My Top 3 Hikes Around Zurich (+1 Bonus Spot)
- giadarocca
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
I am Stefan Schwarzer, and I run Summertime in Switzerland, a website dedicated to English speaking visitors who want to explore Switzerland like a local. I spend most weekends discovering new spots around Zurich and beyond, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience the country’s natural beauty.
If you live in Zurich or are visiting for a few days and want to escape into nature, these are my top three hikes you can easily reach from the city, plus one bonus hike that is too good to leave out.
1. Uetliberg – Zurich’s House Mountain
Uetliberg is Zurich’s local mountain and the easiest way to get a real hiking feeling without leaving the city. It is the perfect mix of easy access, great views and that little bit of alpine feeling you can enjoy after work or on a sunny weekend.
Trail overview
Length: around 6 km
Height difference: about 200 m
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours at an easy pace
Difficulty: Easy and suitable for families
Start: S10 train from Zurich main station to Uetliberg station
Finish: Felsenegg cable car down to Adliswil, then S4 train back to Zurich
Distance from Zurich:
Public transport: about 20 minutes (S10 + S4) By car: about 25 minutes to Uetliberg car park + walk
Why I love it
You can start right in the city and be surrounded by forest within minutes. The view from the top over Zurich, the lake and the Alps is hard to beat. There is aare restaurants at the top and even a playground for kids. It is a great all rounder if you want a proper hike but still stay close to the city.
2. Stoos Ridge Hike – Breathtaking Alpine Panorama
The Stoos Ridge Hike is one of the most famous panoramic hikes in Switzerland. It connects Klingenstock and Fronalpstock above Lake Lucerne and offers 360 degree mountain views that you will never forget. It is slightly more challenging than the other hikes here, but still manageable for most people with a reasonable fitness level.
Trail overview
Distance: around 4 km (Klingenstock to Fronalpstock)
Height difference: around 400 m
Time: about 2 hours one way
Difficulty: Moderate, with a few steep sections and narrow paths
Start: Stoos village (take the funicular from Schwyz to Stoos, then chairlift to Klingenstock)
Finish: Fronalpstock summit, then chairlift down to Stoos and return via funicular
Distance from Zurich:
Public transport: around 1 hour 45 minutes (train to Schwyz, bus to funicular)
By car: around 1 hour 10 minutes via A4 motorway
Why I love it
This ridge trail feels like walking on top of the world. You can see Lake Lucerne, Mount Rigi, Pilatus and countless other peaks. The air is crisp, the views change every few steps and there are several spots where you can just sit down and take it all in.On a clear day, it is one of the most beautiful hikes in central Switzerland, and it is still close enough to Zurich for a perfect day trip.
3. Seerenbach Falls – The Swiss Waterfall Adventure
The Seerenbach Falls near Amden are among the highest in Switzerland and make for a great nature walk with a real wow effect. The falls drop a total of 585 meters in three sections, surrounded by steep cliffs above Lake Walensee, which is the next lake after Lake of Zurich driving east, just 40 minutes from Zurich.
Trail overview
Location: Betlis, near Amden
Distance: around 5 km return
Time: about 2 hours at an easy pace
Difficulty: Easy with a short steeper section near the viewpoint
Start: Weesen village or Betlis boat station
Finish: Same point (loop or return along the lake)
Distance from Zurich:
Public transport: around 1 hour 20 minutes (train to Weesen or Ziegelbrücke, then bus or boat)
By car: about 1 hour via A3 motorway
Why I love it
This hike feels like a small adventure. You can combine it with a boat ride across Lake Walensee or walk along the lake from Weesen to Betlis. The viewpoint in front of the waterfall is one of the most impressive sights around Zurich, especially in spring when the water flow is at its peak.
Bonus: Seebodenalp – The Perfect Lake and Mountain Combo
Just above Küssnacht am Rigi, Seebodenalp is one of those places that feels like a hidden secret even though it is so close to Zurich. You can see Lake Lucerne glimmering below and Mount Rigi rising right behind you.
Trail overview
Location: Seebodenalp, near Küssnacht am Rigi
Distance: around 6 km circular route
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy and suitable for all seasons
Start: Seebodenalp cable car mountain station
Finish: Same point, with the option to stop for food at the mountain restaurant
Distance from Zurich:
Public transport: about 1 hour 10 minutes (train to Küssnacht, then cable car)
By car: about 45 minutes via A4 motorway
Why I love it
Seebodenalp is easy to reach, just 45 minutes from Zurich, never too crowded and offers wide trails with constant views of the lake and mountains. There is a cosy mountain restaurant and plenty of picnic spots along the way. On clear days, you can even see Mount Pilatus and parts of central Switzerland. It is one of the best short hikes near Zurich, especially in autumn and winter when a sea of fog covers the valley below.
Quick Summary
Hike | Distance / Time | Difficulty | Start | Finish | Best for |
Uetliberg | ~6 km / 1.5–2 h | Easy | Uetliberg station | Felsenegg cable car to Adliswil | Classic Zurich mountain hike |
Viewpoint Chapf | ~3 km / 1–2 h | Very easy | Arvenbühl, Amden | Arvenbühl, Amden | Families and relaxed walkers |
Seerenbach Falls | ~5 km / 2 h | Easy to moderate | Weesen or Betlis | Same point | Nature lovers and photographers |
Seebodenal | ~6 km / 1.5–2 h | Easy | Seebodenalp cable car station | Same point | Lake and mountain views, year round |
Final Thoughts
There are countless hiking trails around Zurich, but these are the ones I keep coming back to. They combine beautiful scenery, easy access and the kind of variety that makes hiking in Switzerland so special.
Before you go, check the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks. And most importantly, take your time and enjoy the views.
For more hiking ideas and local travel tips, visit Summertime in Switzerland.
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