Zürichsee-Rundweg
Overview
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Distance 12 km
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Duration 3 h 15 min
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Ascent 260 m
Intro
A hike to the heart of nature and stunning views. Commencing with a hike along the Sihl, the way then leads through the Sihl woods and up to Horgen on the Höhenweg path. Here you enjoy fantastic views over Lake Zurich and unspoilt woods.
Description
From Adliswil town centre, the gravel path on the right side of the Sihl continues on into the Sihltal. It’s not long before your surroundings become more rural. The factories that were once built along the river have been repurposed and now house small businesses and service companies. The hiking trail switches to the other bank of the river when you come level with the Langenberg wildlife park, although you will not be able to spot the park itself. Passing the tennis courts, you reach the outskirts of the village of Langnau a.A. and, after that, Gattikon.
Soon you leave the last houses behind you and enter the Sihlwald forest proper. The Sihlwald visitor centre next door to the railway station of the same name is well worth a short detour, as it houses a nature museum and provides all kinds of information about the forest and its wildlife. For instance, you can find out more about the various biotopes encountered along the route and about the largest contiguous mixed deciduous woodland in Switzerland. From this point, the forest trail branches sharply upwards towards Zimmerberg. The name for this mountain and region comes from the Old High German word «zimbar», meaning «timber». Although there would undoubtedly be enough trees to serve this purpose, they are no longer felled here in the natural forest, which is now a certified «Naturerlebnispark – Park von nationaler Bedeutung» («Park for Experiencing Nature – Park of National Importance»). A forest adventure trail takes you from one station to another all the way to the Langmoos, an exquisitely beautiful reed meadow. Panels at the various stations provide information about the forest and the flora and fauna that live here.
Following the Langmoos, you pass under the motorway before continuing along the slope, partly in the forest but mainly skirting around its edge. Below you are Oberrieden and Lake Zurich. Once you are level with Horgen, the path descends straight down to the lake. Your ultimate destination is Horgen railway station, which is also the departure point for the boats operated by Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft. You will already be able to see the busy car ferry service a little further up the lake.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Adliswil
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Horgen
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
260 m
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| Descent |
300 m
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| Distance |
12 km
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| Duration |
3 h 15 min
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| Duration back |
3 h 20 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
Quick Facts
Route number
