Loipe Pfannenstiel–Hombrechtikon

The canton of Zurich’s longest cross-country ski trail is a short distance from the city itself, yet still in the heart of a quiet rural area. The hilly route is almost 30 km long (18.5 miles) and runs along the back of Pfannenstiel, offering breathtaking views of Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps.

The starting point near Beichlen is around 300 metres from the Oetwil am See, Beichlen bus stop. The 30-kilometre trail initially crosses open countryside before following the Auenbach for several kilometres. At Seeweidsee it comes close to the shore; the small lake is part of Hombrechtikon. The route then climbs between meadows and patches of woodland to the houses of Unterchrüzlen and Oberchrüzlen.

The loop continues to gain height via Chnolli and reaches Vorderer Pfannenstiel. Shortly afterwards, the Hochwacht mountain restaurant lies close to the trail. In the Pfannenstiel forest, the route climbs to around 840 metres, the highest point of the loop. The Pfannenstiel observation tower stands a little way off the route; its top platform features a panoramic display.

Beyond Guldener Höchi, the long return journey begins with alternating climbs and descents. Open fields and woodland dominate the scenery before the trail reaches Vorder-Guldenen. On the final section, it crosses the watershed between the Limmat and the Aa and returns to the starting point near Beichlen.