On a misty winter morning, the streets of Zurich were shrouded in fog, the air tinged with cold humidity. Standing on the edge of the city, I looked into the distance where the faint silhouette of the Alps emerged, barely visible beneath the grey-blue sky. I knew then it was time to set off—to climb Uetliberg and take in the winter panorama of Zurich and the majestic Alps.
This impromptu half-day trip turned out to be one of the most unforgettable moments of my journey through Switzerland. Uetliberg isn’t a towering peak—at only 870 meters, it’s modest compared to the grandeur of the Alps. But its vantage point is unparalleled, blending city, mountains, lake, and snowfields into a perfect winter tableau.
From Zurich: A Morning Train Ride Through Winter Landscapes
Departing from Zurich Main Station on a crisp winter morning, I eagerly boarded the S10 line heading toward Uetliberg. This scenic train route is renowned for its breathtaking views, winding its way from the bustling city center through quiet suburbs, dense forests, and gradually ascending the snowy mountainside. Although the journey lasts just about 25 minutes, each passing moment reveals a new facet of winter’s tranquil beauty and serene atmosphere.
As the train slowly pulled away from the urban heart, familiar landmarks like City Hall, the Limmat River, and towering modern buildings faded behind me. In their place appeared a picturesque winter wonderland—rooftops glistening under a thick layer of fresh snow, quaint villages nestled quietly in the valleys, and charming chalets reminiscent of storybooks dotted along the landscape. Towering trees with branches heavily frosted stood like vigilant white sentinels guarding the slopes, their stillness only broken by the occasional chirp of winter birds.
Inside the carriage, frost patterns blossomed on the windows, delicate and intricate like frozen lace. The atmosphere was peaceful and subdued, with most passengers being locals equipped for winter adventures—some carrying snowshoes, others lugging sleds, their faces bright with eager anticipation. I shared their excitement, wondering if the famed panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Zurich that awaited at the summit would truly live up to their reputation for breathtaking beauty.
Arrival at Uetliberg: Stepping into a Snowy Wonderland
When the train finally glided to a gentle stop at Uetliberg station—the end of the line—I felt transported from the bustling city into a serene, snow-blanketed fairy tale. The quaint station building, with its charming red roof now buried beneath a thick mantle of snow, looked as if it had been plucked from the pages of a winter storybook. Along the platform, wooden benches lay hidden under the snowdrifts, with only their curved backs peeking out like sleepy giants resting beneath a white blanket.
Taking a deep breath, the crispness of the alpine air filled my lungs, refreshing and invigorating as if I had just sipped from a crystal-clear mountain spring. Beneath my boots, the fresh snow crunched with satisfying crunches, each step awakening the silent forest around me. Although it was the heart of winter, the sky above was a perfect, clear blue dome, and the brilliant sunlight sparkled across the snow’s surface like countless tiny diamonds, casting a magical glow over the entire landscape.
From the station, a gentle 15-minute hike led to the summit viewpoint. Despite its brevity, the trail was a feast for the senses. Snow-covered trees stood tall and motionless, resembling delicate sculptures carved from ice. Occasionally, the quiet was interrupted by the darting movements of squirrels weaving through the branches, their tiny footprints leaving charming patterns etched into the pristine snow. This peaceful journey felt like stepping deeper into a silent winter dream.
Uetliberg Observation Tower: The Most Beautiful Winter View of Zurich
Eventually, I stood before the towering Uto Kulm observation tower, a gleaming metallic structure crowning the highest point of Uetliberg. The climb to the top required extra care, as the iron steps were slick with a delicate layer of frost, making each step a cautious but exhilarating challenge. Yet, every careful movement was worth it for the breathtaking reward that awaited at the summit.
From the observation deck, I was left utterly breathless. A sweeping 360-degree panorama of Zurich’s winter landscape unfolded in all its glory: Lake Zurich stretched out below like a polished mirror, its shores cloaked in pristine snow. The orderly city streets shimmered beneath a dusting of silvery powder, and beyond the urban expanse, the majestic Alps rose proudly—each snow-covered peak glowing softly under the gentle sunlight, resembling a silent army of giant sentinels standing guard along the horizon.
