Altikon: Walks along the Thur and village history

Altikon is a village and a political municipality in the Winterthur district of the canton of Zurich. The municipality includes the hamlets of Schneit, Feldi and Herten; it lies in the Thur Valley, north-northeast of Winterthur. During a stay here, rural landscapes, village history and walks along the Thur come together. Depending on whether you want to focus on nature, historical connections or activities in the village, Altikon offers various starting points for planning your trip.

Landscapes along the Thur

Around 20 percent of the municipality’s area is forested, while about 70 percent is used for agriculture. These approximate figures show how much the municipality is shaped by forests and agriculture. The recreational area along the Thur is right on Altikon’s doorstep and offers many opportunities for relaxing walks. If you would like to spend time outdoors, the Thur is a clear focus for your stay. A description published in 2003 reports on the revitalization of the channelized Thur at Altikon/Niederneunforn. Gravel banks and islands were created in a widened section of the river downstream of the cable-stayed bridge.

Village history and church

There was once a castle above the village, where the von Altikon family lived. A country house has stood on the site of the former castle since 1791. The municipality of Altikon acquired this country house in 1838.

The chapel was first mentioned in 1328 and was later expanded into a church. The local ecclesiastical history therefore dates back to this first written mention. Altikon Church is available for weddings. If you are considering holding a wedding there, check availability before booking.

The coat of arms and flag also link early origins with their later official adoption: they are based on the family coat of arms of the Kyburg ministeriales of Altikon, dating to around 1243. On April 18, 1928, the municipal council adopted them as the official coat of arms and flag. Their heraldic origins therefore go back considerably further than their official adoption.

Activities and getting there

At the flower field, you can pick flowers yourself. Horse-related experiences are also available, including holiday programs with 14 horses of various breeds. If you are planning your stay around one of these options, ask for the latest details in advance, as activity and program details may change. The offerings provide different options for planning a trip: walks along the Thur focus on the landscape, while flower picking and horse-related experiences offer specific activities.

The S29 departs from Thalheim-Altikon station for Winterthur or Stein am Rhein every half hour. Check the timetable before travelling so you can coordinate your journey with your plans.

Discover more destinations: Neftenbach, Dinhard, Turbenthal, Hofstetten, Hettlingen, Winterthur, Rickenbach, Elsau

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