Bürchen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bürchen
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 Bürchen
Location in Switzerland
Bürchen
Location in Canton of Valais
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Valais | |
| District | Raron | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 13.42 km2 (5.18 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 1,360 m (4,460 ft) | |
| Population
(Dec 2020 )
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| • Total | 752 | |
| • Density | 56.04/km2 (145.13/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
3935
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| Surrounded by | Raron, Törbel, Unterbäch, Visp, Zeneggen | |
Bürchen (Walliser German: Birchu) is a small and friendly town in the Valais region of Switzerland. It's located in the German-speaking part of the canton, high up on a sunny terrace above the Rhone valley.
Contents
A Glimpse into Bürchen's Past
Bürchen has a long history! The town was first mentioned way back in 1307 as ze Birke. Later, it was called Birkonberg in 1363 and Birchen in 1441. In 1755, it was known as Betula.
Exploring Bürchen's Geography
Bürchen covers an area of about 13.4 square kilometers (around 5.2 square miles). A big part of this land, about 55%, is covered by forests. Another 25% is used for farming. About 5% of the land has buildings or roads, while the rest is unproductive.
The town is located in the Westlich Raron district. It's made up of several small villages, called hamlets, which are spread out on a high, flat area. This area sits above the southern side of the Rhone valley.
Bürchen's Unique Coat of Arms
Every town has a special symbol called a coat of arms. Bürchen's coat of arms is blue and features three golden six-pointed stars. This design helps represent the town's identity.
Who Lives in Bürchen?
Bürchen is home to about 700 people. Most of the people living here speak German as their main language. A small number also speak French or Albanian.
In 2008, the population was almost evenly split between men and women. Most residents were born in Bürchen or elsewhere in the same canton. About a quarter of the population are children and teenagers (under 19 years old). Adults make up about 58% of the population, and seniors (over 64) make up about 16%.
Most households in Bürchen have about 2.8 people. Many apartments are used for seasonal visitors, showing that Bürchen is a popular place to visit.
The number of people living in Bürchen has changed over time. You can see how the population has grown and changed in the chart below:
Important Sights in Bürchen
The Turtig/Wandfluh area, which is partly in Bürchen, is a special place. It's recognized as part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. This means it has important cultural or natural value.
How People Work and Live in Bürchen
Bürchen has a low unemployment rate, meaning most people who want to work can find jobs. The town's economy involves different types of work:
- Primary Sector: This includes jobs like farming and forestry. About 57 people work in this area.
- Secondary Sector: This involves manufacturing and construction. Around 30 people work in these jobs.
- Tertiary Sector: This covers services like hotels, restaurants, shops, and education. About 85 people work in this sector.
Many people who live in Bürchen travel to other towns for work. About half of the working population uses a private car to get to their jobs, while others use public transportation.
Faith and Beliefs in Bürchen
Most people in Bürchen are Roman Catholic. A smaller number belong to the Swiss Reformed Church or other Christian churches. There are also people who follow Islam or have no religious affiliation.
Learning and Education in Bürchen
Education is important in Bürchen. Many adults have completed high school, and some have gone on to university or other higher education.
The local school system starts with a non-required year of Kindergarten. After that, students attend six years of primary school. In 2010-2011, there were 14 kindergarten students and 57 primary school students in Bürchen. For middle and high school, students from Bürchen attend schools in nearby towns.
Bürchen also has its own public library, called the Schul- und Gemeindebibliothek. In 2008, it had over 3,700 books and other media for people to borrow.
Enjoying Winter Sports
Bürchen is a great place for winter sports! Part of the town is a ski region that connects to the ski area of Törbel. In 2007-2008, a new chairlift was built, making it even easier for people to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
See also
In Spanish: Bürchen para niños
