Seedamm

With the causeway from Rapperswil is called the artificial dam at the narrowest point of Lake Zurich, between Pfäffikon and Rapperswil. The causeway is based on a glacial moraine that separates the south of peninsula extending into the lake Hurden the upper lake from the main part of Lake Zurich.

About the boulevard with its two bridges lead a two-lane road and a railroad track. The dam is about 1 kilometer long, the entire connection between the two lake shores to the channel of Hurden about 2.4 kilometers. On the southeast side of the dam, which opened in 2001 wooden bridge for pedestrians runs.

Beginning of the 21st century use daily on average 24,000 vehicles and about 75 passenger trains the lake dam.

It is located on the territories of the cantons of Schwyz and St. Gallen. Northwest next to the causeway lies the border triangle of the cantons of Schwyz, St. Gallen and Zurich.

History

Around 1500 BC there is evidence of a wooden crosspiece between the Hurden peninsula and the opposite shore. Until 1358 ferry service was held between Rapperswil and Hurden.

In 1354 decided to Duke Rudolf IV ( Austria ) of Habsburg after Rapperswil had been sold to Habsburg Austria, the construction of a wooden bridge. This has been completed in 1358, had a length of about 1450 meters and a width of 4 meters; were installed 546 oak piles. Designed she was for pedestrians, carts and cattle drive. The construction and maintenance has been disputed by Wegzoll. 1847 was the last possible renewal of the land.

In 1873, the Swiss Parliament approved the construction of Seedamms; Construction began in 1875. The dam was inaugurated in 1878 and discontinued the old wooden footbridge. The construction cost 1'462'000 Swiss Francs, with the town of Rapperswil had to contribute to 1,100,000 francs. Between 1939 and 1951 the causeway was renovated and strengthened to cope with the growing stress can.

On April 6, 2001, the construction and opening of a wooden walkway between Rapperswil and Hurden, modeled in the lines about the historic lake crossing. The length is 841 meters, width 2.4 meters. It is thus the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland. Were installed 233 piles, and with few exceptions ( primary beams, safety fence, connecting parts ) is the whole bridge from untreated oak. The lifetime is estimated to be 50 to 70 years. The production costs of CHF 3'050'000 were brought together by donations.

Gallery

Boardwalk

Representation on the Gygerkarte of 1667