20 Most Spectacular Hikes near Zurich

You don’t have to travel far from Zurich for spectacular views. Instead of traveling 3+ hours to Zermatt or the Jungfrau Region, you can reach many amazing hikes in about 90 mins from Zürich. 

Below are our favorite hikes near Zürich with the best views, sure to impress your house guests or Insta followers. I’ve sorted the hikes by travel time by car. If you are traveling by train, see Best day hikes by train from Zürich.

Alpine Lakes

1. Pizol 5 lake trail

This spectacular hike visits five beautiful alpine lakes scattered along an impressive landscape shaped by glaciers.

This popular trail is no secret; you definitely won’t be alone on the trail, no matter when you go. But it’s still one of our very favorite trails in Switzerland that we hike almost every summer. 

• Difficultychallenging
• Duration4h30
• Distance10 km
• Ascent⬆️ 430 m
• Descent⬇️ 760 m
• Highest point1820 m

Although the trail is not extremely long or particularly dangerous, it does require endurance and steady footing to manage the rocky terrain. Best for experienced hikers with good fitness and hiking shoes with good tread.

Pizol is an easy day trip from Zurich, with the gondola quite near a freeway exit and train station. Make sure to start early and note the closing times of the lifts, usually 16:30, which is earlier than you might expect on long summer days.

From Zürich: 1hr by car / 1hr10 by train & bus

See details for Pizol 5 Lake hike

2. Braunwald Oberblegisee lake

Ride a funicular train up to a car-free village, then a gondola to the trail. Start by traversing the mountain, dipping in and out of forests, to reach a remote alpine lake. 

• Difficultymedium
• Duration3h
• Distance9 km
• Ascent⬆️ 90 m
• Descent⬇️ 546 m
• Highest point1540 m

Since the trail is mostly downhill, it’s relatively easy. But you’ll need shoes with good tread to manage the rocky path.

From Zürich: 1hr10 by car, 1hr30 by train

See details for Braunwald Oberblegisee trail

3. Ebenalp Seealpsee

This gorgeous lake is a popular destination. But it’s a little harder to get to than you might expect, given all the buzz and plentiful social media pics. 

• Difficultymedium
• Duration2h
• Distance5.7 km round trip
• Ascent⬆️ 270 m
• Descent⬇️ 270 m
• Highest point2220 m

Experienced hikers can get here with the mountain trail from the Ebenenalp cable car. However, there have been many deaths on this trail (five in summer 2022). So we highly recommend hiking here using the service road instead, much safer!

At the lake, you can lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants, sampling the local trout. Or walk around the lakeshore to find a perfect picnic spot. You can even rent a row boat and enjoy the views from the water. 

From Zürich: 1hr30 by car, 2hr10 by train

See details for Seealpsee hike 

Ridge Trails

4. Saxer Lücke

A cable car makes the spectacular Saxer Lücke viewpoint in the Appenzell region accessible to casual hikers and families. It’s a moderate 3 km mountain trail each way on a rocky trail. 

• Difficultymedium
• Duration2.5h
• Distance6 km
• Ascent⬆️ 240 m
• Descent⬇️ 240 m
• Highest point1822 m

The viewpoint shown here is a great place for a picnic. Or you can hike a bit further down to the beautiful Fälensee for a hearty lunch of Rösti at the mountain hotel.

The trail has stairs and some steep slopes to the side. So better for those with a head for heights and steady footing.

From Zürich: 1hr15 by car, 2hr40 by train/bus

See details for Saxer Lücke trail

5. Schäfler Ridge

This Schäfler ridge in the Alpstein range is one of the most dramatic in Switzerland, all pointy edges and steep slopes.

• Difficultychallenging
• Duration3h
• Distance7.3 km round trip
• Ascent⬆️ 570 m
• Descent⬇️ 570 m
• Highest point1919 m

From the Ebenalp cable car, you can reach the ridge viewpoint in about 90 mins, a steep but safe trail as far as the Schäfler mountain hut. See the viewpoint trail.

After that, you can venture out on the exposed ridge trail, exciting but a bit dangerous. Only for experienced hikers comfortable with heights.

From Zürich: 1h30 by car, 2h by public transport

See details for Schäfler Ridge Trail

6. Stoos ridge trail

Ride the steepest funicular in the world up to this gorgeous ridge hike near Lucerne. 

• Difficultymedium
• Duration2h
• Distance4.4 km round trip
• Ascent⬆️ 300 m
• Descent⬇️ 300 m
• Highest point1900 m

It’s a popular trail, so you can avoid the biggest crowds by going on a weekday. It does have some steep drop-offs so better for those who are not afraid of heights.

From Zürich: 45 mins by car, 1hr20 by train/bus

See details for Stoos Ridgeline Trail

7. Schönhalden Guscha Gratweg

This beautiful mountain trail is accessed by a tiny private gondola, definitely locals only.

The loop hike is short and tough, ascending steeply to the peak viewpoint. Then traversing the a ridge before wandering through alpine meadows back to your starting point.

