From the top platform of the Altberg observation tower, the view stretches to the Bernese and Glarus Alps and across the Swiss Plateau. Dänikon’s location also places it in the landscape: the municipality lies in the Furttal valley south of the Lägern; to the south, the Altberg range forms the boundary with Oetwil an der Limmat. Dänikon also lies northwest of the city of Zurich and west of Zurich-Kloten Airport. Views, trails, culture and bus connections can each shape a different focus for your stay.
Views and trails around Dänikon
The Altberg observation tower opened on 10 July 2010. The Rain viewpoint offers a different perspective: the small playground also serves as a viewpoint. In good weather, the view from there extends towards the Lägern and over Boppelsen and Buchs ZH. The tower offers distant views as far as the Alps and across the Swiss Plateau; Rain draws your gaze to the surrounding area. When planning your day, you can choose between these two different viewpoints.
Hikes are possible in the Altberg and Lägern areas and along the Furtbach. The Altberg observation tower and the Waldschenke Altberg can be reached after a walk of 30 to 45 minutes; check trail conditions before setting out. The Waldschenke has a garden restaurant with views of the city of Zurich and the Alps. In the Furttal, cycle tours follow marked cycle paths. If you are considering another outdoor activity instead of a hike, there is also an 18-hole golf course in the municipalities of Otelfingen and Dänikon.
The leisure facility also offers a range of amenities, including a pavilion with a barbecue area, a climbing tower with a slide and swings. There is another playground next to the Anna Stüssi House. It has two spring riders, two swings and a table-tennis table; a table with benches is provided for a snack break. These specific amenities complement the hiking and cycling options, without implying a particular route between the different locations.
Culture and village history
The Anna Stüssi House was once Anna Stüssi’s home and is now a venue for events organised by the cultural commission, theatre club activities and celebrations. The cultural commission regularly organises cultural events of general interest, including theatre evenings and concerts. The programme for individual dates may change. If a cultural event is important to your trip, check in advance which events fall during your stay.
The history of the buildings offers several points of interest. The shared primary school building for Dänikon and Hüttikon, on the Rotflue moraine, was built in 1866 as the two municipalities’ first shared primary school. The former school building is now used for practical arts classes and as a library. A timber-storehouse built of planks on the southwest side dates from 1774 and is one of the oldest buildings in the village. The former farmhouse with an inn belonging to the Stüssi family, known as “Wirts”, was built in 1830 and renovated in 1905. The dates trace a path from one of the village’s oldest buildings, through the farmhouse, to the shared schoolhouse.
The political history also differs from today’s municipal structure: before 1843, Dänikon and the neighbouring village of Dällikon formed a political municipality as a civil parish. Since their separation, Dänikon has been an independent political municipality; the Dällikon-Dänikon Reformed church parish continues to this day.
Plan your journey and accommodation
Dänikon is accessible by bus every half hour. On weekdays, buses run every 15 minutes during peak hours. Timetables can change, so check your connection before travelling. If you plan to arrive by bus, factor the current timetable into your plans.
Discover more destinations: Dällikon, Schleinikon, Buchs, Regensberg, Regensdorf, Otelfingen, Niederweningen, Rümlang
For the overview of the wider region: Dielsdorf.
