Loorenkopf Zurich

When coming to Switzerland from abroad, the number one thing you hope to see is most likely the Alps. Sadly, the most prosperous cities of Switzerland, including Zürich, were formed on flat lands with barely any signs of mountains in sight, crushing the dreams of many tourists each year. However, don’t be disappointed just yet as I have a tip for you.

The sweetest spot to the Alps in Zürich, in my opinion, is the Loorenkopf viewing tower. You will need to put a bit of effort to get there but the view is worth it. To reach the spot, navigate by public transport to the tram stop Römerhof and jump on a Dolderbahn funicular. From the final stop at Dolder Grand (which is a nice area to explore by itself), head to the forest and follow the signs to the Loorenkopf. You might want an offline map to make sure you are on the right path. The whole walk both ways is less than 5 km. The walk is extra easy and follows a wide smooth trail. Climbing the tower, however, requires some tolerance for heights.

Before starting the adventure, I recommend checking the weather conditions, as the Alps might not be visible at all in the cloudy weather. Get to the shores of lake Zürich (i.e. Bürkliplatz) and see if you can spot any white-capped peaks in the distance. If yes, you are almost guaranteed a delightful view from the top.