Top 20 Natural Monuments around Wollerau
Best natural monuments around Wollerau are characterized by a glacially shaped landscape, featuring significant geological formations and scenic water bodies. The region, situated near the upper part of Lake Zurich, offers diverse natural attractions. These include deep gorges with unique rock formations and serene lakes nestled within nature reserves. The area provides opportunities to observe geological structures and explore varied natural environments.
Best natural monuments around Wollerau
- The most popular natural monuments is Sihlsprung, a gorge characterized by glacially shaped drumlin and moraine landscapes. This area features distinctive Nagelfluh rock formations and small waterfalls, with gorge walls reaching up to 75 meters high.
- Another must-see spot is Sternen Pond, a lake that historically served as a reservoir for a silk mill. This site is known for its restored fountain, which can spray up to 101 meters high.
- Visitors also love Lake Hüttner, a lake located in a small nature reserve. This idyllic lake features a small lido and is situated amidst pastures and hills, offering a picturesque setting.
- Wollerau is known for its gorges, lakes, and caves. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, showcasing its diverse geological and natural features.
- The natural monuments around Wollerau are appreciated by the komoot community, with 431 upvotes and 156 photos shared.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Sihlsprung
Highlight • Gorge
The area around the Sihltobel forms an important, glacially shaped drumlin and moraine landscape that dates back to the Sihl glacier. The Sihlsprung itself, on the other hand, is a fluvial cut in this landscape that emerged after the last glacial period. The gradient of the Sihl is slight, while the Mülibach, which comes from peaks on the side, has a slightly steeper gradient. Two nameless side streams on the Zug side even form small waterfalls. The partly forested, partly rocky steep walls of the gorge (up to 75 meters high) consist of Nagelfluh and are part of the elongated Molasse zone between Höhronen and Baden. A characteristic of the Sihlsprung are the Nagelfluh boulders, some of which are several cubic meters in size, in and next to the river bed.
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Höllgrotten
Highlight • Cave
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Natural Tunnels Along the Sihl
Highlight • Cave
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Horgner Bergweiher
Highlight • Lake
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Sternen Pond
Highlight • Lake
It lies north-east of Sonntagern and drains into Lake Zurich via the Mülibach. According to the national map, its tributary is called Miesbach.[1]
In 1873, the silk manufacturer Rudolf Zinggeler-Syfrig received the rights to use the Mülibach to drive the machines in his Zinggeler AG silk mill. Above Richterswil, the star pond was created by damming the Mülibach. A two-kilometre-long pressure pipe carried the water down to Lake Zurich, where it drove a water turbine in Zinggeler's factory. For amusement and as a symbol of industrialization, from 1875 onwards the manufacturer let the water rise through a nozzle on holidays such as August 1st: A fountain was created with a height of 80 to 85 meters. This fountain was long considered the highest on the continent. In 1972 the power plant was shut down and with it the fountain.[2]
The fountain, which was restored by the Richterswil Historical Fountains Association, which was founded in 2003, was put back into operation in 2007. Today it sprays up to 101 m high.
Source: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starnweiher
Easy to reach by bike (asphalt). Starting point for tours in all directions. Restaurant "Star Lake" 100 m away.
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Tips from the Community
The Bergweiher pond, with the Grindelriet to the south, is a popular local recreation area and a valuable habitat for wetland plants and animals. The beaver has also settled there and built its lodge. Therefore, the southern part of the pond and the moorland areas are protected. Bathing is permitted on the north side, and a recreation zone has been set up for picnics/barbecue areas.
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This section of the Sihl River is truly breathtaking. Crystal-clear water flows gracefully around massive boulders that rise majestically from the riverbed. The sound of the water cascading over the stones adds a soothing rhythm to the natural symphony of the landscape.
