Switzerland offers some spectacular sites — but Üetliberg is the best of them all.
Zurich’s magnetic attraction is undeniable, and I was one of many bewitched by its charm. The sun was blissfully blooming, radiating comforting heat on it’s spring setting when we decided to brave Zurich’s highest summit — Mount Üetliberg.
Üetliberg, part of the Albis Chain associated with its peers on the Swiss Plateau, towers 840m above sea level. Accommodating tourists, the hiking routes are outlined with camping sites and water fountains, enticing everyone to gaze it’s natural beauty — and the gift it offers, making it ideal for a scenic weekend hike.
Wanting to squeeze in as much as Switzerland as possible in three days, we opted for a half day hike up Üetliberg, and cheated our way up the mountain by using the handy, efficient and typically Swiss Üetliberg Railway Line (with no shame).
Our ‘hike’ was actually a half an hour stroll up a winding stone-lined inclining path crunching beneath our woefully wrong choice of shoes. Although, we couldn’t complain when the path was adorned with large trees, bejewelled with vibrant emerald leaves, swaying with the spring breeze.
Much like the yellow brick road, the gravel path carried the anticipation of hundreds of walkers every year — holding the unspoken promise to see one of the most breath-taking views of Zurich. So even though our toes became rife with blisters and utterings of “I’ll never wear these shoes again” was heard multiple times, we marched forwards, one step at a time and was spolit with the view to die for.
The wizard’s gift was a panoramic view of Zurich shimmering beneath the sun, Lake Zurich glistening as amazed onlookers were bowled by their luck. Miles and miles of greenery carpeted the mighty landscape as the city sat centre stage, demanding the spotlight.
Although the top was packed with people, a sense of serenity still claimed the space — and with nothing else stealing the view, the only thing left was to marvel at the beauty. Life below bustled unbeknownst of tourists half envious of their everyday beauty. I, too, was mesmerised by the simplicity of a city from a birds eye view.
Flying higher was an option, thanks to the perfectly placed Üetliberg Look Out Tower, holding us 900m above sea level. It also put us two Swiss francs out of pocket, but refunded the price with stair-based cardio and a vertigo inducing view of the city.
As the day infused with the spring evening, our half day schedule was swallowed by once in a lifetime views. It was such an on-spur-of-the-moment, simple pleasure but truly one of the real, sparkling gems of Zurich, and one of my favourite memories of Switzerland.
