Have you already explored all the paths around Zurich? Because I am still discovering new ones. This time I would like to suggest a route from Forch to Zürich Milchbuck.
Forch is a small town between the lakes Zürichsee and Greifensee. And we reached it by tram S18 from Zürich Stadelhofen, in just 22 minutes.
The first point on the route is an 18-metre-high bronze sculpture in the shape of a flame, commemorating the Zürich soldiers who fell during the First World War. The path continues through the forest. You pass a golf course and enter the Wehrenbach Gorge. It is almost completely hidden by dense trees. The path continues for several kilometres along the stream.
Where does the name Elefantenbach come from?
In Burgwies the brook joins up with another brook, which is also known as Stöckentobelbach or Elefantenbach. Interestingly, there is an elephant statue in its waters, made of concrete, which was donated by the Verschönerungsverein Zürich association in 1898.
However, the name Elefantenbach already existed before that. It is therefore assumed that the name of the stream comes from the elephant-like rock formation or from the name of the Elefantengasse street, running parallel to the stream in Witikon.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to the elephant because the children took over the place. Maybe next time …
View of the Zürichsee from above
The crowning glory of this route is the beautiful view from the top on Zürichsee and the town. There are lots of benches to relax on and enjoy the fantastic view.
The route is quite long, but does not require heavy trekking shoes and the elevation gain is low. Of course, it can also be shortened. After all, the trail runs close to the town.
Finally I must add, that despite all the advantages of this route: close to Zurich, lots of greenery and places to escape from the city, a stream flowing slowly, there are also disadvantages. The huge number of cyclists, walkers and runners can be tiring for some people. So I warn you and at the same time I strongly encourage you.
