Zürich
Looking for hiking trails near Zurich? This guide brings together easy viewpoints, woodland paths and longer routes around Uetliberg, Küsnacht, Baden and the Sihl valley. Compare each option by walk length, terrain, scenery and distance from the city, then check daylight, trail conditions and transport before setting off.
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.
Quick view
Select an option to see its summary.
Full list
#1Laternenweg Uetliberg is a tourist attraction and walking route linking the top of Uetliberg with Zurich city centre. The descent takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes and is generally easy, with views across the city, green hills, and the lake.
The path is not lit after dark, so it is best suited to daylight and clear-weather walks.
#2An expansive forest above the Baregg tunnels
Teufelskeller is a hiking area near Baden, set in an expansive forest above the Baregg tunnels . The woodland has a distinctive, almost otherworldly atmosphere and rewards visitors looking for a more immersive nature walk.
It is an area rather than a single viewpoint, and signage can be limited, so route-finding deserves attention before setting out.
#3Planetenweg 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.
#4Waterfall 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.
#5A river-following route between Sihlbrugg and Sihlspring
Sihlsprung is a hiking area near Menzingen with a river-following route between Sihlbrugg and Sihlspring . A round trip takes just under three hours, with yellow trail signs helping guide the way.
Some sections become uneven and uphill, so the route suits walkers comfortable with changing terrain and a more active half-day outing.
#6Fallätsche 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.
#7Alter-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.
#8Fischerweg 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.
#9Wildspitz is a hiking area near Oberägeri, suited to walkers looking for a mountain route rather than a gentle urban stroll. The approach from Biberbrugg is manageable, while the climb becomes noticeably steeper from Schindelleggi.
Its appeal lies in the straightforward challenge and natural setting, making it a sensible choice for a moderately active day outdoors.
#10Küsnachter Tobel, along the Tobelweg, is a hiking area near Küsnacht with an easy woodland route suited to families and dogs. Walkers can go up one side and return by the other, passing rest areas, fire pitches, and interpretation about the trees and glacial formation of the valley.
The trail is also accessible from Küsnacht railway station and works year-round.
#11Aaspitz is a peaceful hiking area near Zurich, located by the Schiffstation in Mönchaltorf. Its accessible lakeside setting suits an easy outing combining walking, cycling, relaxing and a grill stop, with broad water views and plenty of birdlife.
Cormorants, ducks, swans and herons are often visible around the shore, making it appealing for casual nature photography as well as a quiet break.
#12Elefantenbachweg 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.
#13Swamp 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.
#14Wanderweg - Uetliberg offers a wooded hiking route on Uetliberg, close to Zurich. The setting is quiet and scenic, with a manageable but distinctly steep character in places.
Hikers should choose their approach carefully: the Denzlerweg includes around 1,000 stairs and is unsuitable for uphill cycling. For a calmer climb, alternative routes can make the forested ascent more comfortable.
#15Tall wooden tower above the forest
360-degree plateau and Alpine views
Hardwaldturm is a striking wooden observation tower rising above the forest near Zurich. Climbing more than 200 steps leads to several platforms and an elevated 360-degree view across the surrounding plateau and towards the Alps. The tower itself is an impressive piece of timber architecture, built using wood from the surrounding Hardwald.
The forest paths around it make the attraction easy to include in a walking or cycling outing. Benches, a barbecue area, fresh water and a small toilet provide useful facilities for a longer family stop, although the climb requires steady legs and comfort with heights.
Summary
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Laternenweg Uetliberg | 4.7 | 199 | Accessible scenic walks above Zurich |
| #2 | Teufelskeller | 4.7 | 122 | Forest hikes and nature exploration |
| #3 | Planetenweg Uetliberg | 4.6 | 172 | Half-day hikes combining scenery and a themed trail |
| #4 | Waterfall | 4.6 | 109 | Short walks |
| #5 | Sihlsprung | 4.7 | 63 | Half-day river valley hikes |
| #6 | Fallätsche | 4.7 | 58 | Short city-view walks and relaxed countryside outings |
| #7 | Alter-Grat-Trampelpfad | 4.7 | 53 | Short walks |
| #8 | Fischerweg Zürich | 4.5 | 95 | Seasonal walks |
| #9 | Wildspitz | 4.6 | 37 | Moderate mountain walks |
| #10 | Küsnachter Tobel (Tobelweg) | 4.6 | 33 | Family-friendly year-round hiking |
| #11 | Aaspitz | 4.5 | 41 | Lakeside walks |
| #12 | Elefantenbachweg | 4.9 | 20 | Short forest walks and family outings with older children |
| #13 | Swamp Trail | 4.7 | 12 | Family walks |
| #14 | Wanderweg - Uetliberg | 4.3 | 14 | Forest walks and hikers comfortable with steep sections |
| #15 | Hardwaldturm | 4.9 | 953 | — |
For businesses
Map and areas
Use the map to see how the routes spread beyond central Zurich. Uetliberg and the 8041 area work well for nearby city views, while Küsnacht, Oberengstringen, Baden and Menzingen offer different riverside or woodland settings. Check the route’s starting point carefully, especially where an address is outside the city or the trail begins on an unnamed road.
Laternenweg Uetliberg, Fallätsche and Alter-Grat-Trampelpfad are practical choices for a shorter outing. They offer city or countryside views without requiring a full-day commitment. For the best experience, check the exact start point and allow enough daylight for the return journey.
Teufelskeller near Baden is suited to visitors who want a deeper woodland experience, while the waterfall area on Tobelweg in Küsnacht offers an easier nature break close to the city. Route-finding may require more attention in the forest, so prepare the path before leaving.
Yes. The route towards Felsenegg combines scenery with a themed trail and includes maintained paths, rest benches and drinking fountains. A cable car may offer an alternative finish when operating. Check the current timetable and conditions if you plan to use it.
Sihlsprung provides a longer river-valley outing between Sihlbrugg and Sihlspring. The route takes close to half a day and includes uneven and uphill sections, so it is better for walkers comfortable with changing terrain than for a very casual stroll.
Several compact routes can work well for a family outing, especially around Uetliberg, Fallätsche, Alter-Grat-Trampelpfad and the waterfall area. Suitability depends on the children’s age, weather and current ground conditions. Check distance, slopes and the return route before setting off.
