Züri Oberland-Höhenweg, Stage 1/4

After the beautiful old town of Winterthur, this walking route passes through Eschenberg forest. If you have time, you can visit the wildlife sanctuary or make a detour to the viewing tower. Passing along the river Töss and over sunny slopes bustling with agriculture, this leg ends at the historic Gasthof Gyrenbad inn.

From Winterthur main station, the hike initially leads through the old town, passing close to the Stadtkirche. The houses are soon left behind as the waymarked hiking trail enters the woods on the Eschenberg. Between tall trees and open meadows, the route continues to Sennhof and onwards into the Tösstal.

The quieter second section begins in Kollbrunn. The trail briefly follows the Bäntalbach before climbing through the forest to Tüfels Chilen. The stream’s headwaters form the scenic highlight of the tour. Woodland, pastures and small settlements then alternate, while the long ascent remains noticeable until near the end.

Via Garten, Schooren and Schwändi, the route reaches its highest point near Girenbad at around 790 metres. From there, the destination is quickly reached. After 19 kilometres, around 700 metres of ascent and just over five hours, the hike ends at the Turbenthal, Girenbad bus stop.