth.
1803 — Buchs becomes part of the newly formed Canton St. Gallen, where it remains to this day.
1839 — A massive fire in the center of the village destroys 66 buildings, leading to the redesign of streets and a renewal of its architectural appearance.
1858 — The opening of the railway station on the Rorschach–Chur line marks the beginning of the settlement's transformation into a transport hub.
1872 — The launch of a railway connection with Feldkirch, Austria, makes Buchs the most important border station in eastern Switzerland.
1970 — Founding of the New Technical College (NTB), laying the foundation for the city's development as an educational and research center.
1975 — Commissioning of a modern road bridge over the Rhine, strengthening ties with neighboring Liechtenstein.
2002 — Buchs officially receives city status (Stadt), confirming its role as the economic center of the Werdenberg region.
Milestones
Stages of Development and Transformation
The history of Buchs is a journey from a modest village by a river crossing to a dynamic urban center in Eastern Switzerland. Here are the key moments that defined the modern face of the city:
The Railway Revolution (Mid-19th Century): Connecting to the Swiss network in 1858 and launching the line to Austria in 1872 were the primary catalysts for growth. Buchs transformed into a strategic border station, attracting trade, customs services, and logistics companies, permanently changing the settlement's economy.
Taming the Rhine (19th–20th Centuries): Large-scale engineering works to straighten and reinforce the riverbed (Rheinregulierung) were of decisive urban planning importance. This protected the valley from devastating floods and allowed for urban expansion onto land previously considered unsuitable for building.
Urbanization After the Fire (1839): Although the event was tragic, the reconstruction after the major fire allowed for the redesign of the center. The chaotic rural layout was replaced by more orderly streets, setting the course for future architectural development.
Becoming an Educational Hub (1970): The opening of Neu-Technikum Buchs (now part of the OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences) was a major cultural and social milestone. The arrival of a higher education institution attracted young people and highly qualified specialists, turning the city into a regional innovation center.
Development of the Retail Cluster (Late 20th Century): Thanks to its proximity to Liechtenstein and convenient transport links, Buchs established itself as the main shopping destination for the Werdenberg region. Bahnhofstrasse became a magnet for shoppers from two countries, significantly strengthening small and medium-sized businesses.
Official City Status (2002): The transition from the status of a "village" to that of a "city" was symbolic recognition of its level of urbanization. This event solidified Buchs' role as the administrative and economic leader of the Werdenberg district.
Architecture
Urban Evolution: From Village to Modern Hub
The architectural character of Buchs is far from uniform. It is a city of contrasts, where traces of rural history intertwine with the functionalism of a railway hub and modern business developments. A defining moment for the layout of the city center was the Great Fire of 1839. Prior to this, the buildings were haphazard and primarily wooden. The city's reconstruction followed new, more rational principles: streets were straightened, and houses were built of stone with firebreaks between them.
Architectural Styles and Eras
In Buchs, one can trace several key architectural layers reflecting the stages of its economic growth:
Late Classicism and Biedermeier (Mid-19th Century):
Buildings erected immediately after the fire are characterized by restraint and simplicity. These are solid stone houses with gabled roofs and minimal decoration, typical of the utilitarian Swiss architecture of the time. They can be found in the old part of town (the Oberdorf district).
Historicism and "Railway Style" (Late 19th – Early 20th Century):
With the arrival of the railway in 1858, the city began to expand toward the Rhine. Along the main artery—Bahnhofstrasse—buildings appeared that reflected the economic boom. Here, one finds elements of Neo-Renaissance and Eclecticism, typical of commercial and administrative buildings from the Gründerzeit era.
Post-War Modernism (1960s):
A period of active population growth and industrialization brought bold architectural solutions to the city, utilizing concrete and glass. A striking example is the Catholic church, which became a landmark of the new era.
Modern Functionalism (21st Century):
The buildings of the OST educational campus (formerly NTB) and new residential complexes are designed in high-tech and minimalist styles, highlighting Buchs' status as a center for technology and education.
Iconic Buildings and Structures
Several sites define the city's recognizable silhouette and deserve travelers' attention:
Sacred Heart Church (Herz-Jesu-Kirche): Built in the 1960s and designed by the renowned architect Justus Dahinden, this church is an outstanding example of Brutalism and Expressionism. Its pointed concrete structure resembles crystals or mountain peaks, standing out sharply against the traditional buildings.
Reformed Church: Located in the center, it represents more traditional architecture, although it underwent significant changes after the 1839 fire and subsequent renovations in the 1930s.
Werdenberg Castle (Schloss Werdenberg): Although technically the castle and its adjacent medieval town (the smallest town in Europe with wooden houses) are located on the border of the Grabs municipality, they visually tower over Buchs and form an integral part of its historical landscape. It is a prime example of medieval fortification and half-timbered (Fachwerk) architecture.
Notable People
Distinguished Natives and Residents
Buchs (St. Gallen) has been the birthplace and home of several individuals who have left a notable mark on science, politics, and Swiss public life. Among them are laureates of prestigious international awards and researchers whose discoveries changed our understanding of the world.
Heinrich Rohrer (1933–2013) Physicist, Nobel Prize Laureate
The city's most famous native. Rohrer went down in scientific history as one of the inventors of the scanning tunneling microscope—a device that allowed scientists to "see" individual atoms for the first time. For this revolutionary achievement, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986. His work laid the foundation for the development of nanotechnology.
Simon Schwendener (1829–1919) Botanist and University Professor
An outstanding scientist born in Buchs to a farming family. Schwendener became famous for his pioneering theory on the dual nature of lichens, proving that they are a symbiosis of fungi and algae. At the time, this hypothesis sparked heated debate but was later recognized as a fundamental discovery in biology.
Gallus Schwendener (1858–1936) Jurist and Politician
A prominent figure in the region's political life. As a lawyer, he was actively involved in governance and lawmaking, advocating for the interests of Canton St. Gallen. His activities contributed to the development of legal and administrative culture in the Werdenberg region at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Christian Rothenberger (1868–1938) Educator, Judge, and Politician
A versatile figure who dedicated his life to the public good. Starting his career as a teacher, he later served as a judge, earning respect for his integrity. His political work was focused on improving the educational and judicial systems of the canton.