Schönenberg – Sihlsprung and village history

Schönenberg offers a range of starting points for planning a stay: the signposted walk to Sihlsprung, two churches with clearly distinct building histories, and local events. If you are looking for a hotel in Schönenberg, you can use these interests as a starting point for planning your trip.

Walk through the moraine landscape to Sihlsprung

The signposted Schönenberg–Sihlsprung–Sihlbrugg Dorf walk is 9.3 kilometres long and rated easy. It starts at the Schönenberg ZH, Dorfhuus bus stop and ends at the Sihlbrugg, Dorf stop. Check the current timetable before travelling. This makes it possible to plan the tour around the two specified stops when arranging your journey there and onward travel.

Shortly after the start, the path reaches its highest point, from where there are views across the typical moraine landscape. The route then crosses a protected marsh and descends steeply to Suenerstäg. The easy rating therefore comes alongside an explicitly steep section. At Sihlsprung, the Sihl flows between large blocks of conglomerate rock that have broken off from the cliffs. The transition from moraine landscape and marsh to the rocky setting makes the different stops along the way easy to distinguish.

The history of the water intakes is also part of this walk: in 1898, tunnels were built through the conglomerate rock wall to access Zurich’s water intakes. The landscape features and a specific construction project from the late 19th century thus sit side by side along the described route.

Reformed and Catholic churches

Schönenberg Reformed Church was consecrated on 18 March 1703. Its brick tower, built to plans by cantonal architect Hermann Fietz, was completed in 1897. The rectory was built together with the church in 1701/02. Panelled walls, coffered ceilings, plaster ceilings with stucco borders, and a Nehracher tiled stove from 1792 define its interiors. The dates and details thus span from the early construction of the rectory to the later completion of the tower.

The Catholic Church of the Holy Family was consecrated on 29 September 1985 by Bishop Johannes Vonderach of Chur. Its distinctive features include large stained-glass windows and door handles with metal inlays. They depict doves, salamanders, ants, and a cross spider. The motifs on the handles provide a different accent from the building history of the Reformed Church and its rectory.

Dorfmitti and local events

Dorfmitti at Schulhausweg 1 is a club venue with a café and library. Opening hours may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

The annual Schönenberger Chilbi takes place at Dorfhuusplatz. The 2024 edition included festive food, live music, and a Sunday morning church service. Dates and individual offerings may vary, so it is advisable to check the latest dates and programme before travelling for this event.

Another local custom is Schönenberger Noijaars-Aawünschete, featuring Rosoli and pear bread. It took place on 1 January 2024 at 4 p.m. at Dorfmitti. This specific date is a past event; if you would like to include the custom in your travel plans, check whether and when a new date has been scheduled.

Golf as another attraction

Golf can also play a role when choosing a place to stay. Golf & Country Club Schönenberg is located in the marshland around Krebsbach between Schönenberg and Hirzel. Its 18-hole golf course was built in 1967 and is intended for members and guests. As visitor access information may change, check with the club before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Horgen, Wädenswil, Rüschlikon, Kilchberg, Hirzel, Adliswil, Richterswil, Thalwil.

Back to the main travel overview: Horgen.