Discover Turbenthal: Hiking Trails, Nature and Culture

Turbenthal combines hiking trails along streams and through wooded ravines with opportunities to observe nature and learn about local history. Here you’ll find a range of routes, seasonal offers and historic sites to help you plan your trip.

Hiking Trails Through Stream Landscapes and Ravines

The Chatzenbach nature trail leads from Turbenthal to Oberhofen, following the Chatzenbach stream. Another hike takes you from Turbenthal to Rämismühle-Zell through the unspoiled Hutzikertobel, where wild orchids grow along its banks. You can reach Turbenthal by S-Bahn or postal bus for this hike; check the timetable and trail conditions before setting out.

The hike from Elgg to Turbenthal passes through several narrow, wooded ravines. A striking waterfall in the Farenbachtobel is one of the landscape features described along the way. The routes each have a different focus: the Chatzenbach trail follows the stream, while the hikes through the ravines take you through wooded gorges and past a waterfall.

Nature Watching and Swimming Pool

Neuguet swimming pool has a swimming pool with marked-off lanes, a non-swimmer pool and a children’s paddling pool with a sail canopy. The grounds also include a children’s playground. Vivarium-Tablat displays native amphibians, reptiles and many small animals in naturalistic indoor and outdoor terrariums. In the nature garden, observation aids introduce you to different habitats and small-scale natural features, and share information about plants and small animals.

In 2026, Vivarium-Tablat was generally open to families and individual visitors on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., from late April to early October; it was closed during the summer holidays. Check opening hours before visiting.

The Anneli Trail and Its Stops

The Anneli Trail starts at Turbenthal railway station and is described as an experience trail taking around two to three hours. The route is four kilometres long, includes around 70 metres of elevation gain and takes about three hours without a barbecue break. These details give you an idea of how much time to allow, excluding the break.

The trail is designed as a game for groups, with eight stops. It follows streams and canals through Turbenthal to the spinning mill where Anneli worked as a twelve-year-old. At the stops, you’ll hear episodes from her life. The route through the town thus brings a real-life story to life.

Museums, Crafts and Local History

The Tösstal exhibition depot displays 3,000 objects of regional historical significance across 600 square metres and presents the history of the Tösstal and Tössbergland. It is open on six days a year; the programme includes guided tours, hands-on stations and activities. On opening days, you can try your hand at making a miniature traditional costume doll, embroidery, milking or shoemaking, among other activities. Themed guided tours for clubs, companies, families and other groups cost 150 francs. Check opening dates, booking details and prices before your trip.

At the Old Brüngger Wyla Winder Workshop, visitors can forge a small object themselves on Winder Maker Day, on some blacksmithing days or by arrangement during guided tours. The Turbenthal Local Museum also offers an insight into local history. It is housed in the former utility section of the Stiefelhaus and displays objects relating to past customs, crafts and cottage industries in the Tösstal. Also on display are works by regional artists and items from the personal estate of writer Olga Meyer; her novels describe life in the Tösstal in earlier times.

Built in 1838, the Stiefelhaus belongs to the municipality and is a listed building. The new church for Turbenthal was built between 1510 and 1517. Gyrenbad also brings together different periods: bathing there has been documented since the 16th century and ended in 1968. Since then, Gyrenbad has operated as an excursion restaurant and hosted social events. Check current arrangements before visiting.

Baking and Regional Cuisine

Genusswerk Turbenthal combines artisanal baking with hospitality, serving aromatic coffee, freshly baked bread and regional cuisine. Its courses include pizza-making and wild herb workshops, among others. This culinary offering complements the hikes and historical insights you can take into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Neftenbach, Brütten, Elsau, Pfungen, Rickenbach, Winterthur, Hettlingen, Wiesendangen.

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