UETLIBERG

Overlooking Zurich's skyline, this small (by Swiss standards) 871-metre-high mountain is affectionately known as "Zurich's mountain". A trip to the top of the Uetliberg promises a day out in nature and a breath of fresh air on the outskirts of the city (30 minutes from downtown). The highlight? A splendid panoramic view of the city, the lake, the Limmat and the Alps in the distance. Each season has its own charms: in summer, the mountain offers superb walks and bike rides, in November, Zurich locals come to seek the sun hidden above the stratus clouds, while in winter, the hiking trails transformed into toboggan runs delight the young (and not so young). The panoramic tower of the Hotel Uto Kulm, which proudly bears the title of "Top of Zurich", ensures an even more spectacular view. The hike from Uetliberg over the mountain range to the Albis Pass offers splendid views of the city of Zurich, the lake and the Central Swiss Alps. The route is perfectly signposted and there are hardly any climbs. At the end of the trail, you'll be rewarded with a natural treasure, Lake Türlen, where in some places you can even go for a swim. Departure point: Uetliberg station, Zürich. Arrival point: Türlen Landhus bus station. Duration: 4 hours. The "Planet Trail" links Uetliberg to Felsenegg in 2 hours via a ridge path. It offers a reconstruction of the solar system and a discovery of the planets. Fun and unusual.