About us
WELCOME TO ZURICH HIKE & OUTDOOR!
This information page about our group has three main sections:
A) What we do – who we are – how we operate
B) The fine print
C) RSVP etiquette
#####################
A) WHAT WE DO – WHO WE ARE – HOW WE OPERATE
Switzerland is a hiking paradise, with trails covering almost the whole country … and there is more to see: majestic mountains, beautiful lakes and evergreen fields, just to mention a few things.
WHAT WE DO
Since 2007 we have been organising a wide range of hikes and other outdoor activities throughout the year.
In summer we hike, but we also do rafting, canyoning, biking, inline skating and climbing (Klettersteig, Via Ferrata), swimming and more.
In winter we do snowshoeing, alpine downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sledging/sledding, ice skating, as well as ski touring and more.
WHO WE ARE
We are a very international and diverse group, with people coming from all over the world – ranging from A like Australia and the Americas to Z like Zwitzerland.
Many members are fairly new to Zürich and are happy to meet other people and enjoy outdoor activities together.
Many of the organisers have been in Switzerland for a while, know the country well and know how to find great activities. They are happy to share their passion for the mountains and the outdoors.
Qualification:
Our organisers are usually NOT licensed mountain guides or other professional guides.
But our organisers are also NOT just random people looking for a hiking buddy, either.
We are in between – that is our positioning.
HOW WE OPERATE
- We are non-commercial:
Our organisers host events for the fun of it, to share their passion for the mountains and to enjoy the planned activities together with like-minded people. - Transport:
Our standard mode of transport is public transport – i.e. the excellent network of trains, buses, cable cars and other public transport we have in Switzerland.
No car needed!
This is why a frequently used meeting point is «under the Blue Angel» at Zürich HB. - Our group is open to everyone:
We offer events ranging from beginner-friendly activities to demanding outings for experienced participants.
However, this comes with two big «buts»! - But #1:
Nothing in the mountains is risk free and not every activity is suitable for everyone!
You need to judge for yourself whether an activity is right for you.
If you are not sure, start with an activity you consider easy.
We have a disclaimer that applies to all events.
See paragraph B) The fine print. - But #2:
Nothing in the mountains is risk free. Risks need to be taken seriously, and an individual participant can also become a risk or burden for the group.
The event organiser therefore has the right to refuse participation for risk and safety reasons. This explicitly includes situations where the organiser considers that taking a particular person along might pose an undue risk to the rest of the group, especially in difficult mountain conditions.
Such decisions are at the discretion of the event organiser and need to be respected.
Example: If the plan is a ski tour at 2'500m above sea level, the event organiser may refuse participation if they consider a person insufficiently prepared or an undue risk or burden for the group. - RSVP etiquette:
Event organisers can set a limit as to how many people can join an event.
Please be considerate and respectful of this.
See paragraph C) RSVP etiquette.
#####################
B) THE FINE PRINT
As mentioned above, nothing in the mountains is risk free, and not every activity is suitable for everyone.
Therefore, the following disclaimer applies to all events:
THE DISCLAIMER
Our events are NOT guided tours!
Instead, they are get-togethers of individuals who are responsible for their own judgement, choices and actions.
- 1. BEFORE – What is foreseen?
It is your own responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event. You need to understand the planned activity and assess its difficulty, risks and hazards, as well as the expected weather conditions. - 2. BEFORE – Is it for me?
You need to assess the requirements of the planned activity in terms of experience, skills and fitness, and judge for yourself whether you have the necessary experience, skills and fitness level. - 3. BEFORE – Being prepared:
You also need to ensure adequate preparation, appropriate equipment (boots, clothing, gear, etc.) and sufficient insurance cover, and approach the event as if you were going by yourself. - 4. DURING – Judge and decide for yourself:
During the event, you remain responsible for applying your own judgement and making your own decisions. - 5. PHOTOS – You may appear in photos:
By joining, you accept that you may appear in photos taken during the event. Please do not expect photos to be removed or withheld from posting unless there is a compelling reason, such as a particularly embarrassing or inappropriate image.
