a warm welcome

... to the website of Ottenbach Historic Small Hydro in Ottenbach in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. From 1871 onwards, the water power station drove the looms of the Mechanische Seidenweberei Zürich via transmissions. After conversion to electric drive, the alternator installed in 1920 supplied the necessary electricity. The machines and equipment that can be admired today date from that time. Here you will learn interesting facts about the power station and the associated hydraulic structures and some information about the history of the silk weaving mill, which at times employed up to 400 people and was an important economic factor for the region. The plant also includes the canton's longest historic side weir, which feeds the water of the Reuss into the recently renewed headrace channel.
We would be pleased to put the plant into operation for you. Find out more about the location, opening hours, visitor information and how to contact us
If you would like to find out more about the power plant and factory site, select the relevant topics in the menu that appears above.