Bachfisch

In the charming city of Aarau, a unique culinary tradition takes shape in the form of a delicate, fish-shaped pastry known as the Bachfisch. This specialty is not just a sweet treat; it's a piece of living history, directly connected to the centuries-old Bachfischet festival. The Bachfisch is a luftig-leichtes (light and airy) pastry, crafted to commemorate the annual cleaning of the Aarau city stream, a tradition that culminates each September when hundreds of schoolchildren parade through the darkened old town with illuminated lanterns.

Produced by the Stiftung Töpferhaus, a foundation that supports individuals with mental health challenges, the Bachfisch represents a blend of cultural preservation and social responsibility. The entire operation, from production to distribution, is managed with care and precision, ensuring that this distinctive product reaches its audience through a network of local retailers and an efficient online shop.

Bachfisch Varieties and Product Lines

The Bachfisch pastry is available in several flavors, each offering a unique taste profile. The product range is thoughtfully divided into individual pieces, multi-packs, and gift sets, catering to both personal enjoyment and special occasions.

Signature Flavors

• Vanille (Vanilla): Described as the "all-time favorite," this classic version highlights the pure, sweet notes of vanilla.
• Tonka: An exotic variety, the Tonka Bachfisch offers a sophisticated and slightly spiced flavor reminiscent of almond and vanilla.
• Schokolade (Chocolate): A sensual, rich chocolate version for those who prefer a deep cocoa taste.
• Rüebli (Carrot): The "heimatverbundene" or home-loving flavor, this is a regional take reminiscent of a traditional Swiss carrot cake.
• Ingwer (Ginger): A surprising and zesty ginger variety, offering a warm and spicy contrast to the sweeter options.

Packaging Options

• Einzelstück (Single Piece): The individual Bachfisch is priced at a UVP of CHF 2.85 and is available at various local points of sale.
• Bachfischli (5-Pack): The smaller counterpart to the Bachfisch, these mini-fish pastries come in a set of five, either in a single flavor or assorted. A pack has a UVP of CHF 3.95.
• Geschenkpackung (Gift Box): For gifting, the Bachfisch is presented in an elegant gift box containing an assortment of three, with a UVP of CHF 12.50. This packaging is perfect for sharing the tradition of Aarau with others.

The Töpferhaus Manufactory and Social Mission

A defining aspect of Bachfisch is its production at the Töpferhaus manufactory. The Stiftung Töpferhaus has been a Gestaltungsraum für Menschen (creative space for people) since 1981, with locations in Aarau, Lenzburg, and Suhr. In this workshop, people with psychological impairments perform the various steps required to create the pastry under the guidance of skilled professionals. This process transforms the enjoyment of a Bachfisch into a direct support for social inclusion and meaningful work.

The baking process itself is a handcrafted art, using ingredients like sugar, butter, flour, egg white, almonds, honey, and vanilla. The result is a symbol of Aarau’s heritage, made with dedication and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the kitchen.

Where to Find Bachfisch in and Around Aarau

Bachfisch has strategically partnered with key local retailers, ensuring that the pastry is conveniently available to both residents and visitors. The distribution network covers several well-known outlets in the Aarau region.

Local Retail Partners

• Aarau Info: The main tourist information center for the city, a natural hub for this iconic local product.
• Coop Filialen im Raum Aarau: Select Coop supermarket branches in the greater Aarau area carry the Bachfisch, providing wide accessibility.
• Lebensmittel Meyer, Aarau: A local food retailer in Aarau is part of the distribution network.
• Chäsi Central, Suhr: A cheese and fine food shop in Suhr also stocks the pastry.
• LADE15, Aarau: A boutique retailer in the city supports the product.
• Töpferhaus Suhr: For larger quantities, pre-ordering by phone is recommended directly at the Töpferhaus in Suhr.

For those outside the immediate area or those who prefer the convenience of digital shopping, Bachfisch can also be purchased through the online shop, available at their website.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

The Bachfisch brand, as part of the larger Töpferhaus ecosystem, benefits from the positive feedback associated with its related retail concepts. For instance, the Chäsbueb—a cheese and fine food store also under the Töpferhaus umbrella—holds a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps from 27 reviews. The Naturtuch, another Geschäftsstelle, boasts a 4.9-star rating from 15 reviews. While direct reviews for the Bachfisch product itself are still being gathered, the high standards of quality and craftsmanship in the Töpferhaus network strongly suggest a positive reception for this culturally significant pastry.

Customer interactions with the business are managed through direct email at bestellung@toepferhaus.ch and phone at 062 837 61 84, with office hours noted as Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, and Friday from 9:00 to 12:00. This hands-on approach reflects the personalized care that goes into both the pastries and the social mission behind them.

The Cultural Context: The Bachfischet Tradition Backing Bachfisch

To fully appreciate the Bachfisch, one must understand the Bachfischet festival. The tradition, involving the annual cleaning and maintenance of the Aarau stream bed, dates back many centuries and is celebrated as the oldest living custom in Switzerland. The revival of this once-forgotten tradition is largely credited to the Heinerich Wirri Zunft, a guild founded in 1922.

The Bachfisch pastry is a tangible, edible memory of this event. It serves as a symbol of community, history, and the unique identity of Aarau. When one purchases a Bachfisch, whether as a single piece or a gift box, they are not just buying a snack; they are participating in a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years and supporting the social fabric of the region. The product’s very existence is a collaboration between Aarau Info, the city of Aarau, the Wirri Zunft, and the Stiftung Töpferhaus, making it a true community endeavor.