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Home > Travel Switzerland > Switzerland Destinations > Meilen
Meilen
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked Alpine country in Central Europe. The country, which borders Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, was historically a confederation, and has been a federation since 1848. Switzerland is a federation of relatively autonomous cantons, some of which have a history of confederacy that goes back more than 700 years, arguably putting them among the world's oldest surviving republics. With an area of 41,285 square kilometers, Switzerland is a relatively small country. Switzerland comprises three basic topographical areas namely the Swiss Alps, the Swiss plateau, and the Jura Mountains. Switzerland has four official languages namely German, French, Italian and Romansh.
Meilen is a town near Zurich, Switzerland. It is located on the north bank of the lake of Zurich and had a population of about 11,500 people as of 2003. Meilen is located about halfway between Zurich and Rapperswil. Meilen is connected to Horgen across the lake by ferry. In the local dialect it is called Meile.
The town is divided into four districts, namely Feldmeilen, Dorfmeilen and Obermeilen along the lake side, as well as Bergmeilen towards the local mount Pfannenstiel. The districts used to be more autonomous, but today the division is only used for schooling purposes. Archaeological findings in Meilen date back more than 4000 years. In January 1854 the level of Lake Zurich was particularly low and the locals took the chance to gain some land. During this undertaking prehistoric findings were unearthed providing clear evidence of early settlement.
In 1384, Meilen became a bailiwick of Zurich. Since the middle ages local trade and handicraft was established in Meilen. There were at least four mills to support the local agriculture. Towards the end of the 18th century, industrialisation arrived in Meilen in form of textiles, but this form of production disappeared in the 19th century. With the arrival of the railway in 1894 local trade and industry blossomed. The ferry to Horgen was opened in 1933.
Meilen is also known as the town of best geographical environment and the exotic locations. Today, one can also learn about its history, from its earliest times and can also enjoy its natural beauty concealed by the beautiful landscapes.
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