Top 20 Natural Monuments around Bassersdorf
Best natural monuments around Bassersdorf are found within the Glattal region, a municipality in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The area features diverse natural spaces, including forests and water bodies. These natural features contribute to the region's landscape, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. The surroundings of Bassersdorf are characterized by a mix of natural and historical sites.
Best natural monuments around Bassersdorf
- The most popular natural monument is Stone Elephant in Elefantenbach Gorge, a natural monument that features a stone elephant in the middle of a stream. This idyllic resting place includes a fire pit with seating, making it popular for families.
- Another must-see spot is Lindenhof, a historical site and natural monument. Visitors can enjoy views of the old town and the Limmat river from this relaxing square.
- Visitors also love Geographical Center of the Canton of Zurich, a man-made monument and natural monument. This location offers a nice view of the upper Glattal and is marked by an iron sculpture and a plaque on an erratic block.
- Bassersdorf is known for its gorges, viewpoints, and unique natural features. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from historical sites to scenic water features.
- The natural monuments around Bassersdorf are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 170 photos and more than 480 upvotes.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
Stone Elephant in Elefantenbach Gorge
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Lindenhof
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Greifensee Outflow and Weir
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Geographical Center of the Canton of Zurich
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The “Manne mit Schpeuz”, an association of retired people from Wangen, had got wind of the fact that the middle of the canton was on their home ground and had this officially confirmed. Two teachers from the Uster Education Center heard about this and offered a cross-school project with the aim of precisely determining the geometric center of the canton.
On November 17, 2007, the center of the canton of Zurich was ceremoniously marked under the patronage and in the presence of government colleague Ursula Gut. An iron sculpture and a plaque on a mighty erratic block were anchored at the location above Wangen.
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Golden Gate
Highlight • Lake
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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Tips from the Community
The stone elephant is a highlight of this tour...
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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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Bird watching platform wonderful view over Lake Greifensee
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Beautiful section along the Greifensee including a view of and through the reeds of the lake.
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On the subject of the center in the canton of ZH: The geodetic center of the canton of Zurich is in Brütten. (centre of official survey) The geographic center of the canton of Zurich is above Wangen near Dübendorf. (Geometric center of gravity of the canton area)
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There is a parking lot at this point
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural features to explore near Bassersdorf?
The region around Bassersdorf offers several unique natural features. You can visit the Stone Elephant in Elefantenbach Gorge, an idyllic resting place with a stone elephant in the middle of a stream, popular for families. Another interesting spot is the Golden Gate pond, known for its clear water intake and the legend of a golden gate.
Are there any family-friendly natural monuments in the Bassersdorf area?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Stone Elephant in Elefantenbach Gorge is particularly popular, featuring a fire pit with seating. The Geographical Center of the Canton of Zurich also offers a nice view and is considered family-friendly.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Bassersdorf?
The area around Bassersdorf provides diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, cycling, and road cycling. For example, explore trails like the 'Holengrat Trail – Dättnauer Pond loop' for MTB, or the 'Eigental Nature Reserve – Chlostergumpen Pond loop' for cycling. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Bassersdorf, Cycling around Bassersdorf, and Road Cycling Routes around Bassersdorf guides.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints among the natural monuments?
For scenic views, consider visiting Lindenhof, a historical site offering views of Zurich's old town and the Limmat river. The Geographical Center of the Canton of Zurich also provides a nice view of the upper Glattal region.
Are there any historical sites that are also considered natural monuments?
Yes, Lindenhof is a notable example. It's a historical site that also functions as a natural monument, offering a relaxing square with views over the old town and the Limmat river.
What is Lake Greifensee and why is it significant to the Bassersdorf region?
Lake Greifensee, located approximately 11 km east of Zurich, is the second-largest lake in the canton and a significant natural monument near Bassersdorf. Its shores are a protected nature reserve, boasting rich biodiversity with around 400 plant species and over 120 migratory bird species. It's a popular spot for walking, cycling, and boat trips, offering tranquil and picturesque landscapes.
Are there any waterfalls or gorges to visit?
Yes, you can visit the Affenschlucht Waterfall. This impressive sight is located behind the former spinning mill Hard in Wülflingen and features tubs of sandstone where visitors can splash. The Elefantenbach Gorge is also a notable natural feature.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible natural attractions?
The Lindenhof is listed as wheelchair-accessible, offering a relaxing square with views of the old town and the Limmat river.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Bassersdorf?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural spaces, from gorges and viewpoints to unique water features. The Stone Elephant in Elefantenbach Gorge is particularly loved for its idyllic resting place and family-friendly atmosphere, often used for barbecues.
Can I find trails for easy walking near these natural monuments?
Many of the natural monuments, such as the areas around the Stone Elephant in Elefantenbach Gorge and Lake Greifensee, offer paths suitable for easy walking and strolling, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty without strenuous effort.
Is there parking available at the Geographical Center of the Canton of Zurich?
Yes, the Geographical Center of the Canton of Zurich is noted to have parking facilities, making it convenient for visitors to access this viewpoint.
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