Eigetal

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views

This hike starts at the edge of the old town and heads up through a small valley before looping back. It's a good option if the weather looks iffy and you don't want to commit to a big undertaking.

Start at the parking area on the northwest corner of the Friedhof Brunnenwiese (cemetery). From there, head counter-clockwise around the cemetery and take your first left, and then another left onto Aeschstrasse. You could make your way through the cemetery too, if you'd prefer.

Continue climbing up this steepish single lane road. At the intersection with Waldstrasse, turn to the right to follow the road into the forest. Continue, passing a forest hut on the left after a little bit. The road continues upwards and then descends where it becomes Auffahrtsweg.

After the hike begins to descend, follow Auffahrstweg to to the left toward the valley bottom. Bare right at the next intersection, continuing downward to cross a track and a small creek (dry). Emerge into a field with a farmhouse on the left. Continue past the farmhouse to the paved road.

Go left and descend, following the road through the valley, passing the firing range and eventually making a "T" with Bergstrasse (at this intersection, you have the option to go right one or two blocks to see some late 18th century vernacular architecture, see below. There are more examples in the area if you feel like exploring).

Go left to descend on Bergstrasse back to the parking area where you began.

European beech forest (Mischwald) covers much of the route. A few patches of un-managed forest can be found along drainages near the forest hut and in the following drainage, along which you descend.

The upper area of Wettingen has the nicest vernacular architecture of the city. Going off the route a block or two on either side will reveal some nice buildings. The blue-shuttered, nicely proportioned house on the corner of Bergstrasse and Isatzweg sold in 2016 for 1.7million Swiss Francs. It is worth taking the detour uphill on Bergstrasse to see it.