The classic Zurich ridge hike with magnificent views

The approximately six-hour hike begins at the upper station of the Uetlibergbahn. Shortly after the station, we are surprised by the model of the sun at the path’s edge, a large yellow sphere perched on a stand. This is where the Planet Path starts, which we briefly leave by ascending over the Uto Kulm with its magnificent panorama, viewing tower, and restaurant, but otherwise accompanies us all the way to Felsenegg. The descent from the Uetliberg summit leads down many stair steps to the Gratsenke, where the old Ämtlerweg from Sellenbüren to Zurich crosses. A little later, the view opens to the east; we stand on the edge of the largest erosion cirque of the Albis ridge, the Falletsche. Our path now descends slightly to the Balderen mountain lodge and then ascends again, leaving the Planet Path, to the former Balderen castle and to the upper station of the only aerial cable car in the canton of Zurich, the Adliswil–Felsenegg cable car (LAF). Past the restaurant Felsenegg, with its impressive view of Lake Zurich, we walk through a fir forest to Buechenegg, where the narrow road from Langnau leads into the Reppisch valley. The path then rises slightly again and leads for almost 2 kilometers through splendid forests until we reach the open notch of the Albis pass while descending. At the Albis pass, we have completed half of our hike; the bus stop offers the option to take buses to Langnau or Hausen am Albis. A gently ascending natural road takes us to the viewing tower on the Hochwacht and over the castle hill of the Schnabelburg ruin to the Schnabellücke.

The following rather steep and rocky climb to the highest point of the Albis ridge, the 915 m high Bürglenstutz, must be earned. On the wooded mountain ridge, the ridge path leads us to the Albishorn with its inn, where we can enjoy the impressive view once again. We continue along the narrow ridge path and forest paths to the junction to Sihlbrugg Station and then through the forest to Sihlbrugg Station.