If you love hiking and are up for an adventure, you’ve got to check out the Planet Trail! This easy, two-hour hike near Zurich takes you from Uetliberg to Felsenegg and is one of my favorite ways to spend a morning or afternoon.
It’s the perfect half-day activity for visitors to Zurich looking for a nearby trail that combines convenience with stunning views. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Zurich, the lake, and the surrounding countryside. Whether you want to escape the city for a bit or soak in some amazing scenery, the Planet Trail is a must-do!
How to Get to Uetliberg
It is impossible to drive to the top of Uetliberg. So you need to ride the S10 train, which runs between the Zurich main train station and the Uetliberg station. The journey takes about half an hour.
- From the Uetliberg station, you walk along the trail until you reach the Felsenegg cable car station, from where you can ride down to Adliswil.
- The cable car runs every 15 minutes, from about 9:00-20:00, till 22:00 on Saturdays.
- From the valley station, it is another 10-minute walk down to the Adliswil railroad station, where you can catch the S4 suburban train back to the Zurich main station, which takes about 20 minutes.
Description of the Route
The starting point for this 7.17 km (4.46 mile) year-round easy hike is the Uetliberg train station. From there you walk up towards Uetliberg Uto Kulm. After just a few meters you arrive at the sun, the starting point of the Planet Trail hike.
The trail is laid out on a scale of 1:1 billion, which means that one meter along the route corresponds to one million kilometers in the solar system. It includes not just the known planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, but also the dwarf planets Ceres and Pluto.
The planet models are located near erratic blocks of the Linth or Reuss glaciers. The smaller planets were encased in glass and embedded in a niche of the boulder while the larger planets were mounted on the boulder’s tip. A plaque for each planet provides information about its position in the solar system and additional facts, such as the diameter of the equator, rotation speed, orbital speed, orbital length, etc.
After the sun, the trail climbs a little further up to a fork in the road, where you can take a detour to the left up to the Uto Kulm Hotel and Restaurant which sits at an elevation of 2,850 feet above sea level, which I highly recommend, or continue on the planet trail by turning right.
We always first go up to Uto Kulm. Next to the Hotel Uto Kulm you will find an observation tower from where you can enjoy 360° panoramic views over the city of Zurich and Lake Zurich. It now costs CHF 5 to climb the tower. It’s not a particularly better view from the tower than from below the observation deck, so it’s up to you to decide, whether you want to pay to go up or not.
Once you hike down again from the summit, you turn left when you get to the signpost Felsenegg and start following the planet trail.
A gentle up and down takes you to the Mädikon farm, where I like to stop for coffee and cake on weekends, and then on to Balderen, where you will find a restaurant, but that one has been closed for many years.
From Balderen the hiking trail then leads gently uphill to Felsenegg and the Felsenegg restaurant. Here you have reached the outermost planet in our solar system, Pluto.
From the restaurant, it is only a few minutes to the cable car, which takes you comfortably down to Adliswil, from where you can catch the train back to the Zurich main station.
Where to eat En Route
When going for the trail, you must also know all the munching points where you can eat. I will mention below all the restaurants that you can go to when walking from Uetliberg to Felsenegg
Restaurant Hillz
Directly at the beginning of the hike, you can enjoy a bite to eat at the Restaurant Hillz directly at the station of the Uetliberg-Bahn. Besides the restaurant, there’s also a kiosk where you can get snacks, drinks, and food to take out and ice cream. On the other side of the restaurant/tracks, there’s a big playground for kids.
Restaurant Uto Kulm
There’s a sit-down restaurant with a panorama terrace as well as a snack stand for bratwurst, fries, and drinks, which you can enjoy on benches and some lounge chairs.
Restaurant Uto Staffel
At the Restaurant Uto Staffel which you reach shortly after embarking on the planet trail, you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere and a magnificent view over the city of Zurich, and soak up some sun on the terrace. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Teehütte Fallätsche
The tea hut is located on the northern edge of the Fallätsche and can only be reached on foot. You can reach the tea hut within a few minutes from the ridge trail. The hut offers breathtaking views and a charming atmosphere. At the hut you can enjoy a snack and a delicious “Huustea” (homemade tea). Please note that the tea hut is only open on Sundays.
Gut Mädikon Café
The café and farm shop are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5 pm. They also offer brunch on Sundays from 10 am to noon.
Restaurant Felsenegg
With a view of the city, the lake, and the Alps, guests can enjoy delicious fondues, crispy salads, and popular Swiss culinary classics. There’s also a playground and a large outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to embark on the Planet Trail Hike?
You can hike from Uetliberg Uto-Kulm to Felsenegg all year round. Check the weather conditions before you walk the trail and avoid rainy days.
How much does it cost?
I suggest you buy the “Albis Day Card” (In German: Albis-Tageskarte) which covers all the zones needed to access this trail and return by public transportation, including the Felsenegg cable car.
- In 2024, this costs CHF 18.40/adult full price, a 50% discount is available with SBB Half-fare card and for children aged 6-15.
- Kids under the age of 6 travel free.
If you are a Swiss Travel Pass or GA holder, you travel for free. This trip is also included in the Zurich Travel Card.
Where to Stay when visiting Zurich Planet Trail?
Hotel Uto Kulm is the best option when visiting the Zurich Planet Trail. This four-star hotel stands amidst an auto-free recreational area, with a spectacular panoramic view of Zurich and the surrounding region.
The various buildings and annexes dating from different eras house restaurants, seminar rooms, and banquet halls. The lobby, Mouton wine cellar, the in-house Maiensäss, and wellness zone invite guests to relax, while the 46 rooms and 9 suites fulfill every dream.
Conclusion
If you’re staying in Zurich and looking for a hike that’s close to the city but still offers amazing views and a peaceful escape, the Planet Trail hike from Uetliberg to Felsenegg is a perfect choice. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area without venturing too far, and the stunning views of the city and lake are the perfect reward. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or just want a refreshing outdoor adventure, this trail is an ideal option for a morning or afternoon getaway.
