Uetliberg Mountain, also known as Üetliberg, undoubtedly stands as one of Zurich’s most renowned and beloved attractions. This majestic mountain offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views that showcase the city’s splendor, Lake Zurich, and its mesmerizing surroundings. With its allure and natural beauty, Uetliberg Mountain has captured the hearts of countless tourists and locals alike. If you are intrigued by this cool mountain near Zurich and wish to delve deeper into its wonders, here is a comprehensive guide to Uetliberg Mountain in Zurich, Switzerland.
An ideal sunny day offers an unparalleled view of Zurich’s surroundings that cannot be seen at lower elevations. Those who manage to reach the summit on foot may feel more accomplished if they succeed. Whatever the case, a visit to Uetliberg mountain, just a short train ride from Zurich, is well worth the trip.
It’s not just a panoramic viewpoint. Uetliberg is also a fantastic spot for food and relaxation, as well as a great place for biking and hiking. It is also a pleasant place to enjoy nature and reconnect with the environment.
Uetliberg Mountain: What to Expect
At 870 meters above sea level, Uetliberg is one of the four popular viewpoints near Zurich. Located southwest of Zurich, it is part of the Albis mountain range.
You will be able to see sweeping views of Zurich city from the highest point, Uto Kulm, as well as the Alps in Glarus and Central Switzerland. To the east, you will also have a breathtaking view of Lake Zurich. For even better views of the surrounding region of Lake Zurich, you can climb the observation tower near the Uto Kulm Hotel.
You will notice that Uetliberg Mountain has two towers. The Observation Tower is accessible to the public. As you climb the observation tower, you’ll have a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape, get exercise, and have an unforgettable experience. Also nearby is the Broadcast Tower, but it is generally not accessible to the public.
The Uto Kulm Hotel is near an 186-meter broadcast tower. Its electromagnetic transmissions allow nearby residents to receive radio and television programming.
You can get to Uetliberg on the Uetliberg Train. The Uetliberg Train is the steepest normal standard gauge adhesion railway in Europe with a 7.9% gradient. It has been in operation since 1875 via Triemli and Uitikon-Waldegg.
Uto Kulm Hotel
On the car-free mountain of Uetliberg, the Uto Kulm Hotel provides a wonderful setting to enjoy a filling meal and fantastic views. Featuring well-appointed rooms, a sauna area, an ice grotto, and several dining options, Uto Kulm Hotel is well worth a visit.
There is another restaurant, Uto Staffel, nearby, around 600 meters away. Uto Staffel is one of the highest restaurants in the city of Zurich. They serve Swiss food such as minced meat with mushroom cream sauce (Hacktätschli), Zurich veal strips (Zürcher Kalbsgeschnetzeltes), Sausage (Bratwurst), Crunchy fish (Fischknusperli), Alpine macaroni (Älpler-Makkaroni), and more.
Hiking around Uetliberg Mountain
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Uetliberg. To and from Uetliberg, you will see many hiking trails of varying lengths. If you wish, you can also hike 400 meters up from Triemli or Albisgüetli instead of taking the train.
Here are some of the Hikes near Uetliberg Mountain:
| Hikes from Uetliberg Mountain | Estimated Hiking Time |
|---|---|
| Uetliberg to Uto Kulm | 15 minutes |
| Uetliberg to Ringlikon | 30 minutes |
| Uetliberg to Folenweid | 45 minutes |
| Uetliberg to Albisgüetli | 1 hour |
| Uetliberg to Birmensdorf | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Uetliberg to Albisrieden | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Uetliberg to Felsenegg | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Uetliberg to Albispass | 3 hours |
| Uetliberg to Dietikon | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Uetliberg to Bremgarten | 5 hours 10 minutes |
| Uetliberg to Sihlbrugg Dorf | 6 hours |
The Planet Trail, which leads to nearby Felsenegg, is a popular hike for families. It is a journey through the solar system, where you will learn about the sun, planets, and planetoids. The trail takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours and reflects the distances within the solar system through the planets. This trail not only teaches you about the solar system but also gives you wonderful views of the surrounding area.
You can get back down to Adliswil by taking the public funicular at Felsenegg. It is easy to travel back to Zurich city center by train from Adliswil.
Biking around Uetliberg Mountain
Some biking trails can also be found around Uetliberg. Some sections of the trails are asphalted, while others are made up of dirt and gravel. The classic one is called the Antennentrail or Triemli Trail. You can start this trail from the SZU train station of Triemli and follow the bike path from there.