In essence:
The events are entirely at your own risk.
The organiser also does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the descriptions.
The organiser provides an opportunity for participants to meet and undertake the activity together. Each participant remains responsible for their own decisions and actions.
#####################
C) RSVP ETIQUETTE
Many events are limited in the number of participants they can accommodate.
WHY – REASONS FOR LIMITS
Practical constraints such as the capacity of a cable car can be a limiting factor.
In the mountains, group size itself can also become a safety factor. On some occasions, reservations or bookings may also require an exact number of participants.
Or – simply – the volunteer event organiser prefers a small group size and does not feel comfortable with a large group.
TWO SIDES OF RESPECT
a) If your RSVP is «Yes, going» and you do not show up, you may have taken a spot away from someone else who really wanted to join.
b) The event organiser will have a reason for setting the limit and has both the need and the right to manage the number of participants.
Therefore…
THE RSVP ETIQUETTE
- 1. Only sign up «Yes, going» if you genuinely intend to go.
«Yes, going» is not a «Like» button.
Rationale: Please respect that others might want the spot. - 2. If your plans change, sign out «No» as soon as possible.
Please also do that if – at that moment – you are only on the waitlist.
Rationale: Give others a chance to join. - 3. If you are thinking about changing your plans, please decide early enough to give others a realistic chance to join.
This means: Sign out «No» at least 12–18 hours before the event (≈ midday the day before).
Rationale: Give others enough time to still join. - 4. If you are signed up «Yes, going», then do join.
Rationale: See above. - 5. If two events take place at the same time, only sign up «Yes, going» for one of them – even if the other event is in a different Meetup group.
Rationale: You cannot split yourself. - 6. If you are still on the waitlist, please respect that you do NOT have a spot.
Rationale: The organiser will have a good reason for having set the limit.
All in all:
Please be considerate and reliable with your RSVP.
Your fellow members and the organisers will appreciate this!
(And – people see, people talk – you might want to uphold a good reputation.)
#############
LOOKING FORWARD TO YOU JOINING!
So ... please don’t be put off by the disclaimer. Just take it seriously!
And please don’t be put off by the RSVP etiquette. Just take it seriously!
See you soon!
The team of organisers
Upcoming events
3
Rabbit, Hightunnel & Milk (T3)
Zürich HB, Zürich HB, Underneath Niki de Saint Phalle's angel (a.k.a. big weird-looking angel) hanging from the ceiling, Zürich, CHThe plan is a hike from Hasliberg via the Hochstollen ridge to Melchsee-Frutt.
IN SHORT:
5¼-hour hike from Hasliberg-Wasserwendi via Hochstollen (2'481m) to Melchsee-Frutt.
Please expand here for full data and details.###################
TRAVEL - OUTBOUND:
- 06:55h: Meet under the «Blue Angel»
- 07:10h: IR70 Zürich HB to Luzern
- 08:06h: PE Luzern (dir. Interlaken) to Brünig-Hasliberg
- 09:08h: Postauto 158 from «Brünig-Hasliberg, Bahnhof» to
«Hasliberg Wasserwendi, Dorf» - 09:22h: Arrival at «Hasliberg Wasserwendi, Dorf» and start of the hike
HIKE DATA:
- Duration: 5¼ h (plus breaks)
- Distance: 12.4 km
- Maximum altitude: 2'466 m (the trail is passing the Hochstollen peak slightly below it)
- Ascent/descent: 1'338 m/630 m
- SAC classification: T3 (red-white markings)
- Map: https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/2382526
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Photos from 2015: https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/26466498/
(The trottinette option available in 2015 is no longer offered.)
