The popular hiking area of Girenbad (or Gyrenbad) in the municipality of Turbenthal lies only a few kilometres to the south-east of Winterthur, on the edge of the Zurich Oberland. It’s only a short stroll to the Schauenberg, the mountain on Winterthur’s doorstep.

Zurich’s 1464 tax register holds the first mention of Gyrenbad close to Winterthur’s Schauenberg mountain (not to be confused with the place of the same name at Bachtel near Hinwil). Today’s building fabric dates back to the 17th century. The spa and sanatorium had an excellent reputation and was extremely popular. Two mineral springs rise here, however the spa era came to an end in 1968.

Because of its exceptional history, professional restoration of the historic buildings and excellent hospitality, in 1997 the Gasthof Gyrenbad won the title of «Historic Tavern of the Year». Today the establishment meets all the requirements of a modern hotel. Two light guest lounges, two rooms for weddings, family celebrations and company events, a beautiful terrace, seven comfortable guest rooms and choice cuisine make the Gasthof Gyrenbad a rewarding target for gourmets, day trippers, seminar visitors, hikers and snowshoe trekkers. The postbus takes around 40 minutes to travel up from Winterthur and stops right next to the timber-framed tavern.

In summer, the hiking area on the Schauenberg makes for worthwhile outings. The short hike from Gyrenbad to the Schauenberg vantage point takes around 40 minutes. The area is equally as popular with mountain bikers and there are also three attractive Nordic walking trails in superb scenery.

Highlights

• Schauenberg - the mountain on Winterthur’s doorstep with beautiful views in all directions. The ruins of a former castle are still visible
• Gasthof Gyrenbad, honoured as a historic tavern for its exemplary renovation work in keeping with criteria on the preservation of monuments.