Zweidlen offers several distinct reasons to stay: the listed Eglisau power station, a literary hiking trail, technical exhibitions and traces of the border fortifications along the Rhine. There is also a nature attraction in the Steinbruch Zweidlen forest area. For planning purposes, it helps to consider these attractions separately by interest and time required: allow about three hours of walking for the poets’ trail; guided tours of the power station have a minimum age requirement.
Eglisau Power Station and Industrial Architecture
Eglisau Power Station in Zweidlen was built between 1915 and 1921. As an example of the industrial architecture of its time, it is a listed building. If you are interested in the history of hydropower, you can consider a guided tour of the hydroelectric power station: Axpo Power’s visitor service offers such tours. The minimum age is twelve; tours may be conducted in German, English, French or Italian. Check the visitor service’s current conditions before planning your visit.
Literary Trail and Technical Insights
The Gottfried Keller Poets’ Trail is an immersive hike featuring 14 plaques with poems and texts. They explain where Gottfried Keller found inspiration for his works and offer insights into his emotional world. The walk takes about three hours; the trail continues to Zweidlen S-Bahn station. If you plan to hike the trail, check the trail conditions before setting out and consult the timetable for your onward journey.
Another way to explore technology and energy is at the «Burenwisen» Electricity House. It features historical and modern exhibits, as well as up-to-date information about electricity. The exhibits include electrical appliances and technical equipment from the past 100 years. Experiments in the electricity lab and an audiovisual presentation complement the exhibition, making learning engaging and hands-on. Both technological development and practical experimentation are at the heart of the experience.
Traces of Local and Border History
The border fortifications along the Rhine and on Laubberg comprised four machine-gun bunkers and 17 shelters. They were built before and during active service between 1939 and 1941. The Zweidlen-Lätten defensive position included the section of the Rhine fortifications from east of Kaiserstuhl to east of Rheinsfelden, as well as a second line of defence from Zweidlen to Laubberg-Dachsberg. One specific structure is the two-storey Zweidlen Hörnli infantry bunker, on the edge of the small Hörnlirain woodland northeast of Zweidlen.
An earlier event is also part of the town’s history: a major fire destroyed eleven houses and barns in the village of Zweidlen in 1748. The fortifications and the story of the fire illustrate different chapters in the town’s past, from military border security to a devastating event in the village.
Nature and Farm-Direct Shopping
In the Steinbruch Zweidlen forest area, a cave is used by various bat species as a winter roost. Some of them are species on the Red List with the highest national priority. The cave may also serve as a stopover and swarming roost. This ecological feature complements the technical and historical themes with a glimpse of local wildlife.
There is also a specific option for provisions: meat and wine are sold directly from the farm at a self-service farm shop in Zweidlen Dorf. This adds a practical connection to the local area to the visitor attractions.
Discover more destinations: Bassersdorf, Eglisau, Kloten, Wallisellen, Opfikon, BĂĽlach, Rafz, Rorbas.
Go to the main travel overview: BĂĽlach.
