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.
The Sihlwald lies about 20 kilometres south of Zürich in the Sihl valley, and forms part of Wildnispark Zürich. The forest has been left to develop naturally for years, and walkers can see old trees, dead wood and a diversity of fungi and wildlife. Circular paths of 8 to 10 km start at Sihlwald station on the S4 line, and lead along the Sihl river and through forest on well-maintained tracks. A visitor centre at the station provides information on the park and the walk. The tracks are broad and suitable for most walkers, and cyclists share some of the main routes, so walkers should stay aware of bikes.
| Distance | about 8-10 km circuit |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5-3 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | S4 Sihltalbahn from Zürich HB to Sihlwald (about 25 min, ZVV) |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Address | Bahnhof Sihlwald, 8135 Langnau am Albis |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Wildnispark Zürich Sihlwald, Sihlwald, Langnau am Albis / Horgen, canton Zürich
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners
- Water (at least 1 litre)
- Light rain layer
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- ZVV day pass or SwissPass, or the ZVV app, for the public transport legs
Location
Bahnhof Sihlwald, 8135 Langnau am Albis
47.2570, 8.5760 View on map
Highlights
- Near-natural forest close to a Swiss city
- Sihl river and forest paths
- Visitor centre and information panels
- Wildlife enclosures in the neighbouring Langenberg area
- S4 train stop right at the entrance
Tips for visiting
- Take the S4 to Sihlwald; the stop is directly at the park entrance.
- Stay on marked paths because the forest is a protected zone.
- Keep dogs on a lead in the park.
When to visit
Year-round
Accessibility
Main tracks are broad gravel and suitable for strollers and many wheelchairs; some side paths are unpaved.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Sihlwald circuit take?
Around 2.5 to 3 hours for a circuit of 8-10 km.
Is there a visitor centre?
Yes, a visitor centre is located at Sihlwald station.