Wila: Hiking Trails, Ponds and Local History

Wila offers a variety of routes and themes for planning your trip: the Panorama Trail climbs gently to Ghöngg, the Huebeweg is more challenging, and the Pond Trail focuses on the waterscape and the history of local industry. There is also a swimming spot and several cultural and historical sites. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to the type of trail, landscape and local history.

Hiking, Water and Views

The Töss river landscape is accessible via a hiking trail, a cycling path and an equestrian trail. In the riverbed, stones offer children a place to play. The trails thus offer different ways to experience the landscape, without every route having the same character.

The Panorama Trail is an easy circular route. It climbs gently to Ghöngg and offers views across the village. On the way back, Bodenweiher pond is an inviting place to linger before the trail leads back to the centre. The Huebeweg offers a more challenging alternative: this discovery trail crosses the hills to Wila’s “Hueben” and passes through several hamlets in the municipality. Those comparing trails by difficulty will find a clear distinction between an easy circular route and a challenging hill hike.

The Pond Trail leads through a green setting to Mühleweiher and Rosenbergweiher ponds. It also offers an insight into Wila’s water-rich surroundings and illustrates the importance of water to local industry in the past. The route thus combines a visit to the ponds with a look at local history.

The Hohenlandenberg castle site is a hiking destination; the Guyer-Zeller-Weg leads there from the valley floor. The castle ruins have a barbecue area and a resting place. Toni-Gumpe lies at a ledge in the Töss on the route to Hohenlandenberg and the Guyer-Zeller-Weg, and is a popular swimming spot for visitors of all ages. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle, kick scooter or inline skates via the Töss riverside trail. Swimming conditions may vary depending on the season.

Local History and Crafts

Along the Wila Historical Trail, information boards introduce key points in local history and everyday life in the past. They also cover almost-forgotten crafts and child labour in dark weaving cellars. This brings the focus not only to historic buildings, but also to the work and living conditions of earlier generations.

The Alte Post in Wila dates from 1736 and housed the first post office. A wooden chapel already stood on what is now the church hill around the year 700. A ruling from 1504 documents the separation of Wila’s branch church from Turbenthal and the establishment of an independent parish church in Wila. The rectory has a Baroque portal with an intricate Rococo grille.

The Wila Local Museum is housed in a former multi-purpose farmhouse. Farming and craft implements illustrate the lives of earlier generations, while fire-fighting equipment shows technological progress. The museum presents the municipality’s history and holds special exhibitions and events each year. Specific dates depend on the annual programme. Check the current dates if a particular event is important to your visit.

The history of craftsmanship also comes to life at the Alte Windenmacherei Brüngger: screw jacks were made there from 1874 to 2009. Since 2005, the workshop has been protected as a listed monument by the canton. During guided tours, the machines and forge are put into operation; under supervision, you can try your hand at blacksmithing. This distinguishes Wila’s historic sites: the trail and museum present local history, while tours of the windlass workshop combine historic technology with the chance to try blacksmithing.

Local Events and Products

Restaurant Heubode hosts farm events such as Burger-Sunntig and Metzgete. Dates vary according to the annual programme; check the dates if you are travelling to Wila specifically for one of these events. The Brunnackerhof’s HofArtLädeli sells homemade farm products, and the selection may vary by season. Café Janz confectionery has a location in the centre of Wila at Huswisstrasse 2, 8492 Wila; the availability of individual products may change.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hittnau, Bauma, Pfäffikon, Weisslingen, Fehraltorf, Lindau, Sternenberg, Illnau-Effretikon.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pfäffikon.