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Schleinikon
Schleinikon
Schleinikon
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Schleinikon is a municipality in the district of Dielsdorf in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.

Key Information

Zythüsli, timber framing construction at Schleinikon

Geography

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Aerial view (1967)

Situated in the Wehntal, Schleinikon has an area of 5.7 km2 (2.2 sq mi). Of this area, 49.9% is used for agricultural purposes, while 43.2% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 6.7% is settled (buildings or roads) and the remainder (0.2%) is non-productive (rivers, glaciers or mountains).[2]

Demographics

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Schleinikon has a population (as of 31 December 2020) of 858.[3] As of 2007, 5.7% of the population was made up of foreign nationals. Over the last 10 years the population has grown at a rate of 9.4%. Most of the population (as of 2000) speaks German (95.8%), with English being second most common ( 0.6%) and Serbo-Croatian being third ( 0.6%).

In the 2007 election the most popular party was the SVP which received 39.8% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were the SPS (18.3%), the CSP (12.9%) and the Green Party (11.4%).

The age distribution of the population (as of 2000) is children and teenagers (0–19 years old) make up 27% of the population, while adults (20–64 years old) make up 63% and seniors (over 64 years old) make up 10%. In Schleinikon about 84% of the population (between age 25-64) have completed either non-mandatory upper secondary education or additional higher education (either university or a Fachhochschule).

Schleinikon has an unemployment rate of 0.92%. As of 2005, there were 45 people employed in the primary economic sector and about 18 businesses involved in this sector. 24 people are employed in the secondary sector and there are 6 businesses in this sector. 34 people are employed in the tertiary sector, with 13 businesses in this sector.[2]

References

[edit]
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Schleinikon

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Schleinikon is a small rural municipality in the of the canton of Zürich, Switzerland, situated in the scenic Wehntal valley in the Zürcher Unterland region on the northern slope of the Lägern ridge at an elevation of 472 meters. The municipality spans an area of 5.68 km² and comprises the main village of Schleinikon along with the hamlets of Dachslern and Wasen. As of 31 December 2024, it had a population of 868, predominantly German-speaking, with the area remaining primarily agricultural and forested, surrounded by green woods and fields ideal for walking and cycling. The community is located between Egg and Lägern, offering an idyllic, rural setting with a focus on local agriculture and nature. Key local amenities include the "Milchhütte," a village shop combining a small café, grocery store, and bread bakery, as well as the cozy "Althaus" restaurant. A prominent landmark is the Zythüsli, a distinctive structure built in the first half of the 17th century, with a 1:10 scale miniature model displayed in the community hall. Population growth has been gradual in recent decades, rising from 858 residents at the end of 2020 to 868 by the end of 2024, reflecting modest expansion in this quiet countryside .

Geography

Location and hamlets

Schleinikon is a municipality in the Dielsdorf district of the canton of Zürich, Switzerland. It is situated in the Wehntal region on the northern slope of the Lägern ridge, with the village center on the southern side of the Wehntal. The municipal territory extends from the Lägerengrat in the south to Egg in the north and borders the neighboring municipalities of Oberweningen, Niederweningen, Otelfingen, and Boppelsen. The municipality comprises the main village of Schleinikon along with the hamlets of Dachslern and Wasen. Schleinikon lies at approximately 47°30′N 8°24′E, at an elevation of 472 meters above sea level. It has the postal code and the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFOS) number 0098.

Topography and elevation

Schleinikon lies at an elevation of 472 meters above sea level on the northern slope of the Lägern ridge in the Wehntal valley. The municipality's topography is characterized by its position in the Wehntal, a valley setting that transitions from lower areas near the valley floor to the rising slopes of the Lägern ridge to the south. The terrain features a gradual to steep ascent from the village southward toward the Lägern, with lower areas to the north in the valley, and municipal elevations ranging from approximately 441 meters at lower points to a maximum of 834 meters in higher areas. The Lägerenweid, situated on the Lägern above Schleinikon, reaches approximately 761 meters and includes an alpine pasture with a farmhouse still used for cattle grazing. The northern slope location of the village places it at the foot of the Lägern, resulting in a varied landscape of valley plains and forested hillsides that define the local topography.

