From safety to local access, why a guided hike is the way to go in Switzerland

The story of how I came to create Zurich Urban Hikes, a peek into my life story.

In a world where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of every travelers' mind nowadays, exploring a destination in an eco-friendly manner has never been more crucial. In Switzerland we've come up with our own unique term - the very cleverly worded "Swisstainable" - the gold standard for sustainable travel. How fitting for a country renowned for its breathtaking nature to promote eco-friendly ways to travel, making the most of train travel and exploration on foot.

Have you ever wondered why the Swiss are so fit? How do they manage such a feat in the land of Cheese & Chocolate? I'm here to reveal to...

Not all hiking trails are in the mountains, in fact, these types of adventures are closer than you think! Did you know that you can go hiking directly out the front door of your hotel / airbnb, visit the city while getting your dose of daily steps and have a lot of fun in just a couple of hours ? Lace up your hiking shoes, strap on your backpack, come with me and let's explore Zurich on foot. Urban Hikes Zurich offers a unique twist for active travelers and tourists seeking a

If there’s one question that comes up again and again on my hikes, it’s this: “What should I actually bring to eat?” A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of exploring this topic with Forkful Magazine, and it reminded me that great hiking food isn’t about being fancy or complicated - it’s about being Smart, Practical, and Enjoyable. For me, it always comes down to three simple things: Energy, Packability, and Taste. But there’s also a fourth ingredient, one you don’t pack in yo

What if meeting someone new didn’t start with a swipe… but with a walk through the city? Dating apps promise endless choice.Singles events promise you’ll meet lots of people. But what if the secret isn’t meeting more people, it’s meeting the right people , in the right setting? Imagine a small group of curious singles on a city adventure, hidden staircases, beautiful views, and conversations that simply happen as you walk. Welcome to spooned hikes . A collaboration between

The 10,000 steps per day goal: what you need to know about the number of steps and how to get them in - not all steps are equal, find out why.

I am Stefan Schwarzer, and I run Summertime in Switzerland , a website dedicated to English speaking visitors who want to explore Switzerland like a local. I spend most weekends discovering new spots around Zurich and beyond, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience the country’s natural beauty. If you live in Zurich or are visiting for a few days and want to escape into nature, these are my top three hikes you can easily reach from the city, plus one bonus hike tha

The best way to get to know a city is to walk it - step by step, times many steps :) One of the things which always gets me, is seeing people light up when they discover that perfect view. Whether it’s a hidden archway which unexpectedly frames the Grossmunster, or the sunset lighting the lake and the Alps in just the right glow, or even the small details that populate the city (think of the lion of Zurich, the coat of arms, gold-plated tower clocks...), Zurich is full of i

Go beyond cheese and chocolate with these 6 insider tips for local foodie spots in Zurich

Why Urban Hiking in Zurich? Are you ready to explore Zurich in a way that’s both invigorating and unique? Urban hiking is the perfect blend of fitness and sightseeing! Imagine wandering through vibrant neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems, and soaking in breathtaking views—all while getting your daily dose of exercise. Zurich is a city that thrives on energy and creativity. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and lively culture, it’s an ideal playground for active a

Have a listen in at episode 136 of the Switzerland travel podcast which features walking tours with a twist, focused on urban hiking, sustainable travel and the circular economy.

What if you could eat your chocolate and burn it off as you go? Earn your sweets and have fun hunting them out on foot? Welcome to Zurich...

Have you ever thought about combining your love for hiking with exploring a vibrant city? Look no further than Urban Hikes Zurich, a unique experience that takes you on a proper hiking tour in the city. Zurich is not just full of banks and luxury watch shops; it's a city featuring a unique blend of natural landscapes (picture a crystal clear blue lake surrounded by green mountains stretching towards the snow capped Alps in the distance), old town cobblestone streets lined wit