There’s something magical about heading out on a hike early in the morning—when the world is still quiet, the air is crisp, and every twist in the trail feels like the start of a new story. One lazy Sunday, craving a bit of nature and sunshine, I laced up my boots and set out for Bachtel Mountain in the Zurich Highlands (Zürcher Oberland). What I found there easily earns it a spot among the best hikes near Zurich.
This trail has everything: sweeping views of the Alps, a charming waterfall, a panoramic observation tower, and even a heart-pumping squeeze through the narrow Bachtelspalt rock crevice!
The loop stretches about 10 km, winding from Gibswil to the 1,115-meter-high Bachtel summit and back down to Wald ZH. It’s a solid three-hour adventure that hits that sweet spot between energizing and manageable. As the highest peak between the Töss and Glatt rivers, Bachtel is the undisputed ‘home mountain’ of the Zürcher Oberland.
So what makes this hike stand out? You can do it year-round, and throughout the journey, you’re constantly rewarded with stunning Alpine views. Also, the well-marked trails with their highlights keep things interesting. Intrigued? Let’s hit the trail!
The Journey Begins: Gibswil to Wissengubel Cave and Waterfall
Starting from Gibswil train station, I knew I was off to a great start. As I strolled through the quiet village, it didn’t take long for the first reward to appear—a breathtaking view of the Alps. And that was only the beginning.
Soon, the path led me into a forest and across a little bridge, winding ever so gently toward my first major highlight: Wissengubel Cave. Hidden behind the trees, this mystical spot features a towering 20-meter waterfall cascading down rugged rock walls. The air was cool, the sound of falling water soothing, and I couldn’t resist taking a short break to soak it all in.
Stairway to Bachtel: Climbing from Wissengubel to Hinter-Sennenberg
After marveling at the waterfall, it was time to tackle the stairs next to it.
Step by step, I climbed toward the trail marker at Wissengubel (805 m), where I crossed an asphalt road and disappeared into the woods. That’s when things started to get a bit more serious.
The ascent was steady, but each time I paused for breath, the incredible views of the Glarus Alps made every drop of sweat worth it. The path meandered through serene forests and wide trails until I reached Hinter-Sennenberg, where the scenery unfolded like a dream. Panorama therapy at its finest!
The Final Push: A Secret Trail to the Bachtelturm
From Hinter-Sennenberg, I could already see my ultimate goal: the iconic 75-meter-high Bachtelturm. Getting there meant a stretch on an asphalt road, leading to a fork in the path. Here, I faced a choice: take the well-trodden, official route or venture onto a forest trail. I opted for the latter.
The decision paid off. The narrow path wound through sun-dappled trees, making the final climb feel almost mystical. But just as I was enjoying the serenity, reality hit—more stairs. I huffed and puffed my way up until I reached my destination – Bachtel Kulm with its observation tower.
On Top of the World: Bachtelturm’s Stunning Views
Even from the base of the tower, the views were jaw-dropping. But why stop there? Up the spiral staircase I went, heart pounding with anticipation.
And then, wow. The moment I reached the top, the world opened up before me. I visited in November, so the fog cloaked the lake below, creating an ethereal scene.
On a clear day, the panoramic view stretches all the way to Pilatus, Rigi, Lake Greifen, and Lake Zurich. Even with the fog wrapping the world below in mystery, the sight was awe-inspiring. For a few precious moments, everything else faded away. If you ever need a reminder of how small your worries truly are, climb a tower like this.
On Bachtel Kulm, there’s also a restaurant with a terrace where you can unwind and enjoy a meal. Unfortunately, it was closed for construction during my visit, but I’ve heard it’s set to reopen in 2025.
Into the Depths: The Thrill of Bachtelspalt
After soaking in the views, I began my descent towards the legendary Bachtelspalt.
The 30-minute walk down was a visual treat, with glimpses of the Alps peeking through the trees. When I finally reached the trail marker, I knew I couldn’t skip the 5-minute detour to explore this unique rock formation from below.
Bachtelspalt is a narrow, 50-meter-long crevice, its walls towering up to 8 meters high. Formed during a thunderstorm in 1939, the passage is so tight in places that I had to remove my backpack to squeeze through.
For kids (and kids at heart like me), this is pure adventure! The grand finale? A fun little rope climb to exit the crevice. Some say the gap is slowly closing—so if you want to experience it, better hurry!
The Way Back: A Satisfying Descent
With hearts full and legs slightly wobbly, I made my way down the final stretch toward Wald ZH.
A mix of forest paths, staircases, and open meadows with peacefully gracing cows guided me back to civilization in the village of Wald, where a train waited to take me back home.
Getting to Gibswil by Public Transport
Starting your hike in Gibswil? Good news—getting there by public transport is a breeze! If you’re coming from Zurich, hop on S-Bahn 15 direction Rapperswil and change in Rüti ZH to the S-Bahn 26 direction Winterthur until you reach Gibswil. The whole trip takes about 45 minutes from Zurich.
For the most up-to-date train schedules, check the SBB timetable.
Heading Back by Public Transport from Wald ZH
Since your adventure starts in Gibswil but finishes in Wald ZH, your return journey will begin from Wald ZH train station. If you’re heading back toward Zurich, you’ll transfer again in Rüti ZH. As always, check the SBB timetable for the best connections.
Getting to Gibswil by Car
Prefer to drive? No problem! In Gibswil, you can park either at the train station parking lot (paid) or at the TCS Parkplatz Ried (free). Since the hike ends in Wald ZH, you’ll need to hop on a quick train ride back to your car—the journey from Wald ZH to Gibswil takes just 5 minutes (one stop).
Where to Eat Along the Gibswil – Bachtel – Wald ZH Hike
What’s a great hike without a delicious meal along the way? Here are two spots you shouldn’t miss:
Gibswil: Restaurant Gibswilerstube
Restaurant Gibswil is a charming and cozy spot, perfect for fueling up before your hike. With its warm atmosphere and friendly service, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and a light bite before setting off on the trail.
Bachtel: Panoramarestaurant Bachtel Kulm
A fantastic place to grab a bite with a breathtaking view! Just note that they are closed on Mondays . Want to book a table? Call +41 76 245 27 42 or email [email protected].
Wald ZH: Bleichi Beiz
A cozy, welcoming spot that’s open every day. To make a reservation, call +41 55 256 70 20 or email [email protected].
Final Thoughts: A Hike Worth Every Step
The hike to Bachtel is an absolute treat! I love how the trail winds through both open meadows with peacefully grazing cows and quiet, peaceful forests —it’s this mix of landscapes that makes it feel like the perfect nature escape. The waterfall near the start is a beautiful surprise, and the views of the Alps? Simply breathtaking. But my favorite part, hands down? Climbing through the Bachtelspalt. This narrow, rocky crevice adds just the right amount of adventure and makes the whole experience feel unique. And then there’s of course also the Bachtel Tower—if you’re okay with heights, the 360-degree panorama from the top is a must.
I’d rate this hike as moderate: mostly relaxed, with one solid climb that’ll definitely wake up your legs before the summit.
What I love most is that this trail is still a bit under the radar—off the beaten track and mostly appreciated by locals. You won’t find big tourist crowds here, just a quiet, authentic slice of the Zurich Highlands.
If you’re searching for one of the best hikes near Zurich that blends scenic views, varied terrain, and a little adrenaline, this one absolutely delivers.
