Happy TravellerWelcome to Horgen, a picturesque municipality located in the district of Horgen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland. Situated along the south bank of the stunning Lake of Zurich, Horgen is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a rich history dating back to the middle Neolithic period, Horgen is also a fascinating destination for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore the geography, demographics, transportation, and notable landmarks of Horgen, and discover why this charming town is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Switzerland.
History:
Horgen is the type-site of Switzerland’s middle Neolithic archaeological culture, the Horgner Kultur (Horgen culture). The settlement produced examples of a type of crude pottery with parallels to the Seine-Oise-Marne culture of northern France. Horgen is first mentioned in 952 as Horga.
Geography:
Horgen has an area of 21.1 km2 (8.1 sq mi). Of this area, 27.7% is used for agricultural purposes, while 49.9% is forested. The rest of the land is either settled (20.4%) or non-productive (2%). The large municipality stretches from the shores of Lake Zurich (elevation 408 m (1,339 ft)), near Wädenswil over the Zimmerberg-Plateau where the decentralized village of Horgenberg is found (elevation 660 m (2,170 ft)), though the Sihl Valley (Sihltal), to the peak of the Albis chain (elevation 915 m (3,002 ft)). It includes the villages of Horgen, Arn, and Horgenberg. Until 1773, Horgen included the now separate municipalities of Oberrieden and Hirzel.
Demographics:
Horgen has a population of 23,090, with 27.1% of the population made up of foreign nationals. Most of the population speaks German (79.9%), with Italian being the second most common (5.7%) and Albanian being third (2.8%). In the 2007 election, the most popular party was the SVP which received 35.6% of the vote. The age distribution of the population is children and teenagers (0–19 years old) make up 20.7% of the population, while adults (20–64 years old) make up 64.1% and seniors (over 64 years old) make up 15.2%. In Horgen about 73% of the population (between age 25-64) have completed either non-mandatory upper secondary education or additional higher education (either university or a Fachhochschule).
Transportation:
The A3 motorway passes through the municipality and has a junction in the south of the town. The municipality of Horgen is served by three railway stations. Of these two are relatively close to each other in the lakeside part of the municipality, while the other is some distance away from the centre of the town in the Sihl Valley. Horgen is on the Lake Zurich left bank line and is served by Zurich S-Bahn lines S2 and S8. Horgen Oberdorf is on the Thalwil–Arth-Goldau line, and is served by the S24. Sihlwald is on the Sihltalbahn and is the terminus of the S4. The Zimmerberg bus line (Zimmerbergbus), provided by the Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn (SZU), connects the Zimmerberg region and parts of the Sihl Valley. In the summer, there are regular boats to Zürich-Bürkliplatz as well as along the lake to Rapperswil, run by the Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft. The Horgen–Meilen car ferry connects Horgen and Meilen across the width of Lake Zurich.
Notable Landmarks:
Horgen is home to several notable landmarks, including the Horgen Castle, a medieval castle that dates back to the 13th century. The castle is now used as a cultural center and hosts various events throughout the year. Another popular attraction is the Horgenberg Cemetery, a historic cemetery that features several impressive tombstones and monuments. For nature lovers, the Sihlwald forest is a must-visit destination. This protected forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and offers several hiking trails for visitors to explore.
In conclusion, Horgen is a hidden gem that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply want to relax by the lake, Horgen is the perfect destination for your next vacation. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals, Horgen is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Horgen today and discover all that this charming town has to offer!
