Holiday apartment in Illnau-Effretikon – Hills Circular Trail, Culture and Sport

Illnau-Effretikon showcases its natural and cultural diversity through closely interconnected trails, striking exposed-concrete architecture and a wide range of leisure activities. A defining starting point is the Effretikon Hills Circular Trail: the 11.6-kilometre circular hiking trail, with 300 metres of elevation gain, can be divided into a western and an eastern loop. It leads over around seven mostly wooded hills and offers views across Effretikon and the surrounding area, in some places extending as far as the Alps. The paths are generally easy to walk; only short sections run along footpaths.

Nature

The hills shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age can be seen along the Hills Circular Trail in Effretikon. Preserved remnants of former swamps and different types of forest are part of the route, as are the viewpoints: three hills offer views across Effretikon and the surrounding area, in some places extending as far as the Alps. The route thus combines the hilly landscape, forest sections and individual open viewpoints in one circular walk.

Another trail connection is the Kempt Trail. The approximately five-kilometre hiking trail has 16 information boards and leads from the Graf weaving mill in Illnau via the Illnau sawmill and the Oberkempttal spinning mill to Würglen Mill near Effretikon. Along the way, it connects objects of industrial history and natural history. Picnic areas are located by the Otelrain canal system and at Sagiweiher pond.

The Foxtrail Elixira also links several points in the area. It starts at Effretikon railway station and ends at the Effretikon Reformed Church. Its route follows the Effretikon–Oberillnau–Grendelbach connection.

Culture

The Effretikon Reformed Church on Rebbuck is a modern exposed-concrete building. Zurich architect Ernst Gisel built it between 1959 and 1961. As a landmark visible from far away, it symbolises Effretikon’s architectural development in the 1960s. The modern Effretikon railway station is also made of exposed concrete. It was built in 1961 as the fourth station at the same location and designed by Max Vogt.

Historical traces can also be found at the ruins of Moosburg Castle. During archaeological surveys and excavations, valuable cultural artefacts have been recovered there over the past 200 years. The finds include everyday objects, weapons and a large collection of relief-decorated stove tiles.

The Stadthaussaal Effretikon primarily serves the ApplausHaus association as a venue for public cultural events. The programme includes concerts, theatre, comedy, cabaret, readings, lectures, film screenings and exhibitions, among other events.

For water-based and outdoor activities, the Badi Sportzentrum Effretikon includes a 50-metre swimming pool, a children’s pool, a kiosk and restaurant, a playground, table tennis and swimming lessons. In addition to the swimming pool, the sports centre offers a water slide, beach volleyball, street workout, mini golf, outdoor chess, ping-pong, a children’s playground and a sunbathing lawn for relaxing.

Further destinations to choose from: Weisslingen, Sternenberg, Pfäffikon, Lindau, Hittnau, Fehraltorf, Bauma, Wila.

To the higher-level travel overview: Pfäffikon.