Hofstetten: Trails, Views and Local History

Hofstetten is a district of the municipality of Elgg in the canton of Zurich, at an elevation of 644 meters. Until December 31, 2017, Hofstetten was an independent political municipality; since 2018, it has been part of the municipality of Elgg. For a stay that includes hiking, the trails along the edge of the forest, the Farenbach Gorge and the Schauenberg offer specific points of reference. Historic sites and Hofstetten’s history complete the picture.

Hiking Trails, Gorge and Views

The Hofstetten–Wenzikon–Steig route runs along the edge of the forest and offers a view of the village of Hofstetten. An alternative return route leads through the Farenbach Gorge back to Elgg. There, the path runs through a nature reserve alongside the stream and crosses small bridges. The sections described are therefore quite distinct: on one route, the forest edge frames the view of the village; in the gorge, the stream and bridges shape the path.

Views from the Schauenberg depend on visibility. In good conditions, the panoramic view extends from Lake Constance to the Black Forest, and from the Bernese, Central Swiss, Graubünden and Vorarlberg Alps to the Säntis. Mountain peaks in more than 20 Swiss cantons and countries are visible. This makes the Schauenberg a distinct viewpoint, apart from the trails that run closer to the village and the stream.

Planning Your Hikes

A 10-kilometer variant of the Hofstetten–Wenzikon–Steig route is listed as taking about two and a half hours to hike. This estimate comes from a route description dated June 2019 and may vary depending on conditions and breaks. The Tour d’Elgg features seven hiking suggestions around and up the Schauenberg, ranging in duration from one to four hours. This gives you different time frames to help plan your hike. As the estimated times for the suggested hikes may be updated, check the individual details before planning.

For the Hofstetten–Wenzikon–Steig route, a route description dated June 2019 recommends taking the postbus from Elgg to the Hofstetten Dorf stop and continuing on foot from there. Check current public transport conditions before setting out. Trail conditions may also be important for planning: check current trail conditions before setting off on the path through the Farenbach Gorge.

For the Farenbach Gorge nature reserve, the route description dated June 2019 states that motor vehicles are generally prohibited, including bicycles. If you plan to cycle there, confirm the current rules on site. The route from Huggenberg to the Schauenberg lists a rest area with a barbecue spot at the Schauenberg. This detail also comes from a route description dated June 2019; check the conditions on site if you plan to use the rest area.

History and Local Highlights

Hofstetten / Schauenberg includes a medieval castle ruin and a more recent watchtower. Hofstetten is also home to the Doktorhaus, also known as the Türmlihaus, at Am Bächli 2. These sites offer different points of reference for local history: from the medieval complex and the watchtower to the named house in the village.

The area’s administrative history goes back further. In 1424, and definitively in 1452, Hofstetten came under the high jurisdiction of the city of Zurich along with the County of Kyburg. In 1798, Hofstetten became a political municipality; ecclesiastically, it always belonged to Elgg. This later change explains its status today: Hofstetten was independent until December 31, 2017, and has been part of the municipality of Elgg since 2018.

The Guhwilmühle adds another distinctive touch: its waterwheel still turns a suckling pig over an open fire. The current menu may change.

Discover more destinations: Elgg, Winterthur, Dinhard, Neftenbach, Turbenthal, Brütten, Pfungen, Hettlingen.

Go to the main travel overview: Winterthur.