Uetliberg

The Uetliberg rises to 869 metres on the edge of Zurich and is reached by a suburban train from the main station in about twenty minutes, which makes it one of the most accessible viewpoints of any European city - the whole lake, the city and, on clear days, a long stretch of Alps are visible from the lookout tower at the top, which stands beside a television tower 186 metres high. The ridge walk south to Felsenegg is laid out as the Planetenweg: the solar system at one to a billion, so a metre of path is a million kilometres and the two-hour walk covers the distance from the sun to Pluto, with the planets as markers along the way. Winter fog often sits below the summit, leaving the ridge in sun.

What to look for

• Twenty minutes from the main station - a genuine mountain view without a journey.
• The Planetenweg - the solar system at one to a billion along the ridge.
• A lookout tower - the city, the lake and the Alps beyond.
• Sun above winter fog - the ridge clear while the city is grey.

When to go

All year; autumn and winter for clear air above the fog. Half a day.

Good to know

Summer haze often removes the Alpine view. The summit is busy at weekends and the restaurant is priced for it. The Planetenweg is a walk in woodland - the markers are modest. The tower has stairs, not a lift.

Nearby

Zurich is directly below; Felsenegg and the Sihltal are at the far end of the ridge.

Key facts