One Day Nature Escape in Zurich

Day 1: Nature Day

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast by the Lake

Start your day at the scenic Lake Zurich with breakfast at Café Sprüngli where you can enjoy a traditional Swiss breakfast featuring fresh pastries, coffee, and local specialties while soaking in the tranquil lake views.
Walk to Lake Zurich from the café.
CHF 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Zurich Botanical Garden

Immerse yourself in diverse flora at the Zurich Botanical Garden, home to over 15,000 species of plants and a serene atmosphere perfect for a morning stroll.
Take tram 6 from the lake to the Botanical Garden.
CHF 2.60, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Uetliberg Mountain Hike

Head to Uetliberg Mountain for a moderate hike offering panoramic views of the city, the Alps, and Lake Zurich, making it a perfect nature spot for breathtaking photos.
Catch a train from Zurich HB to Uetliberg station.
CHF 6, 3 hours including hike

2:30PM

Lunch at Uetliberg

After your hike, enjoy a hearty lunch at the mountaintop restaurant, Uto Kulm, with a menu featuring local Swiss dishes and stunning views.
Dine at Uto Kulm, conveniently located at the top of Uetliberg.
CHF 40, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return Hike & Explore

Make your way down from Uetliberg along the well-marked trails, taking your time to appreciate the surrounding nature and perhaps spot some local wildlife.
Follow the hiking trail back to the train station.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll along the Limmat River

Once back in the city, take a leisurely stroll along the Limmat River, enjoying the serene waterfront and vibrant atmosphere as you unwind after an adventurous day.
Walk from Zurich HB along the Limmat to the riverbanks.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Complete your nature-filled day with dinner at Zeughauskeller, a traditional Swiss restaurant where you can savor classic dishes such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and Rösti in a historic setting.
Walk from the river to Zeughauskeller.
CHF 35, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening by the Lake

Wrap up your day by enjoying the sunset by Lake Zurich, where the calm waters reflect the vibrant colors of the sky, creating a picturesque end to your day.
Walk back to Lake Zurich.
Free, 1 hour
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Accepted Currency + Payment Types

The official currency in Zurich is the Swiss Franc (CHF). While major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, smaller shops may prefer cash. It’s advisable to exchange some currency beforehand, although ATMs are plentiful and offer good exchange rates. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly accepted, making transactions convenient for tech-savvy travelers. Always check for transaction fees with your bank when using cards abroad.