There are countless ways to discover Zurich on foot - whether in the heart of the city or in the green outskirts around Lake Zurich. However, there is one route that should not be missed: the trail run up the Uetliberg, which towers 870 meters above sea level in the southwest of the city. The striking, white-red-and-white striped television tower at 132 meters and the Hotel Uto Kulm right next to it are impossible to miss on the summit. Thanks to the railroad connection and a dense network of hiking trails, mountain bike trails and, of course, paths suitable for running, the Uetliberg is a real paradise for anyone who enjoys being outdoors.
However, our run begins with a completely different adventure: numerous roadworks and road closures make the journey to the starting point at Triemli Hospital a real challenge - despite the excellent public transport connections in Zurich's city center. But after a little odyssey and a short ride on the Uetlibergbahn to the Triemli-Spital stop, we can finally get going: Our ascent up the Uetliberg begins.
Warming up? That's for the hot-showers. We get straight into - literally - the steep ascent on the east side of the Uetliberg. And what can we say? It works for us.
Are we in kindergarten here?
As soon as we have left the classic spring situation of many runners behind us - freezing cold at the start in the shade, but as soon as the sun comes out, you are not only running uphill, but also running properly - we reduce our clothing to a reasonable level and are right in the middle of it. And not in the hoped-for tranquillity of nature around the Uetliberg, but in the cheerful, noisy hustle and bustle of countless children. They are strung together like colorful pearls on the hiking trail towards the summit - here a lively group, there a few stray lone fighters, accompanied by a correspondingly lively background noise.
Is today the hiking day of a Zurich kindergarten? Or perhaps an entire elementary school? We don't know. But we don't have much time to puzzle - our focus at the moment is more on navigating through this motley crowd as elegantly (and accident-free) as possible without causing too much chaos.
The cheerful hustle and bustle ends at the Hohenstein barbecue area with a loud hello, and we enjoy a bit of peace and quiet again. The gradient also eases. We now follow the ridge path - initially relaxed on a wide forest path, later a little narrower and over long steps. The treetops thin out, the television tower comes into view, as does the silhouette of Zurich. Finally, we emerge from the forest and reach the summit of the Uetliberg - and with it the Hotel Uto Kulm, the highest point of our trail run.
From Uetliberg to Felsenegg: trail running above Lake Zurich
After the usually well-frequented summit of the Uetliberg, trail runners can expect a pleasant section along the ridge on the western side of Lake Zurich. Around 400 meters lower down, Friesenberg, Wollishofen, Sihlwald and Kilchberg pass you by - the transition into the valley near Adliswil is smooth in this densely populated region.
The view of Zurich from the Uetliberg is simply wow!
Marina
It's almost impossible to get lost here - at most the view wanders off, lost in the vastness of the Zurich lowlands or over to the Alps, which rise majestically not far away in central Switzerland. Romantically scattered farms break up the landscape, and from time to time we meet hikers who - just like us - enjoy the unique view from up here. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or trail running, the path between Uetliberg and Felsenegg is not just a highlight for runners - hiking fans will also get their money's worth here.
Steep downhill to Adliswil
Shortly before Felsenegg, one of the most beautiful - if unfortunately far too short - sections of our trail run awaits: we run directly on the ridge with a gentle incline and magnificent views down to Lake Zurich and Zurich city center. Tall trees line the path and provide pleasant shade in summer. A real highlight before we reach the junction of the hiking trail a little later, which leads us from Felsenegg down to Adliswil.
If you want more than just gels and energy bars here, you will find a wonderfully relaxing spot on the sunny terrace of the restaurant. And if you've enjoyed the home-style cooking a little too much - don't stress: if you need to, there's always the cable car back down to the valley. Incidentally, this is the only cable car in the entire canton of Zurich.
If you feel like climbing more, you can follow the ridge between Lake Zurich and the Sihl Valley to Sihlbrugg near Baar. The hiking trail meanders steadily along the ridge and offers a long but rewarding alternative to our route thanks to excellent public transport connections.
We, on the other hand, head back towards Zurich City and opt for the steep descent to Adliswil. Trail runners' knees are put to the test here - but don't worry, the manageable difference in altitude keeps it sporty, not painful.
From the trail to the small-town flair of Adliswil
Change of scene. Just a moment ago, we are walking along rooty forest paths, descending steeply and in steps from the Uetliberg over the Felsenegg - and suddenly we are standing in the middle of the market square of Adliswil, a charming small town in the canton of Zurich with a population of around 20,000. Streets, streetcar tracks, small stores and cozy squares characterize the picture. A short flight of stairs takes us over the railroad line directly into the heart of the town, south of Zurich.