• Difficultyeasy
• Duration3h
• Distance7.5 km loop
• Ascent⬆️ 630 m
• Descent⬇️ 630 m
• Highest point2120 m

From Zürich: 1h by car, 1h50 by public transport (weekdays only)

See details for Schönhalden Guscha Gratweg

8. Hoch Ybrig Panorama trail

Hoch Ybrig is the closest mountain resort near Zurich. After a lovely drive through the countryside, you ride a cable car and chair lift up to the ridge, with views of Lake Lucerne and many mountains.

The trail starts here, a wide dirt path traversing the ridge. It’s an easy and safe trail, mostly downhill.

• Difficultyeasy
• Duration2 h
• Distance6,3 km
• Ascent⬆️ 60 m
• Descent⬇️ 420 m
• Highest point1820 m

My detailed post has shorter and longer versions of the trail, even an option for strollers. There is also a small lake, popular for fishing, with a nice picnic area with fire pits.

See details for Hoch Ybrig ridge trail

Peak Tours

9. Flumserberg 7 Peak Tour

The most impressive hike at Flumserberg is the 7 Peak Tour, which, as the name suggests, visits seven peaks over a long tough hike.

After riding a gondola up the mountain, you climb and down a series of peaks in the backcountry. 

• Difficultyhard
• Duration5h20
• Distance13.5 km
• Ascent⬆️ 510 m
• Descent⬇️ 880 m
• Highest point2255 m

Eventually you loop around and down the mountain, visiting a pretty alpine lake and mountain restaurant. Then you can hike the rest of the way or ride an alpine coaster instead, our preferred method.

If you are motivated and have all day, visiting all seven peaks is definitely worth the effort. But my detailed post has shorter and easier versions, visiting only four of the peaks but just as beautiful.

From Zürich: 1hr15 by car, 1hr30 by train

See details for Flumserberg 7 Peak Hike

10. Chli Aubrig peak hike

This beautiful mountain trail is close to Zürich, climbing through fields and forest to the Chli Aubrig peak. From the peak, you can enjoy panorama views across rolling hills, a lake and many mountain peaks. 

• Difficultymedium
• Duration3h
• Distance9.5 km
• Ascent⬆️ 400 m
• Descent⬇️ 400 m
• Highest point1600 m

Since you can drive to the trail head, it’s a great choice for spring when most gondolas are closed. We like to go in mid May, when the snow has melted and the wildflowers start to bloom.

From Zürich: 40 mins by car, not possible by public transport

See details for Chli Aubrig Hike

11. Hirzli Peak

What a reward at the top of this steep climb! You’ll get a 360 panorama view of the whole region, with the pretty Walensee lake in view.

For those that live in Zürich, it’s an interesting perspective of these valleys and mountains you drive by so often.

• Difficultymedium
• Duration3h
• Distance7 km loop
• Ascent⬆️ 580 m
• Descent⬇️ 580 m
• Highest point2327 m

From Zürich: 40 mins by car, 1h by public transport

See details for Hirzli peak hike.

12. Grosser Mythen peak hike

This impressive peak is an icon of central Switzerland, so it’s very satisfying to reach the top and do a little victory dance. 

• Difficultymedium
• Duration2h
• Distance3.5 km round trip
• Ascent⬆️ 410 m
• Descent⬇️ 410 m
• Highest point1800 m

It’s a short but demanding mountain trail, with steep rocky switchbacks gaining about 400 m of elevation over 2km. Better for those with hiking experience who are not afraid of heights.

From Zürich: 45 mins by car / 1hr 15 by train/bus.

See details for Grosser Mythen Peak Hike

13. Vilan Peak

This tall peak towers over the quiet village Malans, with sweeping views across the Rhine Valley.

First ride in a tiny cable car, then a steep climb to the peak, a popular spot for paragliding. Then descend through alpine meadows surrounded by mountains.

• Difficultymedium
• Duration4h
• Distance12.1 km loop
• Ascent⬆️ 780 m
• Descent⬇️ 780 m
• Highest point2327 m

From Zürich: 1h15 by car, 1h20 by train+bus

We have always hiked here in fall, when the larch trees are turning golden. For summer hiking, probably snow-free and full of alpine flowers by mid June.

See details for Vilan Peak Hike

14. Speerstock Peak from Amden

This peak is one of the first you see as you drive south of Zürich, heading for the alps.

You can start the climb from various sides of the peak. But the most common route is from Amden, starting with a chairlift up to Mattstock. From there, it’s

• Difficultymoderate
• Duration5h15
• Distance15.3 km
• Ascent⬆️ 767 m
• Descent⬇️ 1153 m
• Highest point1940 m

From Zürich: 1h by car, 1h30 by train + bus

See details for Speerstock Peak Hike.

Waterfalls

15. Bätoni Waterfall Arena

It’s a steep up hike up a hidden valley to reach this “arena” with multiple waterfalls spilling down the cliff walls. Since this area is more remote (not near a mountain resort), you’ll often see wildlife, like chamois and ibex.

• Difficultymoderate
• Duration3 h
• Distance8 km there & back
• Ascent⬆️ 520 m
• Descent⬇️ 520 m
• Highest point1550 m

From Zürich: 1h10 by car, 2h by train+bus

See details for Bätoni Falls Hike

16. Seerenbach Falls

One of the nicest spring outings near Zürich is hiking along the Walensee lake to the Seerenbach falls.

