The Planetenweg (Planet Trail) runs along the crest of the Albis chain from the Uetliberg to Felsenegg. It is a model of the solar system at a scale of 1 to 1 billion: every metre you walk corresponds to a million kilometres in space. The Sun stands near the Uetliberg station; the inner planets follow within a few minutes, and then the gaps grow longer and longer — which is exactly the point.
Even without the astronomy this is the best easy walk near Zurich. The path stays high on the ridge, mostly broad and gently rolling, with the lake and the Alps to the left and the Reppisch valley and the Jura to the right. The walk to Felsenegg is about six kilometres and takes an hour and a half to two hours.
Top things to do: The Planet Trail (Planetenweg)
Walk from the Sun to the outer planets
Each planet is shown as a small model to scale, mounted on a boulder with a panel of facts. Children enjoy hunting for the next one; adults tend to be struck by how small the Earth is and how far it is to Saturn.
Stop at the viewpoints and farm restaurants
The ridge has several benches and clearings with wide views, and a handful of simple restaurants on or near the path — the Uto Staffel near the start and others towards Felsenegg. Opening days vary, so carry water and a snack.
Look into the Fallätsche
Part-way along, the path passes above the Fallätsche, a great erosion funnel in the eastern flank of the mountain. Stay behind the barriers: the edge is unstable.
Finish with the cable car
At Felsenegg the little cable car takes you down to Adliswil for the S-Bahn back to Zurich — a round trip without retracing a step.
Getting there: The Planet Trail (Planetenweg)
- Start: S10 to “Uetliberg”. The trail is signposted “Planetenweg” and “Felsenegg” from the station.
- Finish: Felsenegg cable car (LAF) to Adliswil, then about ten minutes on foot to Adliswil station and the S4 to Zürich HB.
- Tickets: a ZVV day pass for the relevant zones, or the Zürich Card, has covered the S10, the cable car and the S4 — check the current zone list.
Insider tips
- Walking from the Uetliberg to Felsenegg is slightly downhill overall and puts the sun behind you in the afternoon.
- The path is mostly suitable for robust pushchairs, though there are a few short, rougher sections.
- The cable car has limited capacity and stops in the evening; check the last ride before setting out late.
- After snow the trail is usually trodden firm and makes a fine winter walk — with good shoes.
Best tours & tickets for The Planet Trail (Planetenweg)
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to The Planet Trail (Planetenweg):
Private hike from €209 Zurich: Guided Half-Day Private Uetliberg Mountain Hike
A private guided half-day on the mountain. It is much more expensive than walking it yourself and had no reviews when we checked, but it suits groups who want a tailored walk and local knowledge.
- A private guide for your group only
- Route and pace adapted to you
- Time for the summit viewpoints
Guided hike from €70 Zurich: Accompanied Hike to Uetliberg
A two-hour accompanied hike up the mountain for people who would rather not work out the route alone. It is a new activity on GetYourGuide and had no reviews when we checked, so read the latest feedback before booking.
- Beginner-friendly walk up Zurich’s local mountain
- A local guide who knows the paths
- Panoramic views from the top
