15 Best Hikes Near Zurich

Planetenweg Uetliberg is a hiking area on Uetliberg that follows the Planet Trail towards Felsenegg. The route offers a substantial half-day outing, with well-maintained paths, rest benches and drinking fountains along the way.

A cable car can provide a different finish when operating, while catering facilities en route add convenience. The trail is especially suited to walkers who want views, nature and an informative route in one trip.

Waterfall is a hiking area on Tobelweg in Küsnacht, offering a scenic outdoor stop close to Zurich. The setting is suited to an easy-going walk built around woodland views, fresh air and the waterfall itself.

It works well for a short nature escape or as part of a longer route through the area. The trail is open around the clock, with local fire restrictions applying where indicated.

Fallätsche is a hiking area in Zurich’s 8041 district, offering a short trail walk with open views across the city. The route passes through a more rural landscape, with glimpses of cows, goats and farming areas, and a café nearby adds an appealing pause.

It is a good fit for a compact nature outing when you want countryside atmosphere without committing to a full-day hike.

Alter-Grat-Trampelpfad is a compact hiking area on an unnamed road in Zurich’s 8055 district. Its short walk makes it suitable for a quick change of scenery, while the route offers pleasant views over the city and a direct sense of being in nature.

Choose it for a brief, low-commitment outing rather than a demanding all-day excursion.

Fischerweg Zürich is a riverside hiking area at Kirchweg 35 in Oberengstringen, offering a pleasant walking setting across the seasons. It suits relaxed outdoor time, especially in warmer weather, with the river adding interest for walkers and families.

The area also attracts people using large inflatables on the water, giving the route a livelier summer character beyond a simple stroll.

Walderlebnispfad im Sihlwald is an easy forest trail near Horgen, with interactive stops and activities distributed along the route. The walk takes roughly an hour from the nearby train station at a brisk pace, while families may prefer a slower visit.

Children have plenty to explore, though some ascents and descents are steep for younger walkers. Scenic woodland surroundings complete the outing.

Elefantenbachweg is a charming forest walking route at Witikonerstrasse 143 in Zurich, centred on the Elefantenbach stream and its distinctive elephant statue. The trail offers a refreshing nature break close to the city, though its uneven sections are not stroller-friendly.

Allow time to continue along the path, as the elephant statue is a little farther in rather than immediately at the starting point.

Swamp Trail is a park in Oberrieden forming part of the larger Sihlwald natural area. Its forest setting and activity points make it appealing for walks with children, while the surrounding landscape adds a stronger sense of wilderness than a typical urban park.

Conditions can change with the season, and wet or winter weather may reduce what is visible. Some sections become very slippery, so sturdy footwear is sensible.

Abzweigung Aufstieg Üetliberg is a hiking-area junction on an unnamed road in Zurich’s 8041 district. It serves as a practical starting point for an uphill outing, with a small hilltop setting and views towards Zurich.

The surrounding track is also suitable for running, making this a useful local access point for a short workout, a brisk walk or a longer Uetliberg route.

Luftseilbahn Adliswil-Felsenegg offers a compact mountain cable car ride from the Zurich area to Felsenegg, pairing a short ascent with broad views across Zurich and the lake. Its position as Zurich Canton’s only public aerial cableway gives the journey a distinctive local character.

Polyterrasse is a compact Zurich viewpoint with a wide outlook over the city rooftops, the Limmat, Lake Zurich and the surrounding landscape. Its position beside ETH Zurich gives the stop an architectural dimension as well as a panoramic one, making it rewarding even when time is limited.

Loorenkopf rewards a purposeful uphill walk with broad panoramas over Zurich . The viewpoint is particularly suited to active outings, offering a quiet place to pause, sit and take in the city after a climb through the surrounding landscape.

At 8053 Zürich, the tower involves a spiral staircase, so the final ascent requires steady footing and comfort with stairs. Once at the top, several seats make it possible to linger over the view rather than simply pass through.

The Albis-Hochwacht viewpoint rewards a short walk with a 360-degree panorama across Lake Zurich, Zugersee, the Sihlwald and the wider Alpine landscape. The wooden observation tower rises above the treetops, creating a particularly open perspective over the surrounding nature and distant mountains.

Aussichtsturm Uetliberg is a strong focal point for a winter walk, combining snowy paths with a high observation tower and expansive Alpine views. The summit area also includes a playground, making the outing suitable for families as well as hikers looking for a memorable panorama above Zurich.

Wildnispark Zürich Sihlwald combines woodland walking with the chance to spot wildlife in a spacious natural setting. Its trails suit family days and relaxed hikes alike, with the surrounding forest offering a quieter alternative to urban routes and enough variety for a leisurely half-day outdoors.

The preserve is at Alte Sihltalstrasse 13 in Sihlwald. Short forest paths, trickling streams and animal habitats shape the visit, while the public opening schedule currently focuses on Friday afternoons and weekend afternoons.