10 Best Winter Hikes Near Zurich

Waldsee Farenbachtobel offers a peaceful forest walk around a small lake near Elgg, with a waterside path, a little dock, waterfalls, and a cold-water Kneipp installation. The setting suits a gentle nature outing rather than a high-alpine trek, combining woodland scenery with simple places to pause.

It is a good choice for walkers wanting variety within a compact route.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wehrenbach is a hiking area around Burgwies in Zurich, following one of the city’s most attractive streams through a green setting. Its closeness to the urban area makes it especially appealing for a spontaneous walk, with the water providing a calm natural focus throughout the route.

Choose it when you want a scenic outdoor break without travelling far beyond Zurich.

Boulder Educational Trail on Hirslanderbergstrasse combines a walk with opportunities to learn along the way. The route is suited to visitors who enjoy a quieter, more reflective outing, with pleasant views and an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than strenuous.

It works particularly well for a leisurely educational stroll, whether you are exploring the trail independently or looking for a calm nature break near Zurich.

Raintobelweg provides a direct route from Zurich’s hillier eastern side towards the lake, linking the Seefeld, Burgwies and Seepromenade area. It is useful for walkers who want a purposeful descent rather than a loop, but the path becomes slippery in wet weather.

The route is also notably steep, making it better suited to confident walkers seeking an efficient connection to the lakeside.