Zürich
Zurich offers more than one kind of hike, from a short uphill walk near Üetliberg to an easy lake circuit at Türlersee. This guide brings together city trails, peaceful parks, family-friendly routes and guided excursions, helping you compare location, walking style, access and opening hours. Check parking, meeting points and whether advance planning is needed before setting out.
We researched which places in Zürich visitors recommend most and checked there is enough information to plan a visit.
Certain businesses pay to be featured more prominently.
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Full list
#1Abzweigung 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.
#2Best of Switzerland Tours AG is a Zurich tour agency offering broad excursions beyond a simple city hike. Its programme includes day trips such as Lucerne and Bürgenstock, as well as Zurich combinations featuring a cruise, city views, history, and chocolate tasting.
The meeting point is Sihlquai Bus Station, and daily opening hours run from 7 am to 9 pm.
#3Belvoirpark is a landscaped park at Seestrasse 125 in Zurich, offering a peaceful green setting for an easy urban walk. Its grounds include sculptures, ponds, flower beds, a playground, benches, a pergola, and a restaurant, with mature trees and seasonal plantings adding variety.
The park is also used for weddings and celebrations in a historic park setting.
#4Volketswil Griespark is a family-friendly park at Im Zentrum 18 in Volketswil, within the wider Zurich area. Three playgrounds, walking paths, an open-air gym, and a sports complex surround a canal with ducks and fish, creating a versatile setting for strolling, running, play, or a relaxed afternoon with a dog.
The park is listed as open 24 hours.
#5Türlersee is a lake near Zurich suited to a waterside walk, swimming, boating, and camping. A circuit around the lake offers an easy way to combine open views with quieter natural stretches, while nearby camping facilities provide another access point.
Parking can fill quickly, particularly at popular times, so arriving early is the most practical way to begin the walk smoothly.
#6Zurich Rugby – Sports ground Allmend Brunau is a large park and sports area on Allmendstrasse, with substantial open space for walking and active recreation. The grounds include an off-leash dog area with river access, while the nearby skatepark is designed for skaters rather than children’s playground use.
Opening hours run until 10 pm on weekdays and to 6 pm on weekends.
#7Albispass is a scenic spot in the Albis area, valued for its elevated views and as a starting or finishing point near the lookout tower. The approach is rewarding for walkers and cyclists, though the climb is long and the road is better suited to active visitors.
Saturday bus service can be infrequent, making return planning particularly important.
#8Gattiker Waldweiher is a wildlife refuge in Thalwil, offering woodland paths, open space, benches, and views across a small lake. Fire spots around the water add interest for a longer outdoor break, while the short, scenic walks work well with a dog.
Nearby parking makes access straightforward, and the area is listed as open 24 hours.
#9Lägern is a mountain peak near Otelfingen with an alpine crest trail and several walking possibilities. A dry-weather route can link Regensdorf Castle with the Castle Restaurant of Baden, while the Hochwacht section is a more practical choice in rain or winter.
Vehicles are not permitted to reach the summit, so the outing should be planned as a hike from the access point.
#10Resi-Weiher is a scenic spot in Zurich’s 8006 district, suited to a brief escape from busier city streets. The small setting combines a peaceful atmosphere with attractive city views, making it a natural choice for a quiet pause or a short walk rather than a full-day hike.
Listed as open 24 hours, it can fit easily into an urban itinerary.
#11Seeanlage Farb is a lakeside park on Seestrasse in Thalwil, combining pleasant walking routes with broad lake views and quiet corners. The site includes a playground and an electric grill, making it practical for a relaxed outdoor break as well as a short stroll.
It can become busy during the day, while dogs are allowed and the park is listed as open 24 hours.
#12Horn is a waterside park at Im Horn 1 in Küsnacht, with open lake and mountain views and a relaxed setting for swimming or unwinding by the water. Early mornings and sunsets offer especially appealing scenery, while warm days and weekends can be busy.
Dogs are allowed, and the park is listed as open 24 hours.
