Best Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Near Zurich

Zurich is best known throughout the world for its presence as international banking, high quality of life and its financial hub, but when one heads a short distance away from its clean metropolis there is a myriad of beautiful and gorgeous natural landscapes that allow for adventurous and fun outdoor activities. The transportation network of Zurich is considered as the most systematic system in Europe. From Zurich airport there are three commonly used transit methods to the city centre.In other parts of the nearby regions, there are a wide variety of terrains to discover, and in the warmer months, activities such as rock climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering are exciting ways to see much of the peaceful, tranquil and idyllic waterways and alpine scenery the country is known for.

Outdoor activities that make you visit Zurich once in a life

One of the handiest features of all these trips is that they only require 1-3 days to complete You must be ensuring that if you are in Zurich for vacation or business you will be able to fit in an outdoor adventure – a unique and different way to spend your time there! 

1. See the stars while ski touring in the Swiss Alps

Seeing the stars of the night time under a full moon, whilst skiing down the Swiss Alps, sounds like something straight out of a movie, however just 2 hours from Zurich this becomes reality, as you wind your way down the sublime power of the slopes of Engelberg during the night. After meeting at a local ski shop, you make your way to the top of the magnificent slopes and then ski down to your heart’s content, with the full moon glowing in the night sky, the stars nice and bright, and the lights of the resorts and villages illuminating the sumptuous alpine scenery below this is a truly unique and special experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. You can always say you’ve experienced the Swiss Alps like few people are able to do!

Getting there: From Zurich, Engelberg is located approximately 80km away and is easily accessible by taxi Zurich airport. It is quickest to take the A4 motorway, and trains depart several times a day between Engelberg and Zurich stations.

2. Scale icy cliff faces with Swiss countryside

Not far from Zurich, excellent ice climbing locations abound. The immensely popular outdoor activity region of Engelberg, just 80 KM from Zurich, is home to some of the best spots in the country. Whether you are a beginner or an expert ice climber, there is a wide array of climbing options and routes here for all. The stunning and mesmerizing ice cliffs and falls provide ideal conditions. There are plenty of different types of climbing to take advantage of.

The views when you are ice climbing take the breath away, with the Uri and Nidwalden, surrounding Swiss Cantons of Bern, and their associated amazing scenery, stretching out beneath us, the Swiss Alps looming large above it all.

Getting there: From Zurich, Engelberg is located approximately 80km away and is easily accessible by taxi zurich transfer. By car, it is quickest to take the A4 motorway, and trains depart several times a day between Zurich and Engelberg stations.

3. Come to Jungfrau to indulge in some epic mountaineering

Located just a couple of hours drive from the towering, hustle, and bustle of Zurich, a famous and majestic mountain of Jungfrau (4158m) has been attracting mountaineering enthusiasts and climbers for years, with its beautiful snow-capped peak. It is remaining one of the most characteristic sights in the Swiss Alps. Some of the options for ascending the mountain are remarkably easy, and the views back out over the Swiss landscape are truly something special to behold, with enchanting sunrises proving irresistible and beautiful.
Getting there: Via car or bus, it is approximately a 2-hour drive from Zurich airport transfer via the A8 motorway.

4.  Enjoy a day out canyoning around the exhilarating waterways of Switzerland

Sitting just an hour South of Zurich, ridges, waterfalls, the cliffs, slides, and rock faces of Chili Schlieren canyon are lovely, fun and an exhilarating part of Switzerland. It was seemingly tailor-made for the habit-forming activity of canyoning. Spending time here is a guaranteed blast with jumping from rock formations into the clear water below, the sheer thrill of abseiling down cliff faces, swimming and sliding along rockslides making for one of the most exciting and adrenaline-pumping activities possible near Zurich. The awesome and epic Mt Pilatus towers above it all. It providing a dramatic backdrop to proceedings. The Chili Schlieren is very close to Interlaken, the best destination for outdoor adventures in Switzerland.

Getting there: Approximately a 1-hour drive from limousine transfer Zurich along the A4 motorway. Regular train and bus services from Zurich to Chili Schlieren Station via Luzern.

5.  Swap Zurich’s city streets for great outdoors!

The area of Oberland, just 2 hours Southwest of Zurich, is rock climbing nirvana, with huge rock walls of limestone and granite offering an insane variety and amount of climbing options. Some of the best spots, including Engelhorns, Wendenstocke, and  Eldorado are home to some challenging and glorious climbs, with spectacular views the rewarding and norm climbing routes to test everyone, from beginners through to experts. Rock climbing this close to Zurich allows you to free your mind It also helps to forget the stresses of modern city life and have fun!

Getting there: Approximately a 2-hour drive via the taxi zurich transfer.  
 
Zurich’s relatively close proximity to the Swiss Alps means there are great opportunities to explore and head out such a captivating region, with Winter activities such as ice climbing and ski touring proving popular on the post-card pretty snow-capped mountains. Take some time to have a look at the exciting and diverse trips available, all just a short trip from Zurich!