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The Höllgrotten Baar were discovered in 1863 during the mining of tuff stone and were made more and more accessible until 1917. Thanks to an artificial connecting tunnel, you can now visit the entire grotto; a tour takes about 45 minutes. The grotto is open from April 1st to October 31st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since they are privately owned, there is an admission fee. You can find more information here: https://www.hoellgrotten.ch/.
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Worth seeing. And, as with most caves, it is advisable to take a jacket with you :-)
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The traces of storms from recent years and decades are clearly visible here. The Sihl does not always flow so peacefully...
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Even as children, we were always fascinated by the Höllgrotten.
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Beautiful grotto in our canton of Zug
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural monuments can I expect to see around Wollerau?
The natural monuments around Wollerau are characterized by a glacially shaped landscape, featuring significant geological formations and scenic water bodies. You'll find deep gorges with unique rock formations, serene lakes nestled within nature reserves, and impressive caves. The area offers a diverse range of natural attractions to explore.
Are there any notable gorges or rock formations to visit?
Yes, the Sihlsprung is a prominent gorge known for its glacially shaped drumlin and moraine landscapes. It features distinctive Nagelfluh rock formations, small waterfalls, and gorge walls reaching up to 75 meters high. You can even walk through a 170-meter-long tunnel along the path.
Which natural monuments are suitable for families with children?
Several natural monuments are family-friendly. The Höllgrotten stalactite caves offer an engaging 45-minute tour. Sternen Pond, with its impressive 101-meter-high fountain, is also a great spot. Additionally, Lake Hüttner features a small lido, a kiosk, and play areas for children, making it ideal for a family outing.
Are there any caves to explore near Wollerau?
Absolutely! The Höllgrotten in the Lorzentobel are a network of fascinating stalactite caves, accessible via an artificial connecting tunnel. Another unique experience is exploring the Natural Tunnels Along the Sihl, though it's recommended to bring a light and wear good footwear as they can be wet and unlit.
What are the best natural monuments for scenic views or relaxation by the water?
For scenic views and relaxation, Lake Hüttner is an excellent choice. Located in a small nature reserve amidst pastures and hills, it offers a picturesque setting with a lido. The broader Lake Zurich area, near Wollerau, also provides beautiful views and opportunities for water-based activities.
Can I go hiking or biking near these natural monuments?
Yes, the region around Wollerau is perfect for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including mountain hikes like the Banegg or Etzelpass loops. For cyclists, there are gravel biking routes such as the Einsiedeln Monastery – Lake Sihl loop. Explore more options in the Mountain Hikes around Wollerau and Gravel biking around Wollerau guides.
Are there any historical natural monuments or sites with a unique past?
Yes, Sternen Pond has a rich history, having served as a reservoir for a silk mill in the 19th century. Its restored fountain, which can spray up to 101 meters high, was once considered the highest on the continent and symbolizes the region's industrial past.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Wollerau?
The natural monuments around Wollerau are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer vibrant colors, especially along forest trails like the Moos circular route. In summer, lakes like Lake Hüttner are perfect for swimming. Some caves, like Höllgrotten, are open from April to October. In winter, if conditions allow, Lake Hüttner can even freeze over for ice skating.
Are there running trails near the natural monuments?
Yes, the area offers several running trails. You can find routes that incorporate natural monuments like the Sternenweiher – Lake Hüttner loop from Wollerau. These trails provide a great way to experience the scenic beauty while getting some exercise.
What geological features are characteristic of the Wollerau region?
The Wollerau region is largely defined by its glacially shaped landscape, a legacy of the Sihl glacier. This includes distinctive drumlin and moraine formations, as well as unique Nagelfluh rock formations, particularly visible in gorges like the Sihlsprung. The landscape also shows evidence of fluvial erosion, shaping the deep gorges.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Wollerau?
Visitors frequently appreciate the unique geological formations, such as the large rocks in the water and the tunnels along the Sihl. The serene beauty of the lakes, like Lake Hüttner, and the impressive stalactites in the Höllgrotten are also highly praised. Many enjoy the diverse opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural environment.
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