Turbenthal is a municipality in the Winterthur District of the Canton of Zurich. One special way to explore the area is the Anneli Trail: it starts at Turbenthal railway station and follows streams and canals to the spinning mill where Anneli worked as a twelve-year-old. The trail is laid out as a board game with eight stations; episodes from her life are shared along the way. The interactive circular tour is said to take about two to three hours. The four kilometres and around 70 metres of elevation gain are listed as taking around three hours without a barbecue break.

Hiking Trails and Their Different Highlights

The Chatzenbach nature trail runs from Turbenthal to Oberhofen along the Chatzenbach stream. You can experience a different landscape on the hike from Turbenthal to Rämismühle-Zell: it leads through the unspoilt Hutzikertobel gorge, where wild orchids grow along its banks. You can reach Turbenthal for this hike by S-Bahn or post bus; check the timetable before setting off.

The hike from Elgg to Turbenthal passes through several narrow, wooded gorges. In the Farenbachtobel, it includes an impressive waterfall. The trails therefore differ not only in length, but also in what takes centre stage along the way: the stream on the Chatzenbach trail, the wooded gorge and wild orchids in the Hutzikertobel, and the series of narrow gorges and waterfall on the route from Elgg.

The Töss Water Trail is also among Turbenthal’s leisure activities. Its 15 kilometres run from Kollbrunn to Bauma. Along the route, 48 information panels explain the hydrological, geological and water-management significance of the Töss. The named endpoints help distinguish this route from hikes that start directly in Turbenthal.

Nature and Swimming Pool

At the Vivarium-Tablat, native amphibians and reptiles, as well as many small animals, are displayed in naturalistic indoor and outdoor aquariums and terrariums. In the nature garden, observation aids introduce visitors to different habitats and small-scale natural features, and share information about plants and small animals. This brings animal observation and an understanding of small habitats together, while offering two different ways to engage with nature.

Neuguet swimming pool has a swimming pool with separated lanes, a non-swimmer pool, a children’s paddling pool with a sail roof and a children’s playground. Facilities may be adjusted seasonally; check the details before your visit.

Culture, Crafts and Tösstal History

The Tösstal Collection Depot displays 3,000 objects documenting regional history across 600 square metres and presents the history of the Tösstal and the Tössbergland. The collection is open to the public on six days a year; guided tours, try-it-out stations, hands-on activities and a programme for school classes are also available. Check the opening days before travelling. On these days, visitors can, for example, make a miniature traditional-costume doll, embroider, milk or make shoes.

Themed guided tours are offered for clubs, companies, families and other groups for 150 francs. Check booking details and the price before your visit. At the Alte Windenmacherei Brüngger Wyla, you can forge a small object yourself on Windenmachertag, on some blacksmithing days or by arrangement during guided tours. Participation depends on the relevant event dates or tour arrangements.

The Stiefelhaus, built in 1838 at Tösstalstrasse 20, belongs to the municipality and is a protected historic building. The Turbenthal local history museum is located in the former farm section of the house. It displays objects relating to former customs, crafts and home industries from the Tösstal, as well as works by regional artists and items from the personal estate of writer Olga Meyer. Her novels describe life in the Tösstal in earlier times.

The church’s construction history can also be placed in context: Turbenthal’s Reformed church was built in 1512; the construction period for the new church is given as 1510 to 1517. It was already mentioned in 858 as the “Basilica in Turbanturn”. Turbenthal’s industrial history includes large spinning mills and weaving mills; cotton spinning mills were established later.

Bathing facilities at Gyrenbad are documented from the 16th century; they closed in 1968. Since then, Gyrenbad has operated as an excursion restaurant and venue for social events. Check current options before visiting.

Plan Food and Accommodation

Genusswerk Turbenthal combines artisanal baking with hospitality. Its offerings include aromatic coffee, freshly baked bread and regional cuisine; pizza and wild herb courses are also available. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Turbenthal, it can help to plan your activities first: hiking routes differ in distance and landscape, while opening and event days are important to consider when planning a visit to the collection depot or a blacksmithing session.

Discover more destinations: Rickenbach, Wiesendangen, Elsau, Winterthur, Elgg, Altikon, Hofstetten, Neftenbach

Back to the main travel overview: Winterthur.