Knonau is in the Affoltern district of the canton of Zurich. For planning your trip, the village offers two distinct themes: architectural and local history, and hiking and cycling routes. The historical details range from the first written mention to prominent buildings; the routes focus on named trails and their respective features.
Knonau Church and Castle
Knonau is documented in writing from 1045. The deed mentions Knonau Church and its associated farmstead as property of Schänis Abbey. The church was dedicated to Saints Gertrude and Sebastian in 1519. The authorities in Zurich deliberately furnished it beautifully and relatively lavishly for a Reformed church. The church has been under the protection of the Swiss Confederation since 1961; in 1979, it was added to the inventory of protected sites of supra-municipal importance as a monument of cantonal importance.
Today’s Knonau Castle was built around 1525 as a Late Gothic cube with a stepped gable. Between 1534 and 1540, it was fortified with a high wall, a moat fed by the Wattbach stream and a drawbridge. Its construction history can thus be read in two stages: the Late Gothic building was followed by the fortifications. The well-preserved castle is over 500 years old. Two plane trees in the castle courtyard were planted in 1786 and are now considered the largest trees of their kind in Switzerland.
Knonau’s rural architectural history is also noteworthy: Baaregg is home to the village’s oldest surviving farmhouse. According to oral tradition, it dates from 1512; the well-preserved building is a timber-frame structure with plank infill. Those interested in the history of the landscape will also find a Roman connection: a military road from Turicum, present-day Zurich, to Lucerna, present-day Lucerne, crossed the Albis, Unter-Rifferswil and Weissenbach, passing through Knonau by way of Bollet. Remains of a Roman house were found on Bollet.
Hiking and Getting Around
The one-hour stretch of the Reuss Riverside Trail to Knonau climbs through the idyllic, quiet Haselbach valley. The stated duration provides a specific guide for planning your time; check trail conditions before setting out. Another named route runs from Obfelden to Knonau and forms part of the blue-marked Ämtler Trail. Check the trail markers and conditions before you set off.
The two routes differ in the features described: the Reuss Riverside Trail section is noted for its duration and the Haselbach valley, while the Ämtler Trail is identified by its blue markers and the route from Obfelden to Knonau. Knonau also offers numerous excursions for hikers looking to explore the surrounding area. The village is also a starting point for cycling tours of varying difficulty. Conditions on individual routes may change, so plan your trip based on the latest conditions.
Planning Your Stay
Knonau has its own S-Bahn station and bus connections. Check the timetables for your trip so you can coordinate your arrival with your planned routes. The distinctive glacial erratic is clearly visible from Knonau station. Among bouldering enthusiasts, it is known as the “8B Traverse.” Alongside the church, castle and farmhouse, this geological feature and its connection to climbing also help orient visitors in the village.
When choosing where to stay, consider whether local history, a hike or a cycling tour best fits your plans. The one-hour estimate for the Reuss Riverside Trail section helps you gauge a specific hiking option, while the cycling tours cover a range of difficulty levels. Knonau therefore offers a clear combination of cultural history and outdoor activities to help you decide where to stay.
Discover more destinations: Affoltern Am Albis, Aeugstertal, Uetliberg, Hausen Am Albis, Aeugst Am Albis, Kappel Am Albis, Bonstetten, Ottenbach.
See the main travel overview: Affoltern.
