This observation tower in the hills southeast of Zürich is a great place to enjoy panorama views on a sunny clear day. It’s only a short walk (stroller friendly) from the parking or bus stop to the tower. Then climb 174 steps to the top to the small observation deck, where you can admire Zürich lake, the rolling countryside and mountain peaks in the distance. Just below the tower, there is a restaurant with a view, a playground, a big grassy area with benches for lounging, and multiple picnic areas with grills. This is a great choice for an easy quick weekend outing.
| Location: | Meilen, Zürich Region, Eastern Switzerland |
| By car: | Hochwacht restaurant parking – Schaubigerstrasse 8706, 8706 Egg 30 mins from Zürich center |
| By transport: | Bus stop: Meilen, Vorderer Pfannenstiel 35 mins from Zürich |
| Trail: | 250m from parking, 1 km from bus stop |
| Elevation: | base of tower at 811 m |
| Condition: | wide dirt path, possible with all-terrain strollers |
| Difficulty: | easy (1 of 5), 80m up/down |
| Open: | all year |
| Cost: | free |
| Services: | restaurant & playground near parking |
| More info: | webcam |
Location
This trail is located south of Zürich, easily accessible by car or bus. No mountain transport required.
Getting to the Pfannenstiel Tower
By public transport: From the Meilen train station, catch the 922 bus to Meilen, Vorderer Pfannenstiel, about a 12 min ride. From the bus stop, walk up the Stuckiweg footpath to reach the restaurant and tower, using the trail map below.
The bus runs once an hour, leaving Meilen on the xx:01. On the way back, bus 922 leaves on the xx:14. Check current schedule on SBB.ch.
By car: Drive to the Hochwacht parking at Schaubigerstrasse 8706, 8706 Egg. There is parking directly in front of the restaurant. If that parking is full, drive back down to the main road Herrenweg and park in the lot next to the Pfannenstiel restaurant (Herrenweg 380, 8706 Meilen). From the lower parking, walk up the Stuckiweg footpath to reach the restaurant and tower, using the trail map below.
Trail map
From the Hochwacht restaurant (and parking), its about a 250m walk up to the tower. From the bus stop and overflow parking, it’s about 1 km, as shown on the trail map below. It’s a wide dirt/gravel path possible with an all-terrain stroller.
Longer option: You can visit the tower as a part of a hike through the Pfannenstiel forest. Starting at the Forch train station, it’s about 5.6 km to reach the tower. You can take the bus home from here or keep walking another 5.7km to the Meilen train station near Zürich lake. See details for the Pfannenstiel Forest Trail.
Photo story
Pfannenstiel Restaurant & Playground
Here is the Hochwacht restaurant. You can see cars are parked in front of the restaurant. As you can imagine, on sunny weekends, it can be quite busy. The path to the tower is directly behind the restaurant.
There is a large grassy area in front of the restaurant with benches. Lots of people were just strolling and enjoying the view from here. You can also see the path leading through the field down to the bus stop and overflow parking.
The small playground in front of the restaurant.
Visiting the tower
Walking up to the tower, a bit uphill but easy walking.
At the base of the tower, there is a picnic area with grills.
Just for laughs: here’s when I first visited the tower back in 2005.
It’s 174 steps to the top of the tower. The stairs are quite narrow making it a bit difficult to pass someone. So it’s polite to wait on the in-between platforms if someone is coming the other way.
View from the top of the tower
It’s a small platform at the top. On busy days, you might have to wait to get a spot with the lake view.
Loved the view from here. You can see almost the entire Lake Zurich and all the mountains from Pilatus and Rigi on the far right to the Churfirsten ranges on the far left. It was amazing!
View west towards Horgen.
View south towards Rapperswil.
Looking down to the base of the tower.
Picnic areas
If you follow the path past the tower, you can walk up to another picnic area.
Here is the picnic area with tables and a grill just on the edge of the forest.