Land use and environment

Schleinikon has a total area of 5.68 km². Of this, 48.4% is used for agricultural purposes, 44.0% is forested or wooded, approximately 7.3% consists of settled and traffic areas (including buildings, roads, and related infrastructure), and 0.4% is water or other non-productive surfaces. This breakdown underscores the municipality's predominantly rural and natural character, with nearly half the land devoted to farming and a substantial portion covered by forests, particularly on the northern slopes of the Lägern ridge. The agricultural and forested dominance shapes the local environment, supporting a landscape typical of the Wehntal region that remains largely undeveloped compared to more urbanized parts of the canton. Local and regional efforts focus on preserving this rural quality and biodiversity, including initiatives by the Natur- und Vogelschutzverein Wehntal, which promotes conservation through activities such as bird protection, pond maintenance, bat and owl care, and overall landscape preservation. Complementary regional projects, such as the Landschaftsqualitätsprojekt Zürich Unterland, support the maintenance and enhancement of landscape quality across the Dielsdorf district and adjacent areas. These efforts help sustain the area's ecological balance and scenic appeal amid pressures from surrounding development.

History

Prehistory and Roman period

The area of present-day Schleinikon shows evidence of human activity through on the Schleiniker Platte, a plateau within the municipality, which date to approximately . During the , the municipality was the site of a rural estate ( or Gutshof) on Grosszelg in the hamlet of Dachsleren. The estate was discovered in 1844, with early excavations revealing architectural elements such as and capitals. Further investigations, including in 1981/82 and in 2007, mapped the site extent and identified additional building complexes in the pars urbana area. Surface finds included Roman coins, an iron key, and a bronze wagon fitting. The estate was occupied during the 1st to 3rd centuries AD and remained in operation until around .

Medieval period

The village of Schleinikon is first attested in historical records in 1113 as Schlinikofen, appearing in a parchment letter documenting a donation to the Benedictine provostry of Wislikofen. It appears again around 1150 as Slininchofa in a of the . The neighboring hamlet of Dachslern (also spelled Dachsleren) was first mentioned earlier, in 897 as Thahssanarra. During the 12th and 13th centuries, land in Schleinikon was owned by several monasteries, including Wislikofen, , , Töss, and . At the beginning of the , the Habsburgs acquired the area, along with the Wehntal region, from the impoverished Freiherren von Regensberg. In 1409, the city of Zürich purchased Schleinikon from the Habsburgs. The merger of Schleinikon with Dachslern occurred sometime after 1409 and is confirmed by a charter dated 1430. Thereafter, Schleinikon formed part of the Zürich Landvogtei Regensberg until 1798. Ecclesiastically, the inhabitants originally belonged to the parish of Niederweningen but were transferred to the parish of Schöfflisdorf in 1710.

Modern history

In the 19th century, Schleinikon saw a short-lived attempt at in the hamlet of Wasen, where a factory opened in 1850 initially producing (Posamenterie) before shifting to silk winding (Seidenwinderei) from 1870 until production ceased in 1902. The extension of the Wehntalbahn railway from to Niederweningen in 1891 improved access to the municipality, connecting it to broader regional networks. Population figures reflect fluctuations typical of during this period: 523 inhabitants in 1850, declining to 343 in 1900 and 308 in 1910, then recovering gradually to 334 in 1950 and 637 in 2000. Schleinikon has remained predominantly a farming village throughout its , with authorities continuing efforts to preserve its and agricultural character despite occasional infrastructure developments and short-lived industrial activity.