You can get to the falls easily with a boat ride and short 40 min hike. But for a sporty half-day hike, start in Weesen with an easy stroll along the water, then up to the falls for the main viewpoint.

After the falls, continue on the mountain trail to Quinten, passing through meadows and forest, with enough up and down to earn your lunch. Don’t forget to try the wine from the vineyards you just hiked through.

• Difficultyeasy
• Duration3 h
• Distance9.9 km
• Ascent⬆️ 410 m
• Descent⬇️ 421 m
• Highest point708 m

From Zürich: 50 mins by car, 1h by train + bus

See details for Walensee Hike: Weesen – Seerenbach Falls – Quinten

TIP: For a full day hike, continue past Quinten to Walenstadt, adding 3h and another 600m up & down. See trail map.

Mountain Views

17. Chäserrugg panorama trail

Short and easy panorama path on a high plateau covered with wildflowers in Eastern Switzerland. You start the day by riding a funicular train, then cable car up up to the cliffs, where you’ll find a restaurant and the start of the trail.

• Difficultyeasy
• Duration1 h
• Distance3 km
• Ascent⬆️ 80 m
• Descent⬇️ 80 m
• Highest point2220 m

The trail is not difficult, more of a stroll. There are cliffs on the sides and no barriers, so you need to be careful with children. 

From Zürich: 1hr20 by car, 2hr by train/bus

See details for Chäserrugg panorama trail

18. Mettmenalp Kärpfbrugg & Legler Hut

Starting at the Mettmenalp reservoir, you’ll hike through Europe’s oldest wildlife reserve to walk over this natural land bridge (aka Kärpfbrugg) over a raging river.

• Difficultymedium
• Duration2h30
• Distance7.1 km round trip
• Ascent⬆️ 400 m
• Descent⬇️ 400 m
• Highest point1960 m

From Zürich: 1hr30 by car, 1hr40 by train/bus

See details for Mettmenalp Kärpfbrugg Loop Hike

For a longer hike with even more drama, hike farther up the mountain to Legler mountain hut for lunch before looping back. You’ll pass a few tiny alpine lakes on your way up, making for many pretty reflection pics.

See details for Mettmenalp Legler Hut Hike

19. Palfries

I’ll bet you’ve never heard of Palfries, a quiet mountain area accessed by a tiny cable and loved by the locals.

At the top, you can do an easy stroll on the service road. Or wander into the meadows just below these tall peaks, looping through lush meadows speckled with cows. You can do a 2 or 4 hour loop, both with the view you see below.

• Difficultyeasy
• Duration2h
• Distance7.2 km round trip
• Ascent⬆️ 285 m
• Descent⬇️ 285 m
• Highest point1626 m

From Zürich: 55 mins by car, 1hr10 by train/bus

See details for Palfries Stelli Loop

20. Malbun Fürstin-Gina-Weg Trail

Not too far from Zürich, Liechtenstein has an amazing about of beauty packed into its tiny borders.

This trail starts with a chair lift from the mountain town Malbun to the ridge. Then a steady ascent to the Augstenberg peak, traverse to a mountain hut for lunch, and a long descent through meadows and valleys to your starting point.

• Difficultychallenging
• Duration4h
• Distance10.4 km
• Ascent⬆️ 480 m
• Descent⬇️ 830 m
• Highest point2320 m

From Zürich: 1hr20 by car, 2hr10 by train+bus

See details for Malbun Malbun Fürstin-Gina-Weg Trail

Where to stay

All of these hikes are easy day trips from Zürich city by car or public transport. If you prefer to be closer to the mountains and reduce your travel times each day, I’ve also include good bases in the region.

Based Zürich city

For families: the MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity has multi-bed rooms sleeping up to 6, with simple modern furnishings. Good value and short ride to the Zürich old town by train or bus. If you have a car, it has quick access to the freeway without having to drive through city traffic.

Near train station: for maximum convenience, best to stay in the Zürich old town near the main station. And don’t worry, this area in Zürich is safe and clean, not like big cities at all. Aparthotel Adagio is a good balance of value, comfort and convenient location.

For Heidiland and Glarnerland region hikes

For lake views, we like Murg, a lakeside village along the Walensee. The train station and ferry dock are both right in the village, no bus necessary. The Loft Hotel has both nice views and a good value, with family rooms and tasty restaurant right on the water.

For convenience, we would stay in the small town Bad Ragaz, which is centrally located with efficient connections from its train station. We like Hotel OchSen in the attractive village center.

For Appenzell region hikes

For convenience, Appenzell is the best option, providing quick connections to all the mountains in the area. We love Neuhof Gäste-& Schokohaus, which has a particularly nice breakfast.

For relaxation, Resort Hof Weissbad has an extensive spa & wellness center with multiple saunas, bubble pool, and nature swimming pool.

More hike ideas

For more ideas, see the Best Hike near Lucerne, most of which are easy day trips from Zürich.

Also try our Advanced Search or Browse Hike Categories.