Climbing Uetliberg

Sitting 2,850 feet above sea level, The Uetliberg mountain is one of the most stunning places to enjoy views of city of Zurich, Lake Zurich and the Alps.

A newcomer to hiking, I highly recommend this trail. It’s a great one for beginners and paths are excellently signposted. As you walk, you’ll see people of all ages and mountain bike enthusiasts take on the challenge to the summit.

Into the woods…

We took a slightly more leisurely pace than biking and it took us about an hour to get to the top. It’s so refreshing to go from the busy roads of the city to quickly becoming surrounded by rich foliage, a canopy of trees as far as the eye can see and the sound of birdsong.

Feeling the burn

It’s such a rush as you begin to climb and catch views of the city and the lake below. The sight of the distant Alps still literally stops me in my tracks. The imposing beauty of the snow capped peaks become more visible as you get higher. It’s not hard to see why Uetliberg is so loved by Zurich natives and tourists alike.

Reaching the top

The satisfaction when you reach the top is fantastic. While it is an accessible route, the steps are a challenge so make sure to wear comfy clothes and proper trainers. We got to the top and treated ourselves to a beer and sat on a bench in the sunshine. One of my favourite things when you arrive at the top is the sight of the freewheeling paragliders that circle the mountain. They’re like birds riding the tailwinds.

Take a break

If you’re not in a rush, there’s a lovely hotel, restaurant and lookout tower at the top. The last time we did the hike was back in February and we welcomed the heat of sitting inside. This time, a bench, fresh air and a beer were all we needed to pick up our energy! A lot has changed since our last visit with the Covid-19 pandemic. The good news is that there were very clear social distancing rules in place and it didn’t feel overcrowded at any point.

The other great thing about reaching the top are the number of barbecue zones, picnic benches and playgrounds for children. It’s a brilliant family day out. This city hike has made me so excited to explore the mountains in other parts of Switzerland. Interlaken and The Junfrau Region… I’ve got my eye on you!!

Getting there

Train: S10 line of the Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Railway SZU runs from Zurich main station to Uetliberg station.

Happy exploring everyone!