On the top of Zurich’s house mountain, Uetliberg, is the Alp Restaurant Uto Staffel.
Begin the trip up Uetliberg by taking trams 14 or 9 to the Triemlispital station or the S10 train to Triemli station. Purchase a ZVV Albis Day Pass – this is good for all of Zurich as well as the extra zones for Uetliberg, Felsenegg and Adliswil.
The hike up to the top of Uetliberg Kulm takes about an hour along well kept, easily identifiable trails. The ascent to the Uetliberg peak is 1350ft or about 400meters. For more information see Uetliberg Hiking Trails. This trail will bring you past the upper Uetliberg S10 train station. You can take the train up if you’d like or take the train down, usually every 30 minutes. There are a number of paths to the top and back down.
After the train station and at the beginning of the Albis Planetary Trail. You’ll have a choice of paths to Uto Staffel. The faster, lower path goes along the Planetenwag. The upper path heads to the Uetliberg peak and the Uto Kulm hotel and cafeteria. If you’ve never been to the top of Uetliberg, you’ll want to head up for views and photos.
From the peak, there are two sets of stairs which both lead down to the Planetenweg and the Uto Staffel. The Uto Staffel with indoor and outdoor seating (360 web camera) is open most of the year. You should check their website for menu and hours.
On a nice day, order a fondue while sitting outside looking south toward Zug, Lucerne and the high Alps. White wine is preferred beverage with fondue. I usually ask for a side of Kirsch (Swiss cherry liqueur) to dip a corner of my bread before the cheese. There is already a bit of Kirsch and white wine in any decent fondue recipe, so these sides allow you to expand your flavor palette.
I love this Bergrestaurant as you can tell from my many fondue photos. Its very easy to get to from Zurich. If you have limited time, take the train up and down Uetliberg and enjoy a few hours of views from Uetliberg with lunch at Uto Staffel.
If you have a few days or longer, then continue your Uetliberg hike down the Planetary Trail.
Bergrestaurant Uto Staffel
Gratstrasse 6
8143 Uetliberg
Tel. 044 463 42 22