Ottenbach lies in the Reuss Valley in the Affoltern district, around 20 kilometres southwest of Zurich. The Reuss runs through the municipality; the surrounding area is also shaped by farmland and woodland. Visitors planning a stay will find a range of ways to spend the day: a one-way riverside route, amphibian habitats, historic water technology and the winter custom of Spräggelen.
Exploring the Reuss
The Reuss Riverside Trail is a one-way route from Ottenbach to Rottenschwil. It starts at the cantonal border between Aargau and Zurich and follows a raised embankment path along the Reuss. The route is six kilometres long, with 10 metres of ascent, 40 metres of descent and a stated duration of 1 hour and 25 minutes. When planning, bear in mind that the route ends in Rottenschwil, and check current conditions before setting out: temporary diversions or closures may occur.
Small marshes lie along the path. There, you can discover a variety of lush plants and, with a little luck, animals too; sightings may vary depending on the season. Ottenbach’s flat to gently hilly landscape is also suitable for walks and cycle rides.
Amphibian habitats in Ottenbach
The MĂĽlibach gravel pit includes created shallow-water ponds inhabited by many amphibians. The area is an amphibian spawning site of national importance. The steep, clay-rich slopes are also home to a colony of sand martins (Riparia riparia); their presence may change over time. The gravel pit is therefore a distinct natural feature of the area, alongside the wetlands along the Reuss Riverside Trail. Conditions and the species found here may vary seasonally.
Small hydroelectric plant and historic water technology
The association operates the entire site of the historic Ottenbach small hydroelectric plant and offers demonstrations to the public. The original power station building is regularly put into operation, illustrating the state of mechanical and electrical engineering around 1920. Those interested in the history of technology can experience the site not only as a building, but also through its function. Check visitor arrangements in advance.
At the southwestern edge of the municipality stands another example of water technology: the longest historic side weir in the canton of Zurich, measuring 200 metres. The weir, which runs parallel to the river, diverts water for power generation and is part of the small hydroelectric plant belonging to the former A. F. Haas & Co. silk mill. Its technical function and connection with the textile industry add to the story of the hydroelectric plant, without implying that the former mill is still operating today.
Local history and rural character
Ottenbach is documented from 831 under the name “Hotumbacharia” and from 1169 as “Arnoldus de Ottonbac”. From the late 18th century, the village developed economically through domestic spinning and weaving. In 1784, almost half the population worked in cotton spinning; by the early 19th century, there were around 350 handlooms. The Zurich Mechanical Silk Weaving Mill employed more than 200 people from Ottenbach and the surrounding area.
Arable and vegetable farming also shaped the area’s development: its location in the fertile Reuss Valley made Ottenbach an important centre for these activities early on. The municipality covers around five square kilometres; just over half is used for agriculture, and around a fifth is wooded. These figures give an impression of the rural character Ottenbach has retained despite its industrialisation.
Spräggelen as winter approaches
Spräggelen is an ancient folk custom that comes to life in Ottenbach as winter approaches and today brings young and old together for a social gathering. The Grosse Spräggele takes place on the second Friday in December each year. Since the late 1980s, it has been accompanied by a Christmas market. As the event is seasonal, it is worth checking the current programme for the year before visiting.
Getting here by train and bus
Route 215 connects Zurich Wiedikon with Ottenbach and Affoltern am Albis via Birmensdorf and Oberlunkhofen. At Affoltern, you can change to S-Bahn lines S5 and S14. The S5 runs between Zug, Zurich, Stadelhofen and Pfäffikon SZ; the S14 runs between Affoltern am Albis, Zurich, Stadelhofen and Hinwil. Check current timetables before travelling so you can coordinate your arrival and the rest of your day accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Hausen am Albis, Aeugst am Albis, Knonau, Kappel am Albis, Affoltern am Albis, Aeugstertal, Bonstetten, Uetliberg.
Back to the main travel overview: Affoltern.
