Happy TravellerWelcome to Dietikon, the fifth largest city in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Situated at the junction of Reppisch and Limmat rivers in the Limmat Valley, Dietikon is a bustling industrial city that offers a perfect blend of urban and natural attractions. In this guide, we will take you on a virtual tour of the city and uncover some of its hidden gems.
Geography:
Dietikon is spread over an area of 9.3 square kilometers, out of which 17.2% is used for agriculture and 27% is covered in forest. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Honeret, Guggenbuehl, and Roehrenmoos forests that offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The confluence of Limmat and Reppisch rivers adds to the city’s charm and offers picturesque views that are hard to miss.
Transportation:
Dietikon is located on the A3 motorway and is well-connected to the rest of Switzerland. The Dietikon and Glanzenberg railway stations are stops for the S-Bahn Zurich on the S3 and S12 lines. Dietikon railway station is also the terminus of the line S17 provided by the Bremgarten-Dietikon-Bahn. The city is also served by the Limmattal tramway and the Limmattal light rail line, which is currently under construction.
Visitor Attractions:
Dietikon has a lot to offer to its visitors. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Bruno Weber Park in Spreitenbach, a sculpture garden and Gesamtkunstwerk that is a must-visit for art lovers. Another famous attraction is the ruins of Glanzenberg Castle, built in the late 12th century by the Counts of Regensberg. The walls of the castle are still intact and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history. If you’re a nature lover, head to the Honeret and Guggenbuehl forests, where you can explore over 200 prominent stones, springs, and streams, and indulge in some hiking and camping.
Weather:
Dietikon has a moderate climate with an average of 132.2 rainy days per year. On average, the city receives 1078mm of rainfall per annum, with August being the wettest month. The city experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for tourists.
Demographics:
As of 31 December 2020, Dietikon had a population of 28,057, out of which 39.8% were foreign nationals. The most commonly spoken language in the city is German, followed by Italian and Albanian. The SVP is the most popular political party in the city, followed by the SPS, CVP, and FDP.
Economy and Education:
The Limmattaler Zeitung newspaper and Ex Libris are some of the well-known companies situated in Dietikon. The city has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and approximately 60.1% of the population between the ages of 25-64 have completed either non-mandatory upper secondary education or additional higher education.
History:
Dietikon’s history dates back to 1100 when it was first mentioned as Dietinchovin. The city boasts several Roman ruins, and the Fahr Benedictine Convent, established by the House of Regensberg in 1130 AD. In September 1799, the Second Battle of Zurich was fought in Dietikon, and the city’s name is inscribed on the pillar of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
Notable People:
Dietikon has produced several famous personalities, including the artist and architect Bruno Weber, the artist and music composer Peter Schweri, and the economist and professor of applied economic research at the University of Konstanz, Urs Fischbacher.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Dietikon and experience the city’s charm firsthand.
