Swiss Tips 🇨🇭

Here we’ll briefly share some of our favorite activities in and around Zürich.

Hiking

Switzerland is full of amazing hikes, most of them easily accessible via the SBB rail network. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Uetliberg (ZĂĽrich)

For a quick hike, take the tram to the foot of Uetliberg and follow the scenic path up. You can enjoy a bite to eat at the top (a recurring theme, as you’ll see) and either hike back down or take the train.
  • Round trip: ~3 hours
  • Cost: CHF8 (~$10)
Uetliberg view

Walensee (St. Gallen)

A beautiful shorter hike that combines train, boat, and lakeside walking. Take the train to Murg on the south side of Walensee, catch a boat across the stunning turquoise lake to Quinten, then hike along the shore path with dramatic cliff views to Weesen. Perfect for anyone looking for a gentler hike with some variety in transportation.
  • Round trip: ~5 hours (including travel)
  • Cost: CHF25-35 (including the boat)
  • Easy lakeside hiking trail
Walensee alpine lake

Seealpsee (Appenzell)

A stunning alpine lake framed by dramatic peaks, perfect for a day trip from ZĂĽrich. Take the train to Appenzell, then a cable car up to Ebenalp, and hike down to the picture-perfect lake.
  • Round trip: ~7h (including travel)
  • Cost: CHF45-60 (including transport) (SBB link)
Seealpsee alpine lake

Stoos (Central Switzerland)

Home to the world's steepest funicular railway, Stoos offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. The ridge walk from Stoos to Fronalpstock is especially spectacular, with 360-degree mountain vistas. Perfect for those wanting dramatic alpine scenery without technical climbing.
  • Round trip: ~8h (including travel)
  • Cost: CHF35-50 (including funicular) (SBB link)
Stoos mountain panorama

Dining

One thing Zürich is known for? Its eye-watering restaurant prices. Nonetheless, here are a few spots that won’t completely break the bank and still serve a great meal:

Of course, you can always grab something quick from Migros or Coop. And if you’re going for a hike, definitely try some food at the top of the mountain, it’s worth it!

Cafés and Drinks

Other things to do around ZĂĽrich