Sagentobelbach

Sagentobelbach is a small stream in Zurich that cuts through woodland between the Adlisberg and Zürichberg hills, forming the Sagentobel ravine. It runs for roughly 5.6 km as a left-bank tributary of the Glatt river, and it sits right beside Zoo Zürich, so it pairs easily with a city outing.

Where does the Sagentobelbach flow?

The stream rises at about 675 m above sea level, just under the Adlisberg in the Hottingen district, where it is known as the Adlisbergbach. It then drops through the steep Sagentobel gorge, part of which forms the boundary between the City of Zurich and the municipality of Dübendorf. It passes the Stettbach area and the Hirzenbach quarter before joining the Glatt near the Neugut wastewater plant at around 426 m. That is a fall of about 249 m, an average gradient of 44 per mille. The catchment covers 2.7 km², mostly forest, and the mean flow at the mouth is about 40 litres per second.

What will you see along the stream?

The ravine itself is the draw. The water tumbles over several steps, the tallest waterfall being about 5 m high. Dense woods, steep slopes and the sound of falling water make it feel like a mountain gorge a few minutes from housing. City forestry material describes the Sagentobel as part of the gorge woodland where footpaths, a fitness trail (Vitaparcours) and the stream meet. The Moosholzweiher pond lies nearby.

The gorge is protected as a landscape and geological site along its whole length, from Katzenschwanzstrasse to the edge of Stettbach. The nearby Böszelg moraine hill and the Stettbach gravel pit are protected too, both reminders of the Würm glaciation.

Where does the name come from?

It refers to a former sawmill (German: Säge) in the Klösterli area, probably owned by Zurich's St. Martin monastery.

How do you get there, and how long does it take?

The easiest start is the Elephant House at Zoo Zürich. The loop to the waterfall and back is about 2.4 km and easy, with the waterfall roughly 1.3 km in. A longer, moderate loop of around 9 km begins in Schwamendingen at the Ziegelhütte restaurant. Wear sturdy shoes, since paths beside the stream can be wet and steep.

When should you visit?

The ravine is open all year. Flow is strongest after rain and snowmelt, summer brings cool shade, and autumn colours the surrounding woods.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Sagentobelbach? About 5.6 km, from its source below the Adlisberg to the Glatt.

How tall is the biggest waterfall? The highest drop in the gorge is about 5 m.

Can I walk there from the zoo? Yes. The loop from the Elephant House at Zoo Zürich is about 2.4 km and rated easy.

Is the gorge protected? Yes, as a landscape and geological site from Katzenschwanzstrasse to the edge of Stettbach.