Wikipedia
The Aatal (Aa valley) is a narrow valley, sourrounded by forests. It’s situated between the Cities Uster and Wetzikon in the canton of Zürich, Switzerland. Through the valley flows the River Ustermer Aa. The location Aathal belongs to the municipality of Seegräben.
The Aatal is a significant traffic artery with commerce and industry. It connects metropolitan area Zurich with the municipalities of the Zürich Oberland (Zurich highlands). In addition to the strongly loaded, national high street leads between Uster and Wetzikon by the valley, there operates the S14 city rail lines Zurich that stops in Aathal half-hourly. Beside the buildings of different former spinning mill companies which are connected by an industrial teaching path, there is an other place of interest, namely the Aathal Dinosaur Museum.
In the 18th/19th century the water power was intensely used by the cotton industry. Since 2008 attempts are in progress, by the small hydroelectric power plants again increase for the stream production to use. Nine power stations operate are up to now again, the tenth one followed in 2009.