Uetliberg Planet Trail: Easy Hike Near Zurich + Thermal Bath (2026)
| Distance | 3.7 mi (6 km) point to point |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 660 ft (200 m) |
| Time | About 1 h 40 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best months | Year-round |
| Start | Uetliberg train station |
| Cable car / train needed? | No lift needed going up (train). Felsenegg–Adliswil cable car down. |
| Getting there | S10 train from Zurich HB to Uetliberg (about 25 min). Return: cable car to Adliswil, then S4 to Zurich. |
Most international flights land in Zurich, and most travelers waste their first afternoon fighting jet lag. Here's the fix: 25 minutes from the main station, Zurich's house mountain gives you a ridge walk with Alps views — and a thermal bath back in town.
The route
Ride the S10 to Uetliberg (869 m). Climb the lookout tower for the panorama over the lake and the Alps. Then follow the Planet Trail south along the ridge: each planet is placed to scale, so you walk "through" the solar system. Lunch at the Felsenegg restaurant, then ride the cable car down to Adliswil.
Soak in Zurich
Thermalbad & Spa Zürich sits in a former brewery and has a rooftop thermal pool overlooking the city — magical at dusk. B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa is in the same building, so guests can roll from bed to bath. For a splurge, The Dolder Grand has a 4,000 m² spa on the hill above the city.
♨ Soak after: where to stay
The point of this site: finish the trail in warm water. These are the closest spa hotels and thermal baths to the Uetliberg Planet Trail, Zurich.
UTO KULM – Top of Zurich
Uetliberg · Zurich
Hotel on the summit of Uetliberg with a small spa — the only place to sleep at the start of the Planet Trail.
Check rates & availability →Thermalbad & Spa Zürich
Zurich · Zurich
Thermal baths in a former brewery, with a rooftop pool overlooking the city.
B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa
Zurich · Zurich
Hotel inside the old Hürlimann brewery, connected to the thermal baths.
Check rates & availability →The Dolder Grand
Zurich · Zurich
Hilltop grand hotel with a 4,000 m² spa above the city.
Check rates & availability →FAQ
How long does it take to hike Uetliberg?
Riding the train up and walking the Planet Trail to Felsenegg takes 1.5–2 hours. Hiking up from the city instead adds about 1.5 hours.
Is Uetliberg worth it on a cloudy day?
Often yes: Uetliberg sometimes rises above the fog layer in autumn and winter, giving you sunshine over a sea of clouds.
Can I hike Uetliberg with jet lag on arrival day?
It's one of the best ways to beat jet lag: daylight, gentle movement and an early night. Store bags at Zurich HB lockers.