LUNCH:
- picnic
TRAVEL - RETURN:
- 16:19h: Cable car down from Melchsee-Frutt
- 16:40h: Postauto 343 from Stöckalp to Sarnen
- 17:35h: PE from Sarnen to Luzern
- 18:09h: IR70 Luzern to Zürich HB
- 18:51h: Arrival back at Zürich HB
COST with HALBTAX:
Total cost with Halbtax: CHF 57.30 (w/HT)- Outbound: Zürich HB to Hasliberg: CHF 23.70 (w/HT)
- Return: Melchsee-Frutt to Zürich HB: CHF 33.60 (w/HT)
(this price includes the cable car down)
COST with GA:
- Cable car down from Melchsee-Frutt: CHF 12.50 (w/GA)
#############################
DISCLAIMER:
By joining this walk, you acknowledge and accept the terms set out below.
This is NOT a guided tour. It is a private get-together of individuals hiking together.
Each participant remains responsible for their own judgement, decisions, actions and safety.
It is your responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event. You need to understand the nature of the activity, assess its difficulty, risks and hazards, and consider the expected weather and trail conditions.
You also need to assess the required experience, skills and fitness level and decide for yourself whether you meet these requirements.
You are responsible for your own preparation, equipment (boots, clothing, gear, etc.) and adequate insurance cover. Prepare and equip yourself as you would if you were undertaking the walk on your own.
During the event, you remain responsible for exercising your own judgement and making your own decisions. If at any point you consider the route, conditions or any other circumstances unsafe or unsuitable for you, it is your responsibility to act accordingly.
Participation is entirely at your own risk. The organiser does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the event description and merely provides an opportunity for participants to meet and hike together. Any liability of the organiser is excluded.
By joining, you accept that you may appear in photos. Please do not expect photos to be removed or withheld from posting unless there is a compelling reason, such as a particularly embarrassing or inappropriate image.2 attendees
Beautiful Panorama hike Lachen-Etzel-Einsiedeln
avec, Bahnhofpl. 1, 8853 Lachen, Switzerland, Lachen, SZ, CHLachen-Etzel-Einsiedeln
T1, 18km, 900m ascent, 400m descentThe weather forecast for Sunday 27th September 2026 is wonderful, with temperatures at the Etzel peak of 19°C.
The hike starts at 08:15 in Lachen SZ at the AVEC supermarket in the train station.
(Train from Zurich HB at 07:30 !!)
See detailed description of panorama and highlights further below under HIGHLIGHTS.############################
RSVP:
Please respond no later than Friday with your firm participation.############################
OUTBOUND TRAVEL:
- 07:30 Meet under the «Blue Angel» in Zurich HB
(note: I will only join the group in Lachen) - 07:43 S25 (direction Linthal) to Lachen SZ
- 08:12 Lachen SZ
- 08:15 Meet the group at the AVEC supermarket in train station of Lachen SZ
THE HIKE:
- Duration: 5h30’ (plus breaks)
- Distance: 18km
- Maximum altitude: 1'100m
- Ascent/descent: 900m/400m
- SAC classification: T1
MAP AND ROUTE PROFILE:
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Restaurant Berggasthof Etzel-Kulm: https://schwyz-tourismus.ch/gastronomiebetrieb/berggasthof-etzel-kulm
- The Fortress: https://www.festung-oberland.ch/sperren/reduitbrigade-24/st-meinrad-etzel/
- Einsiedeln Cathedral: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einsiedeln_Abbey
https://www.kloster-einsiedeln.ch/
DESCRIPTION:
We will experience fantastic panoramic views over Lake Zurich and the panorama of the Alps, ascend the dominating pyramid of Etzel, and finish at the majestic alpine monastery cathedral in Einsiedeln, all while enjoying the deep historic significance of this region:
Located at the border between Zurich and central Switzerland, vacillating between the modern steel and glass tax haven of Pfäffikon-Freienbach with its thirty mostly Russian billionaires, against a historic background of papal Catholicism fighting the Protestantism brought about by neighboring Glarus chasing away their originally catholic priest Zwingli in 1515 to Zurich, from whence Swiss evangelical ideas moved to France, England, and ultimately to the American bible belt.