Several exhilarating biking trails await exploration around the captivating Uetliberg Mountain. These trails offer a delightful blend of diverse terrain, with sections ranging from smooth asphalt to rugged dirt and gravel paths. Among the most renowned routes is the illustrious Antennentrail, also known as the Triemli Trail. Embarking on this classic trail commences at the SZU train station of Triemli.
The Antennentrail presents an enthralling journey as it winds through the mesmerizing landscapes surrounding Uetliberg. As cyclists pedal along the trail, they are treated to the city’s verdant forests and sweeping vistas. The varying terrain of the trail offers an exciting challenge for both beginners and experienced riders, which makes for an exciting biking experience for all.
One of the notable advantages of biking around Uetliberg is its convenient proximity to the city of Zurich. Cyclists can seamlessly transition from the bustling urban atmosphere of Switzerland’s biggest city to the natural biking trails of Uetliberg Mountain within a short distance.
Uetliberg Mountain for Families
Uetliberg Mountain not only caters to avid bikers and outdoor enthusiasts but also stands as a fantastic destination for families with younger children. For those traveling with children, the convenience of a playground located right beside the train station adds an extra element of excitement and entertainment for kids who might not be as motivated as their parents. This means that even the youngest of explorers can enjoy a fun-filled day and the parents can enjoy the captivating landscapes of Uetliberg.
What sets Uetliberg apart as a family-friendly destination is the ease of accessibility and the proximity of the mountain peak to the train station. Even the smallest tots can embark on a short climb up the mountain, with the reward of breathtaking views awaiting them at the top.
Aside from the playground, children can hike the Planet Trail to Felsenegg or sled down if there is snow. The Planet Trail is an engaging hiking trail that takes young adventurers on a fascinating journey through our solar system. You can see the Planet Trail’s start (the sun) a few meters away from the train station as long as you follow the signs to Uto Kulm. The Planet Trail leads to the charming village of Felsenegg, where families can revel in stunning views and enjoy a well-deserved break.
Another delightful activity that can be enjoyed during the winter months is sledding. When the snow blankets the mountainside, Uetliberg transforms into a winter wonderland, and sledding becomes a thrilling experience for children and adults alike. It is important to note, however, that this event is not guaranteed every winter, especially considering the recent trend toward warmer winters.
Throughout the year, Uto Kulm Hotel hosts events like candle dipping, brunch, and an August 1 barbecue. You can check their website for more information. During my visit, they had the Winterzauber going on with street food, candle dipping, and fondue.
How to Get to Uetliberg Mountain
From Zurich Train Station, you can reach Uetliberg in half an hour. Uetliberg Train Station is the endpoint for the Uetliberg line, connected with Zurich Hauptbahnhof via S-Bahn Zurich Service S10.
In only 56 meters, you can reach the peak (Uto Kulm) and the viewing tower. It is just a short 10-minute hike to the summit. As soon as you reach Uetliberg train station, you will just need to take the stairs or the road directly beside it. It leads to Uto Kulm if you follow the path going up.
Uetliberg is car-free so you will have to park your car in Feldmoos. From the parking lot, walk along the forest path to the Uitikon-Waldegg railway station.
| Address | 8143 Uetliberg Zurich |
| By Train | S10 SZU Train Platform 22 in Zurich Train Station |
| By Car | Parkplatz Feldermoos Birmensdorferstrasse 12 8142 Uitikon-Waldegg |
Final Thoughts: Uetliberg Mountain
With its family-friendly amenities, accessible trails, and an array of activities suitable for all ages, Uetliberg Mountain stands as a captivating destination in Zurich where adventure and togetherness seamlessly intertwine.
If you are visiting or living in Zurich and want to enjoy nature close by, as well as the most spectacular views of the city and lake, Uetliberg is a highly recommended excursion. Uetliberg is quite close to downtown Zurich and is a pleasant activity for anyone tired of the busy concrete seen in a busy city.
Uetliberg is also suitable for those who are traveling to Zurich but have limited time. The trip from Zurich to Uetliberg takes about 30 minutes and trains run regularly.
During your stay in Uetliberg, you can engage in activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and even sledding if there is snow. They have picnic tables near the broadcast tower where you can bring your food or choose from a variety of dining options.
Uetliberg is also a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. The activities are not just physical; you can also find moments of relaxation and solitude and snap beautiful photos to remember.
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.