Discover Hinwil: Hiking, Nature and Local History

When planning a stay in Hinwil, you can choose between hikes, local history and leisure activities. The municipality is in Hinwil District in the Canton of Zurich.

Choose hikes to suit your schedule

The 3-Wachten circular trail is a three-and-a-half-hour hike. It starts at the information board a little above Hinwil Post Office and crosses the DVZO Hinwil–Bauma museum railway line. The Pässe: Schufelberger Egg hike, by contrast, runs from Hinwil to Gibswil: it is 11.7 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes. Comparing the two helps with planning your day: one route returns to its starting point, while the other has different start and end points in Hinwil and Gibswil. Check local trail conditions and markings before setting out.

A well-marked hiking trail leads to the Bachtel from the Hinwil Langmatt stop. Trail conditions may change with the seasons. If you are planning the longer hike to Gibswil, you should also check current conditions before setting off. The stated times are a guide for planning and do not replace checking conditions on site.

Landscape and outdoor activities

The drumlin landscape associated with Hinwil includes a raised bog of national importance. It is home to some rare plants and a diverse range of birds and other wildlife; how easy it is to spot animals varies with the seasons. The 75-metre-high Bachtel Tower stands on the Bachtel summit. Its 360-degree viewing platform is about 30 metres above the ground. On a clear day, views extend from Lake Zurich to the mountains of Central Switzerland. Check the tower’s details and visibility information again before your trip.

Hinwil offers varied routes for joggers and considerate cyclists, catering to different ability levels. The Bachtel Trail is a challenging cycling route. Before riding, check the current signs and guidance on permitted use, as these may change.

Local history and the steam railway

At the Hinwil Local History Museum, largely original living spaces in the Flarz timber-frame house bring life around 1800 to life. The barn displays farming tasks throughout the year, along with the tools and carts used for them. The Turpenschopf next to the barn explores peat cutting and the subsequent drying of the fuel before it was used in the living room. Tours of the local history museum and/or the exhibition store are available at any time by prior arrangement. Confirm availability before you travel.

The Reformed Church of Hinwil also reflects several aspects of local history: it was first mentioned in historical records around 750 and was built on the masonry foundations of a Roman villa. Hinwil is also the starting and ending station of the Hinwil–Bauma steam railway. The Zürcher Oberland Steam Railway Association mainly operates historic steam trains on the line from May to October; operating dates may vary from year to year. Check the timetable before planning a ride. The traditional Bachtelschwinget wrestling festival takes place in August or September on the Oberland’s local mountain. Exact dates vary from year to year.

More things to do during your stay

Hinwil outdoor pool has a covered paddling pool for young children, a large non-swimmer pool with a long water slide, a 50-metre swimming pool and a separate diving area. There is a beach volleyball court by the large lawn, and table tennis next to the restaurant. Facilities may change for operational reasons. Check which facilities are available before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Wernetshausen, Gossau, Wetzikon, Grüningen, Fischenthal, Bäretswil, Dürnten, Bubikon.

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