It is 38.5 km (23.9 mi) long and flows out from the Greifensee through its river valley, discharging into the Rhine by Rheinsfelden.
The Region Glatttal comprises, among other communities in the districts of Uster, Dielsdorf and Bülach, the suburban cities and municipalities of Bassersdorf, Bülach, Dietlikon, Dübendorf, Fällanden, Glattfelden, Höri, Kloten, Oberglatt, Opfikon-Glattbrugg, Rümlang, Schwerzenbach, Wallisellen and Wangen-Brüttisellen.
Thanks to its excellent location including infrastructure, a growing economy and attractive residential areas, the Glattal is densely populated.
Hosting the most important airport between Milan and Munich increases both the attractiveness and the noise for residents.
[2] The society glow Glattal, operated by the municipalities, is intended to enhance networking of the region and to common projects.