Along the way we will notice the beautiful mediterranean flair of the harbor marina of Lachen, pass along the historic St. Johann chapel on its lookout high over town and lake, and for the first 400m of altitude gain we will experience an incredible panoramic view of Lake Zurich from its beginning in the Linth marshes until the lake’s end in Zurich.
For the final ascent our path then enters the forest and walks up to the Etzelpass at St. Meinrad chapel, from where it winds up some steep stairs along historic machine gun bunkers defending the Etzel-Einsiedeln fortress line of the Swiss military WW2 Reduit strategy of concentrating the army in the alps.
The free standing peak of the Etzel pyramid at 1100m offers an incredible 360° view, from Walensee and the Eastern Alps over to Lake Constance in the north to Zurich in the west, sweeping over the billowing steam plumes of our beloved 1960s nuclear plants in the far distance, to Uetliberg, Mythen, the Sihlsee, the Glarner Alpen, and onto the crown jewel and destination of our hike, the benedictine monastery and its outsized baroque cathedral in Einsiedeln.
The peak restaurant at Etzel serves fabulous cake and frowns on picnic, so we will have a breakfast there, while postponing our sandwich break for later along the hike.
Descending from Etzel we cross the historic medieval wooden bridge at Sihlboden, and make our way back up to the meadows plain which was flooded in the 1930s by the SBB to create the dam for their power station at the Sihlsee. Walking along the cross-country slope around Sihlsee we notice the mound at Galgenenchappeli ("Gallows Chapel"), where the good abbot of Einsiedeln would historically hang all those found in disagreement, an event always found to the delight and enjoyment of the populace.
As we approach Einsiedeln we take a slight detour to the St. Benedikt lookout behind the monastery, so as to fully appreciate the massive buildings the devout mountain farmers and the rent collected by the monastery as the largest landowner far and wide have created, from what was originally a hermit cabin ("Einsiedelei") in a remote mountain forest.
Those in a hurry can then head to the train station for a short bi-hourly 50min ride back to Zurich. For those in a Sunday contemplative mood, we will visit the cathedral, see pilgrims from the far corners of Catholicism praying to the Black Madonna, and pet the fabulous horses of the prized horse farm of the monastery.EQUIPMENT:
- Sunscreen
- Good sturdy shoes with a Vibram sole. (categorically no sandals or open shoes)
- Rain jacket, just in case.
- Picnic lunch and Water (It will be hot and it’s a long walk. Maybe you can refill your bottle at Etzel, no guarantee)
- Money, smartphone, ID, health insurance card, train ticket
- Good mood 😊
LUNCH:
- Picnic
RETURN TRAVEL:
- Depart Einsiedeln ca 16:00
- Trains every hour at xx:24 and xx:59 from Einsiedeln, connecting through Wädenswil to Zurich HB.
- It takes about 50 minutes, with the last train leaving at 23:24.
COST w/HALBTAX:
Total cost about CHF 22.- w/HT (plus food/drinks)
Thereof:- A ZVV Z-Pass Ostwind Halbtax day-pass at CHF 21.40 seems to carry about the same price as the two individual Halbtax tickets.
COST w/GA:
none (plus food/drinks)############################
DISCLAIMER:
By joining this walk, you acknowledge and accept the terms set out below.This is NOT a guided tour. It is a private get-together of individuals hiking together. Each participant remains responsible for their own judgement, decisions, actions and safety.
It is your responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event. You need to understand the nature of the activity, assess its difficulty and risks, and consider the expected weather and trail conditions.
You also need to assess the experience, skills and level of fitness required and decide for yourself whether you meet these requirements.
You are responsible for your own preparation, equipment (boots, clothing, gear, etc.) and adequate insurance cover. Prepare and equip yourself as you would if you were undertaking the walk on your own.
During the event, you remain responsible for exercising your own judgement and making your own decisions. If at any point you consider the route, conditions or any other circumstances unsafe or unsuitable for you, it is your responsibility to act accordingly.
Participation is entirely at your own risk. The organiser does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the event description and merely provides an opportunity for participants to meet and hike together. Any liability of the organiser is excluded.
