Felsenegg Winter Hike near Zürich

If you live in the Zürich area, this is the closest and easiest winter hike you can do. When it snows in Zürich, the snow stays longer up on this ridge so you can enjoy a winter wonderland very close to the city. The snow on the path is usually groomed or stomped down by other walkers so you can walk without snowshoes. When the snow melts, it’s still a nice walking path year round. Along the path, there is a restaurant with a view of Zürich lake and small hills for sledding. 

Location

Felsenegg is located just south of Zürich, on the hill above Adliswil. It is accessible by cable car or auto.

Trail map

This easy walk starts at the top of the Felsenegg-Adliswil cable car, walks along the ridge, past the Felsenegg restaurant, over to Buchenegg pass where you’ll find three more restaurant. Then you can loop back, going downhill a bit and passing some farms, then walking back uphill to the Felsenegg restaurant. The whole loop might take an hour with little kids, less with only adults. Or you can simply walk back and forth along the ridge as far as you like.

See more winter hikes near Zürich

Trail conditions

Most of winter this area does not have snow and the trail is a regular walking path. But after a snow storm in Zürich, the snow often stays on the Felsenegg ridge for a week or two. Check the webcam to see if there is snow.

If there is snow, the path between Buchenegg and Felsenegg is often groomed with a machine. If not, the snow is quickly tramped down by other hikers within a day of the last snowfall. I have brought an all-terrain stroller on this trail with snow. But the conditions are not always suitable for tires. So if you are bringing small children, you might drag them on a sled instead.

Getting there

You can reach this path with the Felsenegg cable car from Adliswil. Or you can drive and park at the Buchenegg pass. 

By public transport: Take a train to Adliswil, then walk up the hill about 10 minutes, following signs to Luftseilbahn, as shown on the map below.

By car: If you want to ride the cable car, drive to Zelgstrasse 80, 8134 Adliswil and park next to the cable car station. I think this parking is metered, so don’t forget to pay. 

If you prefer to drive directly to the trail, drive to Bucheneggstrasse 17, 8143 Stallikon. There is a large free parking lot next to the restaurants. On busy weekends, it may be full and you’ll have to wait. There is no overflow parking nearby.

Cable car ticket prices

If you ride the Adliswill cable car to reach the trail, you’ll need a return ticket. The cable car is part of the public transportation system, so you need a ticket that covers zones 150 & 155. If you are coming by train, just buy a ticket that goes all the way to Felsenegg, which will be cheaper than buying a separate ticket for the cable car. For example, if you are coming from Zürich, you’ll buy a 4 zone ticket which costs CHF 17.60 (or CHF 8.80 with a Half-fare card).

If you just buy the cable car ticket, a return ticket costs CHF 12.40. A 50% discount for SBB Half-fare card and children 6-15. Free for GA and Junior cards. Under 6 free. 

Opening times

In winter (Nov – Feb), the cable car runs daily, every 15 mins, from 9:05 – 20:05. On Fri & Sat, it runs later to 22:05. The cable car can carry 30 people, but during the pandemic capacity may be reduced by 30%. 

Where to eat

There are multiple restaurants along the way. Near the cable car, you’ll find the Felsenegg restaurant, which has indoor seating and an outdoor panorama terrace with views of Zürich lake. It is very popular on weekends so I recommend making a reservation. The inside is always festively decorated and very cosy.

At Buchenegg, there are two restaurants: Restaurant Buchenegg and Chunusper Hüsli. Both serve the popular “Poulet im Chörbli” or chicken in a basket, which is pretty delicious. I would make a reservation for these as well.

Photo story of the trail

The path is easy and on sunny days, full of strolling locals.

One time, we pulled the kids on sleds instead of using a stroller.

The cow meadow covered in snow.

Just a few minutes walk south of the cable car, you’ll find the Felsenegg Panorama Restaurant, which is cozy and tasty. Here’s a view inside.

View of snowy Zurich from the restaurant.

Plus there’s a big field for snow fights, snow angels and snowmen.