Uetliberg Mountain Hike: The Perfect Day Trip from Zurich
- Stefan
- Nov 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Uetliberg Mountain Hike: Perfect day trip
Looking for the perfect day trip near Zurich? As someone who has lived in Zurich for years, I can tell you that Uetliberg is the only place where you can escape the city noise and see the Alps without sitting on a train for two hours.
As Zurich's iconic "house mountain," Uetliberg offers an easy hike with incredible views, restaurants, and plenty of spots for relaxation or play. Here's everything you need to know to plan your perfect adventure.
Why Hike Uetliberg?
Uetliberg is my go-to spot when friends visit because it offers high-reward views for very little effort.
Easy Public Transport Access: The train takes you almost to the very top.
Pram-Friendly Paths: The main path is wide and gravel, so we see families with rugged strollers here all the time.
Restaurants Along the Way
Playgrounds for Kids
Breathtaking Views: Panoramic vistas of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the Alps.
Quick Facts About the Trail
Trail Length: ~6 km
Height Difference: ~200 m
Hiking Time: 80–120 minutes
Peak elevation: Uto Kulm: approx. 871 meters above sea level
Difficulty Level: Easy—perfect for beginners and families
This is one of the most accessible hikes near Zurich, yet it still delivers unforgettable views.
How to Get to Uetliberg
The Loop I Recommend: Most guides tell you to go up and down the same way. Don't do that. The best way to experience Uetliberg is to do the "Uetliberg Loop":
By Public Transport
Take the S10 train from Zurich HB to Uetliberg Station.
Hike the ridge over to Felsenegg.
Take the Cable Car down to Adliswil.
Take the S4 train back to Zurich. This way, you never see the same thing twice and you get to ride a cable car!
Tip: If you have a Zürich Card, the S10 train ride and the return cable car from Felsenegg are both included!
By Car
Driving to Uetliberg isn’t ideal due to limited parking and traffic in Zurich. However, if needed:
Park at Sihlcity Shopping Mall and walk to Binz station (5–10 minutes).
Use Parkhaus Stauffachertor and start your journey from Selnau station.
Alternatively, you can start your hike at Felsenegg, where parking is more accessible, either right at the cable car station or down at the Adliswil train station.
Walk or Bike up
Hiking or Biking Up (My Personal Route) If you want a workout instead of a train ride, I have hiked and biked up from the city bottom myself. My favorite route starts at the "Strassenverkehrsamt" tram stop. From there, follow the "Gänzilooweg" which connects to "Hocklerstrasse." It is a steady climb all the way up, but very rewarding.
Hiking the Panorama Planet Trail
The path from Uetliberg to Felsenegg is known as the "Planet Trail." It is designed to scale, so 1 meter walked equals 1 million kilometers in the solar system. Walking from the Sun to Pluto (at Felsenegg) really puts the vastness of space into perspective—it takes surprisingly long just to walk past Saturn!
The Panorama Planet Trail is a well-maintained dirt path along the Uetliberg-Albis ridge, offering:
Restaurants: Restaurant Hillz and Restaurant Felsenegg.
Firepits and Picnic Spots: Perfect for grilling or a scenic picnic.
Playgrounds for Kids: Let your children burn off energy at well-equipped playgrounds.
Viewpoints: The trail follows the ridge, so you have a constant view. There are plenty of benches to stop and look at Lake Zurich stretching out towards the Glarus Alps in the distance.
How to End the Hike
At the end of the Planet Trail, you'll arrive at Felsenegg. If you have the Zürich Card, both the S10 train ride up and the Felsenegg cable car ride down are included for free.
Take the cable car down to Adliswil.
Walk to the Adliswil train station (5mins downhill).
Hop on the S4 train back to Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
Other Trails to Uetliberg
If you want to skip the crowds on the main path, here are the trails locals use:
Route | Start Point | Difficulty | Highlights & Notes |
Denzlerweg (from Albisgüetli) | Albisgüetli (tram 13 terminus) | Moderate to somewhat steep ascent. Fairly direct. | Direct and fast. Good cardio, but not for flip-flops. |
Laternenweg (from Albisgüetli, west side) | Albisgüetli | Moderate | Slightly more gradual than Denzlerweg; better if you want fewer steep bits. |
Hohensteinweg (from Triemli, tram 14 terminus) | Triemli | Moderate to hard | Offers good views; steeper sections. Often used in sledding season. |
Uitikon-Waldegg path | Waldegg parking / Waldegg station | Easy to moderate | Less steep; better for families / those not wanting to climb too sharply. |
Panorama Trail to Felsenegg / Planet Trail | Either from Uetliberg summit, follow ridge trails | Easy to moderate | Very scenic, gradual inclines, well-maintained, good for families; ending with cable car from Felsenegg if desired. |
Tips for Hiking Uetliberg
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Although the trail is easy, good walking shoes will keep you comfortable.
Check the Weather: Clear skies offer the best views of Zurich and the Alps.
Bring Snacks: While restaurants are available, you’ll appreciate a snack break at one of the many picnic spots.
Use a Zürich Card: It simplifies travel costs and includes the train and cable car rides.
If you enjoy day trips, here are my favorites: a trip to Lindau in Germany or a visit to the Chapf viewpoint.
