Hiking in Wildnis Park Zürich – The Sihlwald Circular Trail
As we live a stone’s throw from the Wildnis Park Zürich, we’ve hiked the trails there many times, but this past weekend was the first time we’ve done the Sihlwald Circular Trail. This fun loop trail starts at the Sihlwald Bahnhoff, goes through the forest up to the fabulous views at the Albishorn, and ends with a lovely easy walk along the riverside as it returns to the Sihlwald Bahnhoff. It is listed on the Wildnis Park Zürich website as an “All Season” trail and while we did it in December, there were some parts that I would not have felt comfortable doing with snow on the ground.
Detail Summary| Where: | Wildnis Park Zürich Canton Zürich, Switzerland |
| Train: | Zürich HB -> Sihlwald Bahnhof – 32 min |
| What: | Sihlwald Circular Hiking Trail Yellow trail markers. Waypoints: Sihlwald Bahnhof -> Albishorn -> Sihlbrugg Station ->Sihlwald Bahnhof |
| Skill: | Medium – About 4 hrs Length 13 km, Ascent 570 m, Descent 570 m |
| Trail Info: Sihlwald Circular Hiking Trail Know before you go: Trail Conditions Park Website: Wildnis Park Zürich Webcam: Albishorn Webcam Albishorn Restaurant Züricher Museums Bahn |
Getting There
This is a loop trail that starts and ends at the Sihlwald train station. After arriving at the station, we took some time to admire the steam engine parked there before heading out on the trail. (Steam train journey’s are available occasionally through Züricher Museums Bahn.)
To start the trail, from the station, we followed Alte Sihltalstrasse going in the direction opposite of the Visitor Center. After about 200 meters, we found our trail marker (the yellow Albishorn sign) and the wooden bridge over the main road and to the trail.
The Trail – Through the Woods to Albishorn
After crossing the road, we followed the yellow signs towards Albishorn on a steady climb through the woods. Although we weren’t picnicking on this hike, we did take note of several fire pits along the way.
After about 3.5 kilometers and 423 m in elevation gain, we reached the ridge and the Albishorn viewpoint.
The Trail – Albishorn Viewpoint
As we neared the top of ridge, we could see the Albishorn restaurant with the Swiss flag flying above it. (We haven’t eaten here, so can’t give a review.) Above the restaurant is a viewing platform with a fantastic view! So pretty!
The Trail – Albishorn to Sihlbrugg Station
After leaving the Albishorn viewpoint, we followed the yellow trail signs to Sihlbrugg Station. The trail here travels along the ridge and provides some lovely views.
The trail then passes through a few fields, with more beautiful views of the mountains and valley.
After a little less than 4 kilometers the trail turns left and heads into the forest. The trail was a bit muddy and had a few detours when we hiked, but it was passable and after another 1.5 kilometers or so we reached Sihlbrugg station.
The Trail – Along the Sihl
After passing the Sihlbrugg station, the trail follows the main road for a few hundred meters before crossing and going under the railroad tracks. Then, after crossing the Sihl river, the trail parallels the river for the next 4 kilometers.
The sun was beginning to set and the mist was rolling in, so we picked up the pace a bit and did not linger to take too many more photos.
Getting Back
When we spotted the bridge and the wooden road crossing, we knew we were just about back at the start.
After crossing the bridge, a quick left and another 200 meters or so, we were back at Sihlwald Bahnhoff. This was a fun hike and we will probably do it again in the spring to see it in a different season.
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