Uetliberg

The Uetliberg is the hill that rises on the western edge of Zurich, and it is the easiest way to get above the city. The summit stands at 870 metres on the Albis ridge. On a good day the view takes in the whole city, Lake Zurich and the Alps.

Getting up is easy. The S10 Uetlibergbahn leaves from the underground SZU platforms at Zurich main station and climbs to Uetliberg station, usually every half-hour, in about 20 minutes. From the top station there is a short uphill walk to the summit, which is 68 metres higher. In winter, when there is enough snow, a sledge run drops through the woods to the Triemli area of the city.

At the summit, the observation tower next to the Uto Kulm hotel and restaurant was rebuilt in 1990. Climbing its 178 steps brings you to a platform about 70 metres up with a 360-degree view; there is a small fee to go up. Next to it stands the 186-metre television tower, also rebuilt in 1990. Uto Kulm serves meals with a view and holds events such as a Sunday brunch, dinner-and-dance evenings and pop-ups in its garden.

The most popular walk is the Planet Trail, a scale model of the solar system at one to one billion, with stations for the Sun, the eight planets and Pluto, which follows the ridge from the Uetliberg to Felsenegg. Zürich Tourism describes it as an easy walk of about two hours, suitable for families. At Felsenegg, the Adliswil-Felsenegg cable car takes you down to Adliswil, from where public transport takes you back into Zurich, which turns the outing into a pleasant loop rather than an out-and-back trip.

Check the weather before you set off, since the view is the main reason to go, and wear proper shoes for the forest paths. Allow half a day for the summit, the tower and the Planet Trail together. The outing suits families, walkers and photographers, and combining the train up with the walk and the cable car down makes a good introduction to the countryside around the city.