The Töss forms Pfungen’s natural northern municipal boundary. In the lower Tösstal, glaciers and meltwater shaped the landscape during the Ice Ages. As you explore, you’ll encounter different perspectives side by side: riverbanks, a nature reserve, a circular hike and historic destinations. The circular hike “From Pfungen around the Irchel” offers a clear planning guide: 10 kilometres and around 3.5 hours. Trails to Berenberg Monastery offer a different focus, connecting the landscape with local history.

The Töss Landscape and Nature

The gravel pond in Cholschwärzi and its surroundings are a cantonal nature reserve. A publicly accessible observation tower stands on the Töss embankment near Pfungen. In the Tössallmend, the gravelly, permeable soil is well suited to a species-rich dry habitat—another kind of natural environment from the waterway and its protected area.

During the restoration of the Tössallmend in summer 2023, nutrient-rich topsoil was removed from an area of around one hectare to create a species-rich meadow. A 200-square-metre sandy area was created as a habitat for ground-nesting wild bees. The restoration also provides habitats for rare plants, grasshoppers, butterflies and snails.

For a break, there’s the Holenwiese between Grabi and Bläutschi, near the Pfungen forestry building. It has two brick-built fire pits with grill grates, firewood, tables and benches. Its facilities make it a different kind of outdoor stop from the observation tower or a walk through a nature reserve.

Hiking Trails with Different Highlights

The circular hike “From Pfungen around the Irchel” starts and ends in Pfungen and passes through Dättlikon on the way back. The 10-kilometre route takes around 3.5 hours. Along the way, it passes through vineyards, small woods and orchards, as well as the hamlets of Mittlerhueb and Oberhueb. This combines a clear time frame with a varied succession of cultivated landscapes and small settlements.

The route to Berenberg Monastery starts at Pfungen-Neftenbach station and first leads to Pfungen’s publicly accessible castle park. It then follows the western slope of the Rumstal to the Grabibach ravine, a narrow, steep gorge in wooded terrain. At the former monastery complex, you’ll find restored foundation walls and a nearby rest area; information panels explain the history of the former Franciscan and later Augustinian monastery.

On the way back to Pfungen, this route passes the former site of Multberg Castle. The Habsburgs destroyed the castle in 1309, after it had stood for around half a century. Other destinations have their own appeal: a trail via Grabi and Hölltobel climbs to the Brüttener Plateau by way of steps and footbridges. Another route to historic sites runs via Multberggrat, Seebelsattel and Beerenberg to Weiertal. The trails therefore differ not only in name, but also in landscape, terrain and historic landmarks.

There are also cycling routes from Pfungen: one leads via Waldi and Niederfeld (Wülflingen) to Winterthur, while another goes through the Blauen to Embrach. The Winterthur–Bülach–Koblenz–Basel railway line also passes through Pfungen; the route to Berenberg Monastery starts at Pfungen-Neftenbach station.

Swimming and a Glimpse of Village Life

Reckholdern swimming pool has a 25-metre swimming pool, a 20-metre children’s pool and a paddling pool. Other facilities include a diving tower, a beach volleyball court, a barbecue area, a kiosk with a restaurant, and a play and sunbathing lawn. The Mühlebach flows through the grounds and can be used for playing. The different pools and facilities make for a varied swimming experience without the need to plan a full day of hiking.

Pfungen’s historic neighbourhoods include Hinderdorf, Oberdorf, Reckholdern and Buck. They bear witness to Pfungen in the 19th century and the village’s modest beginnings. At Dorfstrasse 14 stands Villa Schlosshalde, listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance.

During the summer months, the association runs MÄRT-TRÄFF Pfungen as a weekly or fortnightly market at Dorfstrasse 22. The market includes food and drink. The joint Pfungen-Dättlikon local history museum is also located in Dättlikon, in the Spörri and Bretscher houses. It is open from April to October on the first Sunday of each month, from 2 pm to 5 pm. If you’re planning a visit, check the opening hours before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Hofstetten, Hettlingen, Wiesendangen, Elgg, Elsau, Rickenbach, Turbenthal, Winterthur.

Go to the main travel overview: Winterthur.