A handful of dedicated photographers had set up tripods around the tower, their faces glowing with joy and concentration as they captured the scene from every angle. I, on the other hand, stood silently, allowing my gaze to wander between the snow-capped mountains and the orderly cityscape below, savoring the profound and delicate balance between nature’s grandeur and urban life’s rhythm.
Lunch at Uto Kulm: A Warm Meal on a Snowy Summit
After lingering in awe at the magnificent views, I made my way to the nearby Uto Kulm restaurant, a cozy refuge perched atop the summit. Nearly every visitor to Uetliberg makes this stop—not just for its unbeatable location, but also for the comforting warmth and hearty cuisine it offers, making it a beloved haven amid the chilly snow.
Choosing a seat by the window, I settled in to watch the expansive panorama of Lake Zurich and the distant Alps bathed in golden afternoon light. The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the rustic wooden tables and painting the room in hues of amber and gold. I ordered a classic Swiss cheese fondue, accompanied by a steaming mug of fragrant mulled wine. The comforting steam curled upward in gentle swirls, spreading warmth through my hands and body.
The fondue was decadently rich and velvety, the crusty bread cubes melting instantly as they dipped into the luscious, creamy cheese. Combined with the stunning snowy scenery outside, the meal felt like an indulgent and almost magical moment of pure contentment. Nearby hikers chatted amiably about their routes and snow conditions, sharing laughter and stories over their own bubbling fondue pots. In that cozy mountain restaurant, surrounded by warmth and good cheer, I felt as though I had discovered the very heart and soul of Uetliberg’s gentle winter spirit.
Winter Activities: Sledding and Snow Hiking
Uetliberg offers more than just views and food—it transforms into a delightful winter playground. It’s perfect for casual adventurers like myself who want to enjoy the snow without needing advanced skills.
At Uetliberg station, you can rent sleds and ride them downhill to Triemli station. The 3-kilometer sledding route is one of Zurich’s favorite family winter activities. The landscape along the way is beautiful, the slope gentle but fast enough for fun. Though it was my first time, gliding through the snowy trail felt like returning to childhood.
Another popular option is the snow hiking trail from Uetliberg to Felsenegg. It winds along a mountain ridge with stunning views—Lake Zurich on one side, forested hills on the other. Along the way are benches for resting and taking in the scenery.
Golden Dusk: Sunset Over the Snow Mountains
If you have time, don’t rush back down. Uetliberg’s sunset in winter is one of the softest, most beautiful performances nature can offer.
Around 4 PM, the sun begins to descend, turning the sky from pale blue to a deep amber. The snow reflects this light, tinting the world with honey-golden hues. Couples and photographers gather early at the viewpoint, ready for those precious few minutes of light.
I leaned against the railing, cradling a cup of hot chocolate, watching the sun slowly sink behind the lake. The outlines of the Alps grew sharper, the snowy peaks glowing faintly gold. As night fell, the city lights began to sparkle along the lake shore, transforming Zurich from a snowy fairytale into a quiet evening dream.
Returning to Zurich: Carrying the Snow’s Peace Back to the City
Boarding the S10 train back into Zurich, the night had already fallen. Outside the window, twinkling lights and snowy outlines drifted by. Inside me, the sounds of mountain wind and snowy silence still lingered.
This half-day trip taught me something simple yet profound: sometimes, the most moving journeys aren’t far away, but right at the edge of the city. On Uetliberg, Zurich felt alive—not a cold urban sprawl, but a living organism in harmony with the nature around it. In that snowy world, I rediscovered the peace and joy that fast-paced life had made me forget.
If You’re in Zurich in Winter
Don’t miss Uetliberg. It doesn’t require elaborate planning or expensive gear—just a ticket on the S10, a pair of non-slip boots, and a heart open to the beauty of winter.
There, you can gaze across the snow-covered symphony of Zurich and the Alps, feel the warmth of fondue in a mountain inn, and run, slide, and listen to the whisper of the wind through the trees. Uetliberg may not be the highest peak, but it might just be the gentlest high point of your whole journey.
Tags: Uetliberg, Uto Kulm, Zurich