By joining, you accept that you may appear in photos. Please do not expect photos to be removed or withheld from posting unless there is a compelling reason, such as a particularly embarrassing or inappropriate image.
5 attendees- 07:30 Meet under the «Blue Angel» in Zurich HB
Hikers at Larch – Golden Autumn in Valais (T2-T3)
Zurich HB, Bahnhofpl., Zürich, ZH, CHLate October is the season when the larch trees turn golden. So, let’s head to Valais to enjoy their yellow, orange and golden autumn colours.
Plus: We will explore one of the irrigation canals («Suonen»).
This is a favourite autumn excursion, with previous editions in 2019, 2022 and 2025. See links to pictures from those tours below.############################
RSVP:
You can already pencil in the date.
RSVP is currently closed and will open about a week before the tour.############################
OUTBOUND TRAVEL:
- 06:20h: Meet under the «Blue Angel»
- 06:32h: IC8 (direction Brig) to Visp
- 06:45h: Optional: Breakfast in the dining car
- 09:11h: Rail replacement bus from Visp (direction Täsch) to «Stalden-Saas, Bahnhof»
- 09:25h: Cable car from «Stalden-Saas (Talstation)» up to Gspon
- 09:46h: Arrival at Gspon & start of the hike
THE HIKE:
- Duration: 4¾h (plus breaks)
- Distance: 14.4km
- Maximum altitude: 2'470m
- Ascent/descent: 920m/420m
- SAC classification: T2-T3 (red-white markings)
- Map: https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/1490338456
ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Status regarding the orange-yellow-golden foliage colours:
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/summer-autumn/autumn/foliage-map/ - Wikipedia «Suone» (irrigation canal):
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suone - Photos 2019: https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/30461013/
- Photos 2022: https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/32906907/
- Photos 2025: https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35634806/
LUNCH:
- Picnic
RETURN TRAVEL:
- 16:30h: Cable car down from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund (last one!)
- 16:58h: Postauto 511 «Saas-Grund, Bergbahnen» to Visp
- 17:54h: IC8 Visp to Zürich HB
- 20:14h: Arrival back at Zürich HB
COST w/HALBTAX:
- Total cost about CHF 97.60 w/HT (plus food/drinks)
Thereof: - A day pass at CHF 75.- will pay off by a large margin
- Cable car up to Gspon: CHF 7.60 for the upper section of the Gspon cable car (the lower section is covered by the day pass)
- Cable car down from Kreuzboden: CHF 15.- w/HT
COST w/GA:
- Total cost about CHF 22.60 w/GA (plus food/drinks)
Thereof: - Cable car up to Gspon: CHF 7.60 for the upper section of the Gspon cable car (the lower section is covered by the GA)
- Cable car down from Kreuzboden: CHF 15.- w/GA
############################
DISCLAIMER:
By joining this walk, you acknowledge and accept the terms set out below.This is NOT a guided tour. It is a private get-together of individuals hiking together. Each participant remains responsible for their own judgement, decisions, actions and safety.
It is your responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event. You need to understand the nature of the activity, assess its difficulty, risks and hazards, and consider the expected weather and trail conditions.
You also need to assess the required experience, skills and fitness level and decide for yourself whether you meet these requirements.
You are responsible for your own preparation, equipment (boots, clothing, gear, etc.) and adequate insurance cover. Prepare and equip yourself as you would if you were undertaking the walk on your own.
During the event, you remain responsible for exercising your own judgement and making your own decisions. If at any point you consider the route, conditions or any other circumstances unsafe or unsuitable for you, it is your responsibility to act accordingly.
Participation is entirely at your own risk. The organiser does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the event description and merely provides an opportunity for participants to meet and hike together. Any liability of the organiser is excluded.
By joining, you accept that you may appear in photos. Please do not expect photos to be removed or withheld from posting unless there is a compelling reason, such as a particularly embarrassing or inappropriate image.
1 attendee
Past events
2528
