Eglisau-Glattfelden Power Station, Hydroelectric facility on the Rhine River in Zweidlen, Switzerland
The Eglisau-Glattfelden Power Station is a run-of-river hydroelectric facility spanning the Rhine River with a water drop of 17 meters (56 feet). The installation harnesses this natural gradient to generate electricity and supplies tens of thousands of homes in the surrounding area with power.
The power station began operations in 1920, marking an important start for large-scale hydropower generation in the Zürich region. This early industrial facility demonstrates how Switzerland developed its river resources to supply energy to growing population centers and manufacturing operations.
The power station preserves its original machine hall from 1920 and holds recognition as a Swiss cultural property of national significance, reflecting its importance in the country's industrial heritage. Visitors can observe these historic installations during tours and learn how the facility operates.
Visitors can arrange tours of the facility to learn about hydropower generation and how the installation operates on a daily basis. Groups should contact ahead to coordinate visits and understand what areas are accessible during the tour.
The facility includes boat locks and fish passage systems that allow vessels to navigate the Rhine and enable fish to migrate upstream through the structure. This dual-purpose design shows how industrial operations can accommodate both transportation and natural river ecosystems.
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