The atmosphere? Relaxed. People enjoy the warm spring sunshine in street cafés or on park benches, somewhere a street musician is playing the trumpet - a picture-perfect scene for winding down and taking a deep breath.
The contrasts of the scenery on this run are enormously fascinating.
Falko
Crossing a few roads, our path leads us along the green ribbon of the Sihl - the tranquil little river that has made its way here from central Switzerland. For a while, we follow its course towards Zurich, past secluded corners and under large trees, until we reach the foot of the undeveloped Entlisberg - more of a hill than a mountain, but perhaps our legs see it a little differently after the previous kilometers.
Despite the moderate profile, the hundred meters of ascent are quite noticeable. Fortunately, the calm atmosphere in the surrounding mixed forest quickly puts us back in a relaxed mood - and before you know it, the climb is history.
A little further on, our trail leads us along the Vita Parcours - a classic fitness trail with all kinds of stations for fitness enthusiasts, including the infamous pull-up bars. It's up to you whether you use them or prefer to pass by elegantly.
After the Uetliberg, Lake Zurich
After the Entlisberg (525 m), we quickly and finally reach civilization again - more precisely, the densely built-up terrain on the shores of Lake Zurich. The upper foothills of Wollishofen welcome us, and the sun appears again after briefly leaving us in the shade of the Entlisberg forest.
We continue to lose altitude and make our way through quiet, green neighborhoods with charming detached houses and small streets that run like a labyrinth through this southern suburb of Zurich. Luckily, we have placed our GPS track on the route of the official hiking trail - so we can enjoy shady side streets, beautiful gardens full of blooming spring colors and pleasantly little traffic.
In general, the entire trail run from Zurich over the Uetliberg and along Lake Zurich is pleasantly spared the sometimes chaotic city traffic. The ascent to the Uetliberg and the route to Felsenegg are exclusively on hiking trails, and the section along the lake also follows the well-maintained lakeside path. Only a few short sections take us over or along roads - the focus remains on nature, exercise and relaxation.
Relaxed finish at Lake Zurich
Wollishofen is our next stage destination - and it's downhill, which we are only too happy to take after the altitude difference of the last few hours. We pass through quiet neighborhoods that are somewhere between urban outskirts and small-town rural idyll. Fruit trees line the path, the last section of which descends steeply to the busy lakeside road. We cross the road at one of the many pedestrian crossings - and immediately leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind us as the lakeside path welcomes us with its lake, tranquillity and far-reaching views.
The fruit trees slowly give way to magnificent villas and the atmosphere becomes more urban. Zurich and Bürkliplatz come into view - and with every step we take, we get closer to it. Before we reach the city center, however, we follow the path for a few hundred meters on a footbridge directly over the water of Lake Zurich. We meet more and more runners - no wonder, the Zurich Marathon is taking place here in three days' time and many are still getting into shape.
At the alternative cultural center Rote Fabrik, people are sitting in the sun, enjoying the rising temperatures and the relaxed atmosphere right on the lake. Shortly afterwards, we pass Wollishofen station and the imposing shipyard site - until suddenly, almost inconspicuously, the tiny Saffa Island appears to our right. A few meters in size, located in the middle of Lake Zurich - small, but definitely remarkable.
Green finale with finish in Zurich at Bürkliplatz
Before our Uetliberg trail run comes to an end at Bürkliplatz, we immerse ourselves once again in some of Zurich's green oases. Past the Landiwiese and the Badi - one of the popular bathing establishments directly on the lake - the trail leads us through the Arboretum, a quiet park with impressive trees from all over the world. And then the time has come: we turn right and see the streams of tourists at the Quaibrücke, where Lake Zurich ends and the city center begins.
As quiet and close to nature as most of this stretch was, the contrast is stark when you suddenly find yourself back in the middle of bustling city life. But that's exactly what makes this route so appealing - from forest paths to city boulevards, from roots to cobblestones.
From here, all streetcars and buses are available to take you back to the starting point in comfort. Or - after 20 kilometers and over 600 meters of elevation gain (which corresponds to a flat route of around 26 kilometers in terms of performance) - you can treat yourself to a well-deserved break in one of the countless cafés in Zurich's city centre.
And here, too, contrasts remain our constant companion: between designer suits and day tickets, we mingle with the guests in our ultralight gear - and feel at least as much at home.
