Aabach Wasserfall

Aabach Wasserfall in Horgen is a waterfall in the Aabachtobel gorge above Lake Zurich, in the canton of Zurich. It drops on a side stream of the Aabach and is the highlight of an easy hike from Horgen toward the Au peninsula.

What is this place?

The Aabachtobel is a wild, rocky ravine through which the Aabach runs down to the lake. Along the way the stream forms small and large cascades, locally called "Giessen", and shallow rock basins where you can cool off in summer. The waterfall itself is not on the main channel. It sits on a tributary and falls over a rocky ledge, with a small pool and a fireplace nearby. It is at its strongest after rain and during snowmelt.

In the lower gorge you can see exposed sandstone and marl layers of the Upper Freshwater Molasse, which adds interest for anyone curious about geology. Hikers also mention other stops: the medium-sized Bernhardsfall and a sealed gallery of an old mine below the forest path.

How do you get to the falls?

The best-known option is the Zurich hiking association's walk from Horgen through the Aabachtobel to the Halbinsel Au. It begins at the Horgen, Hüttenstrasse bus stop. The path follows the stream, using metal stairways, low rock steps and narrow passages between the rocks in places. After the third bridge the trail leaves the stream bed and climbs gently to the waterfall on the side stream.

From there it continues up a wooded slope to a forest edge with a view, then to the Horgen, Käpfnach bus stop. A descent leads to the lake, and you follow the shore, partly on boardwalks through reeds, to Au. The route is 7.5 km long with 65 m of ascent and 200 m of descent, and it is rated easy.

Approximate walking times from the start:

• Aabach bridge: about 30 minutes
• Käpfnach: about 50 minutes
• Ausee lake: about 1 h 20 min
• Au ferry landing: about 1 h 35 min
• Au station: about 1 h 55 min

Komoot also lists loops from Horgen and from Au: a short easy one (around 6.3 km, under 2 hours), a longer one (around 12.5 km, about 3.5 hours) and a 9.5 km loop from Au (about 2 h 40 min).

When should you go?

Water volume is highest after rainfall and in spring thaw. In summer the basins in the stream bed are the draw. Rock and steps get slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip.

What else is on the way?

A viewpoint at the forest edge, then a lakeshore stretch with several spots where you can reach the water. You can add a loop around the small Auseelein pond and walk on to the castle in Au. A restaurant stands on the Au hill.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hike difficult? No. ZVV rates it easy, though there are metal stairs and narrow rocky sections.

Where do I start? At the Horgen, Hüttenstrasse bus stop, and finish at Au railway station or the ferry landing.

Where exactly is the waterfall? On a side stream, reached after the third bridge, where the path leaves the main Aabach channel.

When does it look best? After heavy rain and during snowmelt.