Zürich is Switzerland's largest city and the capital of the canton of Zürich, set on the northern tip of Lake Zürich where the Limmat river leaves the lake, with the Alps visible on clear days. It combines a medieval old town, world-class museums, lakeside swimming, and the luxury shopping of Bahnhofstrasse with famously punctual public transport and very high prices.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Uetliberg Summit Walk from Uetliberg Station
The shortest route to Zürich's house mountain: a broad, signposted path from the Uetliberg railway terminus to the Uto Kulm summit and its lookout tower, with views over the city, the lake and the Alps.
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2
Uetliberg to Felsenegg Planetenweg
A classic ridge walk along the Albis crest from Uto Kulm to Felsenegg, following the Planetenweg, a scale model of the solar system, with an aerial cableway down to Adliswil at the end.
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3
Zürichberg Forest Loop from the Zoo
A forested loop over the Zürichberg ridge on the city's eastern edge, passing the Fluntern district and the Dolder area on level, well-marked paths used by city runners and walkers.
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4
Albis Ridge Trail from Uetliberg to Albishorn
A long ridge hike along the Albis chain south-west of Zürich, from Uto Kulm past Felsenegg and the Albis pass area to the Albishorn viewpoint, with lake and Alpine views almost throughout.
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5
Greifensee Shore Path
A level lakeside circuit around the Greifensee, a protected lake east of Zürich, passing reed beds, bird observation spots, villages and small beaches.
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6
Pfannenstiel Ridge Walk from Meilen
A ridge walk above the Gold Coast of Lake Zürich from the lakeside town of Meilen up to the Pfannenstiel ridge, with views over the lake and across to the Albis.
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7
Bachtel Summit Hike from Wald ZH
The ascent of the Bachtel (1,115 m), the highest point of the Zürich Oberland hills, with a lookout tower and wide views across the Alps and Lake Zürich.
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8
Hörnli Ridge in the Tössbergland
A wild-feeling hill walk in the Tössbergland to the Hörnli (about 1,133 m), one of the highest points in the canton, through forest, pastures and farmland far from city noise.
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9
Rhine Falls Walk via Schloss Laufen
A short walk from Dachsen station past Schloss Laufen to the viewing terraces at the Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe by volume, a half-day trip from Zürich.
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10
Sihlwald Wilderness Park Circuit
A walk through the Sihlwald, one of the largest contiguous near-natural forests near a Swiss city, in a wilderness park where the forest develops without commercial logging.
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11
Lake Zürich Promenade from Bürkliplatz to Zürichhorn
A level lakeside promenade from Bürkliplatz along Utoquai to Zürichhorn, passing bathing houses, the Opera, parks and the Chinese Garden.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.