4.6
(2450)
16,306
hikers
757
hikes
Hiking in Hinwil offers diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and dense forests to scenic views of surrounding mountains. The region features prominent natural landmarks such as the Bachtel mountain and the Schnebelhorn, alongside beautiful lakes like Greifensee and Pfäffikersee. Unique geological formations, including the Bachtelspalt, add to the varied terrain, providing a range of experiences for hikers.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.6
(117)
552
hikers
16.6km
05:20
680m
680m
The Schnebelhorn circuit is a difficult 10.3-mile hike with 2228 feet of elevation gain, offering panoramic views from Zurich's highest poin
4.6
(84)
401
hikers
11.8km
03:46
470m
470m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(49)
240
hikers
11.3km
03:46
530m
530m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(35)
177
hikers
9.05km
03:01
430m
430m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(120)
499
hikers
8.48km
02:30
250m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(36)
161
hikers
11.8km
03:45
420m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(29)
168
hikers
10.7km
03:16
360m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(19)
93
hikers
6.27km
02:16
380m
380m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(54)
213
hikers
9.87km
03:15
460m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(19)
100
hikers
5.43km
01:37
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A very beautiful, but also frequently visited viewpoint. New restaurant Bachtel-Kulm now open.
0
0
TCS parking lot and a good starting point for the Schnebelhorn.
1
0
Incredibly beautiful place with breathtaking views. The restaurant itself has really good food, but the service was disastrous (at least at dinner) – what a shame!
0
1
quite far from Zurich....
0
0
Mountain restaurant with wonderful views
1
0
Restaurant reopened!
2
0
Hinwil offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 760 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy strolls to challenging mountain ascents, ensuring there's something for every hiker.
The ideal time for hiking in Hinwil is typically from late spring to early autumn, specifically from May to September. During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the trails are clear, allowing for the best enjoyment of the region's diverse landscapes.
Absolutely! Hinwil has several easy trails perfect for families. The Pfäffikersee Circular Trail – Stork Nests loop from Seegräben is a great option, combining nature with historical landmarks. Another easy and scenic choice is the Greifensee Loop, which is relatively flat and offers beautiful water views.
Yes, Hinwil's varied terrain includes refreshing ravines and hidden waterfalls. You can explore the Sagenraintobel Waterfall – Bridge Grill Area loop from Wald ZH for an easy hike featuring a waterfall. Additionally, the region boasts highlights like the Wissengubel Waterfall and the Brandenfels Cave and Waterfall.
Many of Hinwil's trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For a moderate challenge, consider the Bachtel Tower – Bachtelspalt loop from Gibswil, which takes you through varied terrain to the iconic Bachtel Tower. The Greifensee Loop is another popular circular option.
Hinwil is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. Many trails offer vistas of the Zurich Oberland, surrounding mountains, and beautiful lakes. The View of the Zurich Highlands – Hörnli Ridge Trail loop from Steg provides impressive views across the region. The Bachtel mountain and Alp Scheidegg also offer wonderful panoramas.
Beyond natural beauty, Hinwil's trails often lead to or pass by interesting landmarks. The Bachtel Tower is a prominent viewpoint. You might also encounter unique geological formations like the Bachtelspalt. For a family outing, the Juckerhof in Seegräben offers a farm experience with a restaurant and apple maze, and the Auslikon lido at Pfäffikersee is a great spot for relaxation.
The komoot community highly rates hiking in Hinwil, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,300 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and dense forests to scenic lake and mountain views, as well as the variety of trails suitable for all ability levels.
Yes, Hinwil offers numerous moderate hikes. The Tobel Tower at Kemptner Tobel – Lower Tower loop from Bäretswil is a good example, offering a balanced challenge. Many routes leading to the Bachtel summit are also rated as moderate, providing rewarding experiences without being overly strenuous.
Hinwil and the surrounding Zurich Oberland region are well-served by public transport, making many trailheads accessible. While specific routes vary, the regional train and bus network allows hikers to reach starting points for various trails, including those around the Bachtel and the lakes.
For those seeking a more demanding experience, Hinwil delivers. The Schnebelhorn circuit is a difficult 16.6 km trail with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding challenge and panoramic views from the highest point in the canton of Zurich.
Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in Hinwil, provided they are kept under control, especially in nature protection areas or near livestock. It's always advisable to check local signage for specific regulations on individual trails, but many paths through forests and hills are suitable for walks with your canine companion.


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