limmat

The Limmat is a river in northern Switzerland that carries the outflow of Lake Zurich and runs roughly 35 kilometers from the lake through the city of Zurich to its confluence with the Aare, and ultimately into the Rhine basin. It is an integral part of the Zurich metropolitan area and the cantons of Zürich and Aargau.

The river begins at the northern outlet of Lake Zurich, near central Zurich, and flows northeast through the city. In the urban area it runs along the Limmatquai and is spanned by several bridges, including Quaibrücke, Rathausbrücke, and Münsterbrücke. The Sihl, another major Swiss river, joins the Limmat in central Zurich, contributing to its flow in that segment. Beyond the city, the Limmat traverses the cantons of Zürich and Aargau, passing through towns such as Dietikon before reaching its confluence with the Aare.

Historically, the Limmat has been important for Zurich's water supply, milling, and industry. In the industrial era, hydropower along the lower course supported factories and urban development. Today the river supports recreation and urban landscape planning, with riverside promenades, parks, and cultural events along its banks. Water quality and flood management are ongoing concerns, addressed through coordination between cantonal authorities and local communities.

The Limmat is part of the Rhine river system through its connection to the Aare and Rhine basins. It remains a defining geographical feature of Zurich, shaping urban form, transportation, and the region’s environmental and cultural heritage.