Demographics

The population of Schleinikon has fluctuated over the centuries, reflecting patterns typical of rural with limited industrial development. Historical records show 290 inhabitants in 1634, increasing to 324 in 1764 and peaking at 523 in 1850, followed by a decline to 343 in 1900, 308 in 1910, and 334 in 1950, before rising to 637 in 2000. As of 31 December 2020, the population stood at 856, yielding a of 151 inhabitants per given the 's area of 5.68 km². In 2000, the consisted of 27% aged 0–19 years, 63% aged 20–64 years, and 10% aged 65 years and older. As of 2007, accounted for 5.7% of residents.

Languages and social statistics

The majority of residents in Schleinikon are , consistent with the linguistic profile of rural communities in the canton of Zürich. The remains low, indicative of the 's stable centered on agriculture and forestry.

Government and politics

Municipal administration

The municipal administration of Schleinikon operates under the framework of the Gemeindeordnung (), which regulates the organization and responsibilities of the political community, effective from January 1, 2022. The executive body is the Gemeinderat, consisting of five members including the Gemeindepräsident/in, who is elected directly by the citizens through ballot vote. The Gemeinderat holds non-delegable authority over political planning, budget oversight, management of communal affairs, preparation of matters for , external representation, and resolution of administrative competence conflicts. It also approves limited expenditures and coordinates the municipal administration according to principles of hierarchy, efficiency, transparency, and citizen proximity. The legislative authority rests with the Gemeindeversammlung, the assembly of communal citizens, which enacts regulations, approves the budget and tax rates, adopts planning instruments such as zoning regulations, and exercises political oversight of the authorities and administration. This structure reflects the typical governance model for small communes in the Canton of Zürich, characterized by through citizen assembly and a compact executive council. The administrative center is located in the main village at Dorfstrasse 16, 8165 Schleinikon, where the Gemeindeverwaltung provides services including an online counter for digital procedures such as tax declarations and registrations.

Elections and political parties

In , Schleinikon's electorate has consistently shown strong support for conservative parties, particularly the Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC), reflecting the municipality's rural and agricultural character. In the , the SVP emerged as the leading party with 39.8% of the vote, followed by the with 18.3%, the Christian Social Party (CSP) with 12.9%, and the with 11.4%. This pattern has persisted and intensified in more recent . In the , the SVP secured 48.2% of the vote (an increase of 4.7 percentage points compared to 2019), far ahead of other parties. The received 11.2%, 10.4%, the 12.2%, Die Mitte 5.0%, the 4.6%, and the EVP 3.7%, with minor parties and others accounting for the remainder. These results indicate enduring conservative leanings among voters in Schleinikon, with the SVP maintaining dominant influence in national political preferences.

Economy

Primary sector and agriculture

Schleinikon retains a strongly agricultural character, complemented by substantial forested areas, which together define much of the in this . data from 2018 indicate that comprises 48.4% of the total area, while cover 44.0%. Agriculture focuses on , supported by 12 farms that managed 212 of in 2024. In 2024, agriculture employed 27 persons, with 48.1% in positions and 51.9% part-time, highlighting the prevalence of alongside other activities. Livestock statistics for the same year show 178 head of cattle (including 96 ), 0 , and 326 , underscoring the importance of and . The overall encompassed 13 workplaces and 31 employees in 2023, equivalent to 20 full-time positions. These elements illustrate the continued significance of agriculture and forestry in sustaining the local economy and landscape of Schleinikon.

Secondary and tertiary sectors

The in Schleinikon remains relatively small, while the (services) is more significant. Historically, limited industrial activity occurred in the hamlet of Wasen, where a factory was established in 1850. It initially produced (decorative trimmings) and shifted to silk winding (Seidenwinderei) from 1870 until production ceased in 1902. As of 2023, the (including industry and ) employed 27 people across 10 businesses, while the () employed 68 people across 36 businesses.

