The house “Zum Goldenen Kopf” in Bülach is a historic building with a rich past dating back to the 14th century. Originally built as an inn with tavern rights, it was strategically located at the upper gate of the town, which underlined its importance as a rest stop for travelers.

Ownership and building history

The Hotel & Restaurant “zum goldenen Kopf” in Bülach is a house with a rich and eventful history dating back to the 14th century. Its origins lie in a period when the Lords of Tengen expanded the village bailiwick into a fortified settlement. During this era, the inn was granted tavern rights and was located in the immediate vicinity of the town’s upper gate. Today, only the narrow passage in Marktgasse in front of the summer garden lounge recalls this gate, as it was demolished long ago. The upper gate and the inn “zum Goldenen Kopf” are already documented from the time of the Burgundian Wars.

Like many buildings in Bülach, the inn “zum goldenen Kopf” was not spared from devastating town fires. It fell victim to the three major fires of 1386, 1444, and 1506, but was rebuilt each time, bearing witness to the resilience and perseverance of the inhabitants of that era.

The name “Kopf” of the inn is likely derived from an old unit of volume measuring 3.66 liters. Over time, a golden face was depicted as a symbol of the “head” on the richly decorated inn sign. In the mid-16th century, the building underwent structural changes; it is even possible that a new building was constructed. It is documented that in 1570 the Canton of Schaffhausen donated its coat-of-arms pane to the new guest room.

Between 1578 and 1593, various renovations took place at the “Kopf.”
The semicircular, late-Gothic stair tower was built.

The strategic location of the inn on the trade and pilgrimage route from Eglisau to Zurich contributed to its flourishing business. Over generations, the owners of the house belonged to the city’s leading citizens and held offices such as city captain or treasurer.

Over the centuries, the inn attracted numerous notable personalities. In 1797, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe closely examined the heraldic panes in the inn during his third journey to the south. Although the ceiling painting by Christoph Kuhn of Rieden from 1762 and the fine stucco work impressed him less, the room became known as the “Goethe-Stübli” after his visit.

From the early 17th to the mid-18th century, four generations of the influential Mathys family owned the “Kopf.”

In the 17th century, the Zurich–Eglisau state road was expanded. This brought an increased number of passing travelers to the old inn.

In 1852, King Oscar I (1799–1859) dined at the “Goldenen Kopf” and enjoyed the hospitality of the house. He was King of Sweden and Norway from 1844 to 1859.

Gottfried Keller, poet and first state clerk of the Canton of Zurich, was also well acquainted with the inn and used the small town of Bülach and its people as a model for his work “The People of Seldwyla,” published in 1856.

From 1862 to 1962, the inn was owned by the Huber family. In 1961, the municipal assembly of Bülach decided to purchase the inn in order to preserve the townscape as much as possible. A corresponding project credit had already been prepared when the building fell victim to a fire on the night of June 21 to 22, 1962. In the same year, the voters decided by a large majority to rebuild. The upper floors in particular were severely damaged, so that only parts of the ring wall and the stair tower could be integrated into the new building. The plaster ceiling of the “Goethe-Stübli” remained relatively intact and was restored.

In 1971, road traffic was diverted from the old town to the bypass. The bottleneck at the former upper gate was relieved.

Since 1999, Yolanda and Leo Urschinger have run the hotel restaurant with dedication and have sustainably shaped its reputation. After more than 25 years of committed management, they will retire in April 2025.

From May 2025, Schloss Wülflingen AG will take over the operation of the restaurant and hotel “zum goldenen Kopf.” The team plans to maintain the culinary direction and warm service, with the aim of increasing occupancy in the hotel sector.

The Hotel & Restaurant “zum goldenen Kopf” is now under the protection of the Swiss Confederation and remains a living testament to the rich history of Bülach. It combines tradition with modernity and offers guests from near and far a place of hospitality and enjoyment.

The hotel has a total of 32 rooms and offers guests a choice of four room categories, each combining comfort and style.

Suites: Luxurious rooms with an additional seating area.

Superior Double Rooms: Spacious rooms with seating.

Standard Double Rooms: Comfortable rooms for two people.

Single Rooms: Cozy rooms for solo travelers.

The rooms were renovated in spring 2019 to meet modern standards.

Restaurant

Enjoy our new offerings, inspired by the exquisite creations of our kitchen team, in a stylish ambiance. Let yourself be indulged with seasonal specialties and finely balanced dishes.

Wine Tavern

The wine tavern impresses with its warm and inviting atmosphere, making it particularly suitable for smaller groups. The furnishings are traditional, giving the room a rustic charm.

The wine tavern is suitable for small events and aperitifs.

Erker Room

The eponymous bay window creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The stylish interior combines traditional elements with modern comfort, making the room versatile.

The Erker Room is suitable for private or business events as well as seminars and meetings for up to 30 people.

Goethe Room

The Goethe Room, also known as the “Goethe-Stübli,” named after the famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who visited the inn in 1797, is a highlight of the house. The historical significance of the room is reflected in its elegant furnishings, which breathe tradition and history. The restored room features the ceiling painting “Apollo and the Muses” from 1762 by Stöffi Kuhn.

The Goethe Room is suitable for private or business events as well as seminars and meetings for up to 30 people.

Grand Hall

With an area of 175 m², the Grand Hall is the largest event space at the “zum goldenen Kopf.” The flexible room layout allows the hall to be tailored to the needs of an event.

Our Grand Hall accommodates up to 150 people and is ideal for weddings, conferences, or private celebrations.