Former Kunz spinning mill, Industrial heritage site in Windisch, Switzerland
The former Kunz spinning mill is an industrial complex with multiple six-story factory buildings situated along the Reuss river. The site features classical architectural elements throughout, with a dedicated power station that harnessed the river's water to drive production.
Heinrich Kunz founded the cotton spinning mill in 1828, and operations continued until 2002. The mill employed hundreds of workers throughout its history and became a major force in shaping Windisch's local economy.
The factory school built in 1838 provided education to children of mill workers, teaching them basic skills and literacy. It stands as the only remaining example of such dedicated industrial education facilities in the Canton of Aargau.
The site is now part of the Kunzareal development that combines modern facilities alongside the preserved historical structures. The complex sits directly along the Reuss river and is easy to reach on foot, though access to many buildings requires prior arrangement.
The mill used undershot water wheels on two symmetrical factory buildings to tap the river's power. This was an ingenious way to harness the Reuss river's steep gradient for generating the energy needed to run the machinery.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
