Dürnten: Sewing Machine Museum and Hiking Trails

Dürnten is in the Hinwil district of the canton of Zurich, around 25 kilometres east of the city of Zurich. The municipality includes the localities of Tann, Dürnten, Oberdürnten and Breitenmatt. Museums, church history and trails through the countryside offer different focal points for a stay. If you are looking for a hotel in Dürnten, first consider which of these aspects you would like to include in your travel plans; you can then compare specific offers according to your own requirements.

Dürnten’s Landscape and History

The landscape encompasses the gorge-like Jonatal valley with the Tannertobel ravine, wooded hilltops and the Nagelfluh rock formations of the Zurich Oberland. Glacially formed hills typical of a drumlin landscape, as well as wetlands and forests, are also characteristic. The natural surroundings are ideal for walks, hikes and cycling tours. This landscape can be explored alongside the area’s history: Dürnten was first mentioned in a document as early as the 8th century. For centuries, arable farming and livestock breeding shaped the settlement; later, crafts and trade joined agriculture as predominant activities.

Mechanical Sewing Machines and Musical Instruments

At the Sewing Machine Museum at Pilgersteg, you can learn more about the historical and technical development of the mechanical sewing machine, from the end of the 18th century to the modern era. The collection comprises several hundred antique sewing machines, as well as accessories and related objects, including items from shoemaking and fur processing. The museum offers group tours by prior arrangement, except on Saturdays. If you are planning a tour, confirm the format before travelling.

The KMM Cultural Centre also focuses on mechanical technology, in this case in the form of musical instruments. On display are cylinder music boxes, flute clocks, automata dolls, self-playing pianos, orchestrions and phonographs, as well as fairground and concert organs. Mechanical instruments are played live during tours; confirm the tour format before travelling. The building’s history is also part of the visit: from 1873, it was first used as a silk-twisting mill and later as a silk-weaving mill. Operations ceased in 1978. Conversion and renovation began in 2015, and the KMM’s official opening followed in 2017.

Church and Historic Sites

Today’s Reformed Church of Dürnten was built between 1517 and 1521. Several churches had previously stood on the site: an early medieval church dating to around 700 AD, a Romanesque church from the 11th or 12th century, and a High Gothic church from around 1385. Its excellent acoustics also make it suitable for smaller concerts. If a concert is important to your visit, check the dates.

According to one historical interpretation, a small clearing castle stood between Oberdürnten and Hadlikon in the High Middle Ages; the Meier family of Dürnten are considered its builders and residents. The Dürnten (Hadlikon) castle site lies in the forest north of Oberdürnten. Its mound is located between two stream ravines and is protected on the uphill side by a neck ditch; no wall remains are visible. The approach leads uphill from the northern edge of Oberdürnten along the Alten Kirchweg to the edge of the forest, then for about 400 metres along the Gfäderweg. An unmarked path then branches off downhill. As these directions were last updated on 22 August 2016, check access again before visiting.

Hiking and Local Events

A hike to the Hasenstrick hiking bench starts at Tann-Dürnten railway station, passes through Oberdürnten and continues to Hasenstrick. The route description published in 2025 gives a distance of 15.1 kilometres, an approximate duration of four hours and ten minutes, and a moderate difficulty level. The route descends into the Tannertobel, initially follows the left bank of the Jona, crosses the ravine via a footbridge and then heads back towards Tann-Dürnten railway station. Allow the stated time for this hike and check the route description before setting off.

The Dürnten Chilbi offers a different kind of attraction. Its annual highlights include “Bull-Shit”, a cow-pat bingo game. Clubs offer various food and drinks at the Chilbi; the selection varies with each event. Check the current programme if you would like to combine your stay with the event.

Discover more destinations: Gossau, Wald, Fischenthal, Grüningen, Bäretswil, Bubikon, Wetzikon, Hinwil.

Back to the main travel overview: Hinwil.