Because it starts at the end of a tram line, the Uetliberg is where Zurich goes to play outdoors. Mountain bikers have purpose-built trails; in snowy winters families queue for the sledging run to Triemli; paragliders launch from the ridge on suitable days; and all year round people light fires at the public barbecue places in the woods.
There are rules, and they matter on such a busy mountain: bikes are restricted to permitted tracks and the official trails, the sledge run opens only when there is enough snow, and fires belong in the built fire pits only.
Top things to do: Mountain Biking & Winter Sledging
Ride the official bike trails
The Antennentrail starts near the summit and descends the city side of the mountain; the Höcklertrail continues lower down towards the Allmend. Both are built and maintained for mountain bikes. Many footpaths on the Uetliberg are closed to bikes, so follow the signs.
Sledge down to Triemli
When enough snow has fallen, the city opens the Schlittelweg, a sledging run of a little over three kilometres from near the Uetliberg station down to Triemli. Bring your own sledge; you ride the S10 up and slide down.
Watch the paragliders
On days with the right wind, pilots launch from the ridge south of the summit and soar along the slope. Local flying schools offer tandem flights in the region — ask them where they fly from on the day.
Grill a sausage in the woods
A cervelat on a stick over an open fire is a Swiss ritual. Official fire pits, often with a supply of firewood, are found along the ridge and on the forest edge.
Getting there: Mountain Biking & Winter Sledging
- Bikers: ride up on the permitted roads and tracks. Bicycle transport on the S10 is restricted — check the SZU rules.
- Sledgers: S10 to “Uetliberg”; the run ends near the Triemli stop, where you can ride up again.
- Everyone else: S10 or on foot, as for the summit.
Insider tips
- The sledging run is open on only a handful of days in most winters. The city of Zurich announces whether it is open.
- The run is shared with others on foot at crossings; helmets for children are a good idea.
- Observe fire bans in dry periods, and take your rubbish back down with you.
- Dogs are welcome on the mountain; keep them under control, and on a lead where signs or seasonal rules require it.
Best tours & tickets for Mountain Biking & Winter Sledging
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Mountain Biking & Winter Sledging:
Private bike tour from €193 From Zurich: Mountain Magic on Two Wheels to Uetliberg
A private guided bike tour from central Zurich up the mountain. It is a new listing without reviews at the time of writing, and you should be comfortable with a real climb — but it is the only bookable cycling experience on the Uetliberg we found.
- Guided ride from the city up into the forest
- Trails and viewpoints above the rooftops
- Private group
Small-group hike with food from €58 Zurich: Hop to Uetliberg for Zurich Views & Outdoor Raclette
A short guided outing that ends the Swiss way: with melted raclette cheese eaten outdoors above the city. It is a small, fairly new listing with very few reviews so far, but it is one of the only experiences built specifically around the mountain.
- Short guided walk to a viewpoint on the Uetliberg
- Raclette melted and served outdoors
- Small group with a local host
