Pfungen: Töss, Trails and Village History

Pfungen lies in the Lower Töss Valley, in the Winterthur district of the canton of Zurich. The municipality is on the Winterthur–Bülach–Koblenz–Basel railway line. If you are looking for a hotel in Pfungen, you can start by considering whether hiking trails, places by the water or local history should shape your stay: each theme offers a different perspective on the area.

The Töss and Natural Areas

The Töss forms the municipality’s natural boundary to the north. Glaciers and waterways from the Ice Ages shaped the landscape in the Lower Töss Valley. In Cholschwärzi, the gravel pond and its surroundings are a cantonal nature reserve. Tössallmend is a different kind of natural area: its gravelly, permeable soil is suitable for a species-rich dry habitat. A project there is creating habitats for rare plants, grasshoppers, butterflies and snails. There is also a publicly accessible observation tower on the Töss embankment near Pfungen.

Hikes with Varied Scenery

The circular hike “From Pfungen around the Irchel” starts in Pfungen, passes through Dättlikon and returns to Pfungen. It is 10 kilometres long and takes about 3.5 hours. Along the way, the route passes through vineyards, small woods and orchards, as well as the hamlets of Mittlerhueb and Oberhueb. This tour combines a clearly defined loop with several different types of scenery.

Another route leads to Berenberg Monastery. It starts at Pfungen-Neftenbach railway station and first takes you to Pfungen’s publicly accessible castle park. It then follows the western flank of the Rum Valley to Grabibach Gorge, a narrow, steep ravine in wooded terrain. At the former monastery site, you will find restored foundations and a nearby rest area. Information panels tell the story of the former Franciscan and later Augustinian monastery.

On the way back to Pfungen, this route passes the former Multberg Castle site. The castle was destroyed by the Habsburgs in 1309, after standing for around half a century. Other route descriptions take you over the Multberg ridge, Seebelsattel and Beerenberg to the Weiertal, or through the Grabi and Hölltobel ravines, via steps and footbridges, to the Brüttener Plateau. These routes offer a variety of specific destinations and landscape impressions.

Places by the Water and Spots to Take a Break

Reckholdern outdoor swimming pool is on the edge of Pfungen, in the direction of the Rum Valley. It 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 stream flows through the grounds and can be used for play.

For a break outdoors, there is Holenwiese, between Grabi and Bläutschi near Pfungen forest house. It has two brick-built fire pits with grill grates and firewood, as well as tables and benches. The facilities here are different from those at the outdoor pool: the focus is on fire pits and seating.

Village History and Seasonal Culture

Pfungen’s historic quarters include Hinderdorf, Oberdorf, Reckholdern and Buck. They offer a glimpse of Pfungen in the 19th century and the village’s modest beginnings. Villa Schlosshalde, at Dorfstrasse 14, is listed as a cultural property of national importance in Switzerland.

Nearby in Dättlikon, the shared Pfungen-Dättlikon local history museum is housed in the Spörri and Bretscher houses. It is open from April to October on the first Sunday of each month, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Check the date before your trip. During the summer months, the association runs the MÄRT-TRÄFF Pfungen market at Dorfstrasse 22 in Pfungen, where food and drink are available.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Brütten, Rickenbach, Dinhard, Wiesendangen, Altikon, Winterthur, Hettlingen, Turbenthal.

Back to the main travel guide: Winterthur.