Best natural monuments around Bachenbülach offer diverse natural features within a short distance. The region is characterized by its river landscapes, including the Rhine and its tributaries, and elevated viewpoints. These natural areas provide opportunities for exploring varied terrain and observing geological formations. The landscape combines riverine environments with forested hills and plateaus.
Last updated: May 30, 2026
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The pond owes its existence to groundwater, which is forced to rise through a watertight obstacle. The rising groundwater stirs up fine, light sand, interspersed with white snail shell debris, which was used as writing sand until the beginning of the last century. Legend of the "Goldig Tor" (short version according to Meinrad Lienert) Once upon a time a shepherd boy was tending sheep at the pond. It was a glorious foehn day and the boy lay down on the bank with his eyes heavy with dreams. Suddenly a maiden emerged from the pond up to her shoulders. She lured him with a golden ring on her hand. The boy tried to grab the ring and leaned over the water. Suddenly the maiden took him in both arms and sank with him. He had barely disappeared when his farmer rushed over, because he had heard his shepherd boy cry out. But he could not see his little shepherd anywhere. Suddenly it shot up like a candle from the golden sand whirlpool in the pond in front of him. He quickly pulled it to the bank. After a while the boy opened his eyes and began to tell what had happened to him: "The water maiden pulled me into an infinite depth. Suddenly I saw a mighty city with a huge golden gate. It just opened wide and a beautiful maiden stepped out. Now the maiden, who was holding me in her arms, opened her arms to greet her friend. At the same moment a whirlpool grabbed me and pulled me up with it. I don't know anything else." The shepherd boy returned to the pond again and again, but he never met the beautiful maiden again. Thanks to his story, however, we now know where the gold flakes in the water come from: they are washed off the golden gate and carried to the surface (content from the information board).
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This is the geographical center of the canton of Zurich. A striking stone pillar signals the point.
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@ Werner Brülisauer: The geodetic center is the most central official survey point.
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A place where you like to drive by and 🚵♂️ prefer to stop! Also popular with ornithologists.
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With an area of 105 hectares, the Neeracherried is one of the last large fens in Switzerland. It is mowed regularly and grazed on the fringes, providing a habitat for countless birds, plants, amphibians and reptiles. Scottish highland cattle have been giving the reed a special character for a number of years. The area of the Ried was in the common property of the Anstössergemeinden. The oldest surviving document in the Neerach municipal archive dates from 1528 and concerns disputes between Neerach, Riedt and Höri over the common commons. These could never be completely settled. Neerach and Riedt have therefore repeatedly attempted to cut or even split up the common reed area. The municipality of Höri managed to stop such projects on several occasions. It was only in the summer of 1800 that the Ried, which today belongs to the municipalities of Neerach, Höri and Niederglatt, was finally divided up (Wikipedia).
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Maybe I need to put it more succinctly. The geographical center / geodetic center of the canton of Zurich is not in Brütten, where all the hiking routes with the map sections suggest. I can't shake the impression that amateurs often post and publish something here that not only has nothing to do with reality, but has nothing at all to do with reality.
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The region around Bachenbülach offers diverse natural features. You can visit the Weiacher Höhe, a molasse mountain known for its striking rock faces formed by middle cover gravels and a plateau-like top. Another significant feature is the Thurspitz (Confluence of Thur and Rhine), where you can observe the merging waters of two major rivers. The Rhine River at Eglisau also presents a beautiful landscape with its peaceful flow, vineyards, and forested hills.
Yes, the Weiacher Höhe features striking rock faces composed of middle cover gravels, which are at least 200,000 years old. These gravels resist erosion better than the underlying molasse, creating unique formations. Additionally, the Golden Gate is a pond formed by rising groundwater that stirs up fine, light sand, giving it a distinctive appearance and contributing to its local legend.
Several natural monuments are family-friendly. The Golden Gate pond is a great spot, known for its unique sand and a captivating local legend. The Thurspitz (Confluence of Thur and Rhine) also offers a pleasant setting for families to observe the river confluence. For a more active outing, the Affenschlucht Waterfall provides an impressive sight where children can splash in the sandstone tubs.
Absolutely. The Weiacher Höhe offers excellent views, especially in winter when the deciduous trees are bare, allowing glimpses of the Alps. Another fantastic spot is the Geodetic Center of the Canton of Zurich, which provides a panoramic view of the Alps, from Säntis to Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau, and even into the Black Forest on clear days.
The natural monuments around Bachenbülach are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy leisurely walks along the Rhine River at Eglisau, or explore the surrounding area via tourist boats. For more structured adventures, there are numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking in the vicinity.
Yes, many natural monuments are integrated into hiking networks. For instance, the Weiacher Höhe is part of a trail system that can be combined with other routes like Leuenkopf. You can find a variety of hiking routes around Bachenbülach, including easy loops like the 'Roman Villa of Winkel-Seeb – Mural of Horses and Farmer loop from Bülach'.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For expansive views, especially towards the Alps, winter is ideal when the trees are bare at spots like the Weiacher Höhe. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the changing foliage. Summer is perfect for water-based activities along the Rhine or at the Affenschlucht Waterfall.
While Bachenbülach's natural monuments are primarily about nature, the nearby Rhine River at Eglisau offers a blend of natural beauty and history. The medieval town of Eglisau, with its historic dwellings, sits directly on the riverbanks. You can also see the impressive railway bridge from the 1890s and an old hydroelectric power plant, which can be visited by groups.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and tranquility. Many enjoy the unique geological formations of the Weiacher Höhe and the serene environment of the Thurspitz. The peaceful flow of the Rhine at Eglisau and the quiet connection with nature at Tössegg are also highly valued. The Affenschlucht Waterfall is often highlighted for its impressive sight within an urban area.
Yes, a notable natural area is the Thurspitz (Confluence of Thur and Rhine), where the Thur River flows into the Rhine, creating unique turbulences and a distinct natural setting. Another cherished spot is Tössegg, where the Töss River merges with the Rhine, offering a serene natural environment for relaxation.
Accessibility varies by location. Many riverside paths, such as those along the Rhine at Eglisau, are generally suitable for leisurely walks. For specific accessibility information regarding wheelchairs or strollers, it's best to check individual highlight details or local trail descriptions. Some viewpoints, like the Geodetic Center of the Canton of Zurich, are laid out with benches, making them accessible for enjoying the landscape.
Yes, the region offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can find various gravel biking routes and MTB trails around Bachenbülach. These routes often pass by or are close to natural monuments, allowing you to combine your ride with scenic natural stops.


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