The Zürich Viewpoint, or Üetliberg Viewpoint, is located on the southwestern side of this mountain, one of the city’s most significant. It stands 868 meters above sea level, providing breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps on clear days.
From this viewpoint, you can enjoy the best vistas of the city and Lake Zurich.
At the mountain’s summit, you’ll find two towers: one is a Belgian television tower, and the other is the Üetliberg observation tower. This observatory, rebuilt in 1990, is free to access and highly recommended if you’re visiting the city of Zurich.
Next to the towers at the top, you’ll also find the Uto Kulm Hotel, a luxury hotel renowned for offering the best of Belgian hospitality.
Why Visit Üetliberg?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZnOzcDY75g
Mount Üetliberg is one of Zürich’s most iconic sites and an essential stop for any visitor.
Beyond the spectacular views, you’ll also appreciate the warmth of the locals. The mountain offers an incredible landscape, perfect for enjoying activities like hiking and outdoor strolls.
Near the final stretch of the trail, you’ll encounter unique lanterns designed by artist Bruno Weber, adding a creative touch to the scenic experience.
We recommend using the last of your three days in Zurich for a relaxing visit to Üetliberg.
How to Get to Üetliberg
Although the Üetliberg viewpoint is a bit outside the city center, there’s no excuse to miss it.
To reach Üetliberg, you have a few options: by train, guided tour, or on foot.
Guided Tour
You can reach the summit of Zürich’s mountain on a narrated bus tour available in several languages, including Spanish. After touring the city, enjoy the incredible views from Üetliberg, Zürich’s highest viewpoint.
You can book your excursion at this link.
Taking the Train
If you want to enjoy the views without the hike, the train is a great option. You can board it at the Hauptbahnhof Station and travel to Üetliberg station.
From there, it’s just a ten-minute walk to the summit, where you can savor magnificent views of the city.
Hiking Up
If you prefer to enjoy every bit of nature along the way, hiking up is an excellent choice.
The hike begins in Albisguit. It typically takes about 35 to 40 minutes to reach the top.
If you’re not in peak physical condition but prefer not to take the train, the path is equipped with benches and water fountains so you can make the journey comfortably.
There are also cycling routes for those who wish to ascend the mountain by bike.
What Can You See from the Zürich Viewpoint?
Remember that the viewpoint stands at 900 meters above sea level.
This height offers a stunning terrace with a 360-degree view of Zürich, Lake Zurich, and the Swiss Alps.
Here, you can pick up a map at the information office, which will help you identify some of Switzerland’s highest peaks, including Aletschhorn (4,195m) and Finsteraarhorn (4,274m).
From the top of the viewpoint, you can even spot nearby towns like Bern and Lucerne.
The viewpoint’s infrastructure is impressive, with wide stairs and special resting platforms you can use if you need a break during the climb.
The Zürich viewpoint was built in 1990, replacing an earlier observation tower constructed in 1984.
In addition to being a lookout, it also functions as a telecommunications tower.
At the Summit: Walks and Hiking
At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy walking along Üetliberg’s various marked trails, take photos of the spectacular scenery, or go for a hike along the stone paths, and even ride a bike.
In winter, the trails leading up to the viewpoint transform into a sleigh descent route, a favorite seasonal activity.
If you decide to go by bike, don’t miss the chance to take the mountain’s lower path, which stretches 3.5 km. At the end of the trail, the train station is conveniently located for your return.
Admire the Lanterns and Benches by Bruno Weber
Bruno Weber’s lanterns and benches are considered artistic landmarks throughout Switzerland.
These installations, created with animal-inspired shapes in a style known as fantastic realism, add charm to the approach to Zürich’s viewpoint.
As mentioned, you’ll find them in the final stretch of the walk up to the viewpoint.
Climbing the Radio Tower
Built in 1990 and standing over 72 meters tall, the radio and television tower is located at the very top of Mount Zürich. Owned by a private network, it provides another fantastic panoramic view of Zürich and the lake.
The Planet Trail
Nature lovers and young explorers can enjoy following the famous Planet Trail.
This scenic mountain trail leads to Felsengg via interactive pathways. Along the way, you’ll come across planets from the solar system and their constellations in a creative, educational experience.
Where to Eat on Üetliberg
Uto Kulm
After reaching the viewpoint, if hunger strikes, there’s no need to worry—here you’ll find a 4-star restaurant offering international and local cuisine called Uto Kulm.
Surrounded by nature, Uto Kulm offers an extensive menu and a stunning view of the city and the Swiss Alps on clear days.
The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 am until midnight.
For private celebrations in a secluded setting, the establishment offers 14 private rooms where you can host events.
As Uto Kulm also serves as a hotel, you have the option of spending the night here, enjoying the appetizers and the fine dining experience.
If you want to head directly from the city to the viewpoint’s hotel restaurant, you can take a train from Zürich’s main station. The journey takes approximately 21 minutes.
Along with its diverse culinary offerings, Uto Kulm also provides a relaxation area.
It features a sauna area where guests can enjoy steam baths and panoramic views of the city.
Uto Staffel
Another option for dining on Üetliberg is Uto Staffel, a more affordable restaurant with excellent service.
Here, you can enjoy some of the best dishes of Swiss cuisine.
For more information, visit the website www.uetliberg.ch or call +41 44 457 66 66.
Other City Viewpoints: Felsenegg and Lindenhof
Besides the Üetliberg viewpoint, Zürich offers other scenic viewpoints within the city.
The most notable are Felsenegg and Lindenhof.
Felsenegg Viewpoint
The Felsenegg viewpoint is one of the city’s most spectacular spots. It offers an impressive landscape that’s popular with both locals and visitors.
This viewpoint has a restaurant where you can enjoy local dishes and several hiking trails.
If you’re there in the evening, don’t miss the nighttime lights of Zürich from this elevated vantage point.
Felsenegg is located at an altitude of 800 meters on the southwestern side of Zürich, atop the Albis mountain range.
To get there, take the train from Zürich’s central station to Adliswil Station. From there, you can catch the cable car to the summit.
Lindenhof Viewpoint
The Lindenhof Viewpoint offers another angle of Zürich, providing a 360-degree view of the city. It’s one of the most visited and elevated spots in the area.
From here, you can take in the sights of the river, churches, and nearby buildings.