Download a free Map for this hike
If you click on the “Get Map” icon above you will see the map for this hike. You can also download the hike as a GPX-file by clicking on the file icon “Get GPX” above. This way, you can plan your hike better or even use it on the go. Additionally, find below an interactive map including an elevation profile.
Our experience hiking from Steg to Hörnli
We hiked from Steg to Hörnli in March 2021. This was our first hike in 2021 and we were positively surprised. What a view of the Swiss Alps from only 1333 meters above sea level! Read more about our experience hiking from Steg to Hörnli below.
Start the hike at the train station in Steg in Tösstal
We took the train from Zurich and arrived at the train station Steg in Tösstal about 50 minutes later. We found the many signposts on the other side of the street. We followed the yellow sign direction Hörnli. After 15 minutes, the hiking trail went through a forest. Out of the forest, we got the first amazing views of Tösstal. And we met some cows.
The hike to Hörnli is a self-guided and easy hike
Midway up, you can decide whether you want to hike a trail or walk on a gravel road (signpost picture, left). We took the trail on the left and hiked up the steep last bit to Hörnli.
Whether you take the trail or the gravel road – both paths will lead to Hörnli. This is a self-guided hike and easy hike. The yellow signposts point you in the right direction. The gravel road is best if you want to take it slow. The hiking trail is steeper and will make your heart beat faster. We took the hiking trail up to Hörnli and walked down the gravel road. Best of both worlds!
360° view of the Swiss Alps
Almost on the top, we found the famous mountain guesthouse Hörnli. Stop here if you are hungry and want to sit on the terrace to enjoy the sun and the view. When we were there the guesthouse was closed. Luckily, we brought a picnic and sat on the very top of Hörnli. While we were eating a Salami sandwich we enjoyed the fantastic 360° panorama of the Swiss Alps. This spot is one of the best in the Zurich area for mountain watching.
Hiking down from Hörnli to Steg
After the picnic, we decided to hike down the broad gravel road from Hörnli to Steg. In the summertime, you will most likely run into scooters that can be rented at the mountain guesthouse. In wintertime, people bobsled down to Steg from Hörnli. Watch out for traffic!
Conclusion: a great hike for beginners in the Zurich area
The hike to Hörnli was a very positive experience. It’s an easy hike and suited for mostly everyone. We truly enjoyed the view on the top. This is a great hike you can do all year round!
We also liked the accessibility of this hike by public transport. If you are living in Zurich and have a half-day off to go for a hike, the hike to Hörnli is a great choice as you are there in about 50 minutes by train. You can bring a map (we offer a free map in this post) but it’s not a must as the yellow signpost will point you in the right direction. We will come back for sure to try out the mountain guesthouse Hörnli. Stay tuned for an update in the Dine section 😉
Hike&Dine: Dine at mountain guesthouse Hörnli
“The view of the Swiss Alps from Hörnli is a poem for the senses. I can’t wait to sit on the terrace of the mountain guesthouse Hörnli. It was closed when we were there, but we will come back once it opens again”