#13Wooden wetland footbridge
Örmis is a small, peaceful nature preserve in the Zurich area, shaped by reed beds, wetland meadows and two ponds. A wooden footbridge leads through the marshy landscape, offering an easy way to notice wetland plants, water birds and the changing character of the site.
Benches and a nearby barbecue area make it suitable for a relaxed family walk or a quiet picnic stop. Dogs are allowed, and the short paths keep the visit gentle rather than strenuous.
#14Woodland pond with fire pit
Easy family nature stop
Giessenweiher is a small woodland pond and wildlife refuge with a restful natural setting. Paths lead around the water, while nearby seating and a fire pit turn the area into an easy destination for a walk, picnic or family afternoon.
The pond is particularly appealing for children, cyclists and visitors looking for a simple place to pause outdoors. Dogs are allowed, and the surrounding nature gives the site a relaxed character across the seasons.
#15Hidden waterfall on a woodland walk
Wasserfall Haslenbach is a tucked-away waterfall and small natural retreat in the Zurich area. The sound of running water, surrounding greenery and a nearby pond create a pleasant setting for a gentle walk along the Töbeliweg, with cooler conditions in summer and occasional ice formations in winter.
A bench, stone bridge and book box add small but thoughtful touches to the stop. The waterfall is family-friendly and easy to pair with a longer stroll through the surrounding village and stream landscape.
Summary
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Abzweigung Aufstieg Üetliberg | 4.5 | 11 | Short uphill walks |
| #2 | Best of Switzerland Tours AG | 4.8 | 1,993 | Multi-stop Swiss day tours |
| #3 | Belvoirpark | 4.7 | 299 | Gentle walks and relaxed park time |
| #4 | Volketswil Griespark | 4.6 | 531 | Family walks and active outings |
| #5 | Türlersee | 4.6 | 524 | Lake walks and outdoor day trips |
| #6 | Zurich Rugby - Sports ground Allmend Brunau | 4.6 | 290 | Dog walks and sports outings |
| #7 | Albispass | 4.6 | 209 | Scenic hikes and uphill cycling |
| #8 | Gattiker Waldweiher | 4.8 | 93 | Nature walks with dogs |
| #9 | Lägern | 4.6 | 153 | Crest walks and mountain outings |
| #10 | Resi-Weiher | 4.6 | 116 | Short urban escapes |
| #11 | Seeanlage Farb | 4.6 | 111 | Easy walks and family outings |
| #12 | Horn | 4.8 | 57 | Waterside breaks and sunset walks |
| #13 | Örmis | 4.6 | 82 | Quiet family nature walks |
| #14 | Giessenweiher | 4.7 | 44 | Family walks |
| #15 | Wasserfall Haslenbach | 4.8 | 32 | Gentle family walks |
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Map and areas
Use the map to see how hiking options are spread across Zurich and the surrounding area. Central locations suit a quick outdoor break, while Üetliberg and Kienastenwiesweg offer more immediate access to nature. For a lake walk or day trip, check the distance to Türlersee and review parking or meeting-point details before travelling.
Abzweigung Aufstieg Üetliberg is a practical starting point for a brisk uphill walk in Zurich’s 8041 area. The nearby track also suits running and local trail access, making it useful for a quick workout or a longer outing depending on the route you follow.
Yes. Belvoirpark offers a gentle landscaped setting with ponds, flower beds, sculptures, benches and a restaurant. TitiAfro Hikes also provides a central city-based option, while Zurich Urban Hikes can add a private, story-led format for visitors who want more structure.
Volketswil Griespark is a flexible choice for family outings, with three playgrounds, walking paths, an open-air gym and sports facilities. The canal, ducks and fish add interest for children, while the wider park gives adults room to walk or relax.
Türlersee works well for a broader outdoor day, with a lakeside circuit, swimming, boating and camping nearby. Check travel and parking conditions before leaving, as popular periods can be busy and space may fill quickly.
Zurich Urban Hikes offers private urban walks that combine movement with local stories, historical details and varied city sights. Best of Switzerland Tours AG is better suited to organised excursions with several stops, including trips that extend beyond a straightforward Zurich walk.
