Then immerse yourself in the world of Illnau-Effretikon! In this blog post, we reveal six exciting secrets about the town that you definitely didn’t know yet. From historical treasures to hidden corners – let our fun facts surprise and inspire you.
Are you ready for the challenge? Grab your friends, family or colleagues and explore Illnau-Effretikon in a whole new way. With our fun facts as your guide, you’ll discover the city through different eyes and are guaranteed to learn something new.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey through Illnau-Effretikon and be enchanted by our fun facts!
Fun facts about Illnau-Effretikon that you didn’t know yet!
1st culture weeks
The annual culture weeks in Illnau-Effretikon offer two weeks of cultural events from different continents. Associations in the town organise them to promote exchange between cultures and provide insights into different ways of life.
2nd Planet Trail
The Effretikon Planet Trail is an educational trail. A miniature model of our solar system has been recreated and explained along the trail. The adventure begins at Effretikon railway station and leads to the Kyburg Castle Museum.
3RD ILEF
ILEF – these four letters stand for the town of Illnau-Effretikon and abbreviate the name for practical reasons. The formation of the abbreviation dates back to 1998. At that time, electronic communication with e-mail addresses was introduced. The technical possibilities at that time did not allow the long name “@illnau-effretikon.ch”. It was therefore abbreviated without further ado.
4th coat of arms misunderstanding
Illnau’s coat of arms features a blue diagonal bar with three silver rays placed diagonally to the left. Historically, it is the coat of arms of the Lords of Illnau. In the course of time, the rays were misinterpreted as lilies.
5 Kyburg Castle
Kyburg Castle is the best-preserved feudal castle in north-east Switzerland. It stood as a symbol of power for its owners: the Counts of Kyburg, the Habsburg kings and dukes and Zurich.
6 Illenauvia and Erpfratinchova
“Illenauvia” and “Erpfratinchova” are first mentioned in a document from the monastery of St. Gallen on 10 September 745. There has been a church in Illnau since the 8th century as the centre of an extensive parish.
About Illnau-Effretikon
Illnau-Effretikon is a town and political municipality in the district of Pfäffikon in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland. It is located in the central Kempttal, around 20 kilometres north-east of Zurich.
Geography
The municipality of Illnau-Effretikon consists of the town of Effretikon and the villages of Illnau, Ottikon, Bisikon and Kyburg. The municipality also includes the hamlets of Agasul, Bietenholz, Billikon, First, Horben, Kemleten, Luckhausen, Mesikon and Oberkempttal.
The history
The villages of Illnau and Effretikon were first mentioned in the 7th/8th century. Important historical witnesses from the Middle Ages are the ruins of Moosburg Castle and Kyburg Castle, a cultural asset of national importance. The municipality of Illnau-Effretikon was created in 1974 from the merger of the municipalities of Illnau and Effretikon.
Population
With around 18,000 inhabitants, Illnau-Effretikon has a population density of approx. 547 inhabitants per km².
Traffic
Illnau-Effretikon has good transport links. The town is located on the Zurich-Winterthur railway line and has a motorway connection.
Education
There are several schools in Illnau-Effretikon, including primary schools, secondary schools and a grammar school.
Culture
Illnau-Effretikon offers a wide range of cultural activities. There are several museums, theatres and galleries in the town.
Places of interest
Illnau-Effretikon’s sights include Kyburg Castle, the ruins of Moosburg Castle, Effretikon Reformed Church and the Planet Trail.
Leisure time
Illnau-Effretikon offers a wide range of leisure activities. The municipality is home to several sports facilities, hiking and cycling trails and a swimming pool.
Bonus tip: Discover Illnau-Effretikon with Foxtrail
Foxtrail is a unique and interactive scavenger hunt that offers visitors an innovative way to discover Illnau-Effretikon and its sights. In this adventure, participants are guided through the town in teams, solving puzzles and deciphering clues to find the next location on their way. This experience is designed to not only encourage physical movement through the city, but also to challenge teamwork and logical thinking.
How does the Foxtrail in Illnau-Effretikon work?
Starting point: Every Foxtrail begins at a fixed starting point, where teams receive their documents and initial instructions. This marks the start of their adventure through Illnau-Effretikon.
Solve puzzles: Participants have to solve various puzzles that lead them to hidden messages, unusual places and impressive sights in Illnau-Effretikon. The puzzles are designed to encourage participants to take a closer look at their surroundings and engage with the history and culture of the town.
Team experience: Although Foxtrail can be experienced with family, friends or as a team-building activity with colleagues, the focus is on the shared experience. The tasks require communication and co-operation, which makes the whole thing a social experience.
By taking part in a Foxtrail in Illnau-Effretikon, visitors are given the opportunity to explore the town in a fun way. They not only discover the well-known sights, but also hidden corners and special places that are off the beaten track. At the same time, they learn interesting facts about Illnau-Effretikon and its history, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Foxtrail thus offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture and fun, ideal for anyone who wants to discover Illnau-Effretikon in a unique and interactive way.