Culture and landmarks

Notable buildings and sites

Schleinikon's most prominent landmark is the Zythüsli, a distinctive () that serves as the municipality's emblem. Constructed in 1777–1778, it features a small bell tower and clock, giving it the appearance of a chapel, though it was never used for religious services. The Zythüsli was originally built by the community to house a . It was later equipped with a in the 19th century (first mentioned 1842) to provide villagers with accurate timekeeping before personal watches were common. A predecessor structure reportedly existed in the hamlet of Dachslern. The current building was designated a protected landmark by the municipal council in 1956 and underwent renovation in 1966–1967. is characteristic of the region's historical architecture, as exemplified by the Zythüsli and other older structures in the village.

Local features and traditions

Schleinikon preserves its rural agricultural character through a landscape dominated by green forests, fields, and traditional farming practices that trace back to the , when early settlers cultivated the southern slope of the Egg. The municipality's idyllic Wehntal setting, with its emphasis on natural surroundings suitable for walks and bicycle tours, reflects ongoing efforts to maintain this pastoral identity amid the broader Zürcher Unterland. A distinctive local feature is the Lägernweid (also referred to as Lägernweide), an alpine pasture at approximately 759 meters elevation on the Lägern ridge that has been utilized since the , initially under the ownership of local nobility. Recognized as the only alpine pasture in the Zürcher Unterland and one of the lowest-lying in Switzerland, it continues to represent traditional pastoral practices, with management handled by the Alpgenossenschaft Lägernweid, established in 1893. Community traditions are upheld through active local associations and volunteers who organize events for all ages. The Frauenverein Schleinikon, for example, coordinates the Festwirtschaft at the annual Bundesfeier () and other municipal gatherings, alongside longstanding customs such as Kerzenziehen and the Zmorge breakfast at the Schulsilvester. Other groups, including cultural and recreational clubs, further enrich communal life in this small rural setting.

References

  1. https://www.citypopulation.de/en/switzerland/zurich/bezirk_dielsdorf/0098__schleinikon/
  2. https://www.schleinikon.ch/uebersichtportrait
  3. https://www.schleinikon.ch/steuerfuss
  4. https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/articles/000078
  5. https://geo.ld.admin.ch/boundaries/municipality/98
  6. https://yellowpages.swiss/location.cfm?key=208686&company=Gemeinde-Schleinikon
  7. https://gemeinde-schweiz.ch/kanton-zuerich/schleinikon/
  8. https://en-ph.topographic-map.com/map-kwd4t6/Schleinikon/
  9. https://climbfinder.com/en/climbs/lagerenweid-schleinikon
  10. https://www.quaeldich.de/paesse/laegerenweid/
  11. https://www.schleinikon.ch/vereinsliste/18383
  12. https://www.blw.admin.ch/dam/it/sd-web/iLMH39nhFt6n/Z%C3%BCrich%20Unterland%20(ZH).pdf
  13. https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/fr/articles/000078/
  14. https://archeobase.ch/publication/chroniques-archeologiques-suisse/4857
  15. https://www.schleinikon.ch/geschichte/11501
  16. https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/de/articles/000078/
  17. https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfsstatic/dam/assets/2420657/master
  18. https://www.web.statistik.zh.ch/gpv2/?bfs=98
  19. https://www.zh.ch/bin/zhweb/publish/regierungsratsbeschluss-unterlagen./2021/1263/GO_PG_Schleinikon.pdf
  20. https://www.schleinikon.ch/
  21. https://search.ch/tel/schleinikon/dorfstrasse-16/gemeinde-schleinikon
  22. https://www.web.statistik.zh.ch/ogd/daten/ressourcen/KTZH_00000693_00004951.csv
  23. https://www.wahlen.admin.ch/de/zh/commune/98/
  24. https://odb.zh.ch/odbwiki/mediawiki/files/pdfs/Schleinikon-Inventar_28_1-festgesetzt_2021.pdf
  25. https://www.schleinikon.ch/_rte/geschichte/11501
  26. https://www.schleinikon.ch/vereinsliste/18380
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