Considering conquering Zurich’s local mountain? The Uetliberg is a popular way to spend a day high above Zurich for a reason. With spectacular panoramic views of Zurich and the Alps in the distance, what is not to love.
In this detailed guide, I’ve covered everything you need to know about the Uetliberg. From some fun facts about the mountain to the best times to visit and things to do once you’re at the top. Read on to learn more about the Uetliberg, and see exactly why you head up there soon!
Table of Contents
Uetliberg History
There’s evidence that the top of the Uetliberg has been settled since the Neolithic, so this local mountain has a surprisingly rich history. The oldest archaeological artifacts uncovered at the mountain are from 4000 BC.
An oppidum once existed at the top of the Uetliberg hill, most likely during the Iron Age. It was considered one of the most significant fortifications from this time period in entire Switzerland, and the remains of the ancient wall system are still visible at the Uto Kulm summit.
It’s worth noting that certain archeological sites had to be entirely destroyed during the construction of the Uetliberg railway, including a burial site from the 5th century BC.
In general, the Uetliberg has always been of great importance to the Swiss. In previous centuries it was an essential part of the city’s defense systems, while nowadays it mostly serves as an escape from all the big city noises and crowds.
How to Get to the Uetliberg
The easiest way of getting to the Uetliberg is by train from the Zurich main station. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the mountain train station, and then you’re only about 10 minutes away from the Uetliberg lookout tower and the viewpoint.
A return ticket for this journey will set you back CHF 17.60. That’s the price for adults – there’s a 50% discount for children of ages 6-15, while the youngest travelers get to travel for free.
Hiking
Alternatively, you can also hike from Zurich to the Uetliberg if you want. Depending on where you start in the city, it can take you anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.
The simplest way up is from the Triemli tram stop using the Hohensteinweg. This is also a toboggan run in winter.
When I was last up there I saw a lot of people coming up from Albisgüetli, the only challenge then is that you are not directly at the top of the mountain, so it usually takes longer to get to the restaurant and viewing tower.
It’s also possible to take the cable car to Felsenegg from Albisgüetli and then hike along the ridge to the Uetliberg from there. This is the least strenuous way of getting there apart from taking the train to the top.
| Starting Point | Trail | Hiking Time | Map |
| Albisgüetli | Denzlerweg | 45 minutes | Trail Map |
| Albisgüetli | Laternenweg | 45 minutes | Trail Map |
| Triemli | Hohensteinweg | 50 minutes | Trail Map |
| Felsenegg | Planetenweg | 1hr 45 minutes | Trail Map |
Things to Do on the Uetliberg
The most popular thing to do on the mountain is to climb the observation tower. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city and Lake Zurich, and it’s the main reason why most people bother to visit the mountain.
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Hiking is a close second. The Uetliberg boasts a great system of well-marked hiking routes you could explore for days. The Planetenweg Trail is one of the most popular hikes here; it’s a fairly easy route marked by planets from the solar system.
The mountain is also popular for mountain biking. One mountain bike route starts right next to the barbecue area and takes you all the way to the Triemli station in the city. There’s one more route that is shorter but steeper at times, and it’s more popular among experienced MTBers who just want to rush down the mountain fast.
The Uetliberg isn’t popular only in the summer season – Zurich’s local mountain gets a tonne of visitors in the winter as well. Uto Kulm hotel organizes a Christmas market at the top of the mountain, plus there are plenty of opportunities for sledding and tobogganing.
Where to Eat on the Uetliberg
You can eat wherever you want if you remember to pack a picnic basket and take it with you. The Uetliberg mountain is a great place for picnics, especially on clear and sunny days when you can enjoy fabulous views of the city and Lake Zurich while snacking on some delicious local cheese.
There are lots of benches and seats at the top, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the panoramic views of Zurich and Lake Zurich below.
Alternatively, there are a couple of restaurants at the top of the mountain where you can enjoy meals prepared by professionals. They mostly serve Swiss cuisine, so this is a great opportunity to try some of the famous local delicacies like cheese fondue and rosti. Uto Kulm, Maiensäss, and Uto-Staffel are the closest restaurants to the observation tower and the Uetliberg station areas.
Where to Stay near the Uetliberg
Booking.comUto Kulm is the only hotel on the mountain, and it’s situated right next to the lookout tower. It’s a good place to stay if you want easy access to all the important attractions, but it’s also the priciest option.
There are a couple of guesthouses atop the mountain, but it’s not like you’ll be spoiled for choice. The Pfadiheim guesthouse offers accommodation for groups and it’s situated in the southern area of the mountain. Im Sonnenbühl is a guesthouse less than five minutes away from the Uetliberg train station.
Tips When Visiting the Uetliberg
Many of the hiking trails on the Uetliberg are stroller and wheelchair-friendly, so most people and children can easily explore them.
Layer up. Even though you’re traveling just 20 minutes outside the city, you’re still heading up a mountain. It’s always colder there than it is in the city, especially in the early mornings and afternoons.
Go early if you want to avoid crowds. This is particularly important if you’re visiting in the summer season since that’s when the mountain is most popular.
Bring some cash/coins. Access to the observation deck is 2 CHF and the card terminal doesn’t always work, so it’s best to have some cash on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Uetliberg
How much time do you need to get to the Uetliberg?
To get to the Uetliberg takes around 20 minutes by train from Zurich HB main station. It takes around 2 hours to walk the same distance. However, you can hike up in under an hour from the Triemli tram station.
Is it possible to drive to the Uetliberg?
It is not possible to drive to the top of the Uetliberg or anywhere near the top. However, you can drive to the bottom and park there or drive to the southern parts of the mountain where it is less developed.
It’s also worth noting that you can drive through the Uetliberg via a long straight tunnel through via the Zurich ring road.
Is it possible to walk from Zurich to the Uetliberg?
Yes, it’s possible to walk from Zurich to the Uetliberg. On a beautiful day, it’s even the preferred method of traveling from the city to the mountain. The shortest way from Zurich to the Uetliberg is along the Hohensteinweg from Triemli tram station. It takes around 45 minutes to hike up. From downtown Zurich to the top of the Uetliberg can take you around 2 hours in total.
Is the Uetliberg worth visiting?
The Uetliberg is worth visiting if you enjoy hiking and scenic city views. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of Zurich and its surroundings, as well as distant views of the Alps. There is also a myriad of hiking trails that you can explore, many of which are easy and stroller-friendly.
There are also a few restaurants at the top of the mountain, which offer the best local delicacies, ice cream and drinks along with panoramic views.
If you are more into museums and shops, you might not love this excursion so much. But if you enjoy spending time in nature and you want to discover some of the magnificent nature Switzerland is famous for around the planet, the Uetliberg is definitely a good preview.
Hi Ashley, is Uetliberg covered in snow this time of the year? We will be in Zurich for 4 days beginning Dec. 31 2023 and our kids want see snow.
Hi Eia,
At the moment not. The weather has been very warm for winter and everything has melted. I can see Uetliberg from my window :> You could check – https://www.bergfex.ch/sommer/zuerich-stadt/webcams/c7922/ closer to the date. But honestly, it only happens some weeks a year. A better bet is the area around Einsiedeln or worst case Hoch Y Brig, or Flumserberg mountains (ski resorts)
Hope that helps
Ashley