Hinwil – Bäretswil: “Cultural-historical Zürich Oberland”

The hike starts at Hinwil station – past many houses dating from around the turn of the century, when the area prospered thanks to industrialization – to a charming half-timbered house that houses the oldest local museum in Switzerland! At the entrance to Wildbachtobel, another gem awaits culture lovers: the freely accessible sculpture garden of wood artist Franz Hero. The path then follows the rustling of the stream through the deciduous forest to the large pool, where there is a fireplace. From here, a long staircase leads uphill towards Ringwil. Where the forest ends, there is a pond – once man-made, presumably to use its outflow for industry, it is now an important nature reserve and paradise for many bird and amphibian species. In the little village, the signpost points towards Allmen. The narrow road soon rises steeply and passes the hamlets of Weid and Nübruch, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Alpine peaks on the horizon looking back. The meadows along the roadside are full of apple, pear, and plum trees. Where the small road meets the wider main road, turn left to the Bäretswil hamlet of Tisenwaltsberg. Follow the main road towards Wappenswil. At the parking lot, keep straight, and you will come across the Sagi Stockrüti. It is the last water-wheel-powered sawmill in the Zürich Oberland. After the aperitif at the beautiful fireplace next to the water wheel, the way to Bäretswil is just a stone's throw away. Passing the Wappenswil pond, it goes along the forest edge and then down into the village following the Zürich Oberland industrial trail.