Uto Kulm is the name of the Uetliberg’s summit, 871 metres above sea level and roughly 450 metres above the roofs of Zurich. The top is a small plateau of terraces and railings: on one side the city, the whole length of Lake Zurich and, on a clear day, a line of Alpine peaks from the Säntis to the Bernese Oberland; on the other, the quiet farmland of the Reppisch valley.
People have valued this spot for a very long time. Earthworks of a prehistoric hill settlement can still be traced in the forest, and a medieval castle stood here until, according to tradition, the people of Zurich destroyed it in the 13th century. Tourism arrived in the 19th century with the first inn and then the railway. Today the summit is shared by the car-free Hotel UTO KULM, its restaurant and terrace, and the public lookout tower.
Top things to do: Uto Kulm Summit
Take in the view from the terraces
The viewing terraces around the summit are free and open all year. Panorama boards help you name the peaks. Morning light is best for the Alps; late afternoon puts warm light on the city and the lake.
Eat or drink above the city
The UTO KULM runs the summit restaurant and, in good weather, an outdoor terrace with self-service. Prices are those of a Swiss mountain restaurant in a famous spot; reserve ahead for dinner or Sunday brunch. A picnic on one of the benches is just as legitimate.
Stay for sunset
The sun sets behind you over the Jura while the lights of Zurich come on below. The last trains run late in the evening, so there is no need to rush — but bring a torch for the walk back to the station in winter.
Look for the old fortifications
On the paths just below the summit, information boards point out the ramparts and ditches of the prehistoric and medieval fortifications. They are easy to miss and add a layer of history to an otherwise simple stroll.
Getting there: Uto Kulm Summit
- By train: take the S10 from Zürich HB to the terminus “Uetliberg”. From the station a broad path leads uphill to the summit in about ten minutes; the final stretch is the steepest.
- On foot: signposted hiking paths climb from Triemli, Albisgütli and other tram stops in roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
- By car: you cannot drive up. The summit is car-free and there is no public parking at the top; leave the car in the city and take the train.
Insider tips
- Check the webcam on the UTO KULM website before you go — in autumn and winter the city can be under fog while the summit is in sunshine, or the other way round.
- It is noticeably cooler and windier on top than in town. Bring an extra layer even in summer.
- Sunny weekends are busy. Come on a weekday or early in the morning for a quieter summit.
- The path from the station is wide but steep at the end; with a pushchair or wheelchair allow more time and expect a firm push.
Best tours & tickets for Uto Kulm Summit
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Uto Kulm Summit:
Self-guided tour + train from €45 Zurich: Audio-Guided City Tour and Train to the “Top of Zurich”
The most-reviewed Uetliberg product on GetYourGuide: an audio-guided introduction to the city combined with the train ride up Zurich’s local mountain. You set the pace yourself, which suits anyone who wants the transport sorted but no group to follow.
- Audio-guided walk through central Zurich at your own pace
- Ride the S10 Uetlibergbahn up to the mountain station
- Free time at Uto Kulm for the view over city, lake and Alps
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
