Bachtelspalt Wald Hinwil Rüti Switzerland Gorge

Bachtelspalt Wald Hinwil Rüti Switzerland Gorge: https://s.geo.admin.ch/5kvziz5j3rk3 The Bachtelspalt is a fascinating natural phenomenon in the Zurich Oberland. This narrow fissure in the Nagelfluh rock formation was created during a violent storm in August 1939, when parts of the terrain subsided. Key features for your visit • The fissure: It is about 50 meters long, and its walls rise up to 8 meters high. • The narrowest point: At its narrowest point, the passage is only about 40 centimeters wide. • Accessibility: The fissure is passable throughout for slender individuals. It is recommended to remove your backpack and push it in front of or behind you. • Conditions: Inside, it remains damp and cool even on hot days. After rainfall, the ground can be very slippery and muddy. Location and Accessibility The Bachtelspalt is located just below the summit on the side facing Wald ZH. • From Orn: A short walk (approx. 20–30 min.) leads from the Orn parking lot across meadows and through a wooded area directly to the pass. • Hiking tour: A popular route leads from Gibswil over the Bachtel summit to the gap and on to Wald ZH. The entire hike takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. Tips on site • Approach: It is recommended to ascend the gap from the lower end, as this makes the climb easier at the narrowest point. • Safety: Be especially careful when exiting the crevice at the upper end, as the terrain there can drop off steeply. • Mystery: A persistent rumor claims that the crevice is slowly closing again—geologists regularly monitor the movement of the rock masses.