Walking through Hottingen

An urban walk from Hottingen’s churches up via Sonnenberg to Dolder: neighbourhood history, the Klosbach and woodland accompany the circular route to an elevation of around 620 m.

The urban walk begins at the Zürich, Hottingerplatz tram stop and leads through a neighbourhood that remained an independent municipality until 1893. Along the way, the route recalls Hottingen’s past as a rural community, shaped by agriculture, cottage industries and the country estates of wealthy city families. Passing the Catholic Church of St. Anton, it gradually climbs away from the rows of urban houses.

Later, the route follows the Klosbach. At Sonnenberg, a fountain, terrace and restaurant lie close together; beyond them, woodland and meadows replace the city streets. The houses are left behind as the ascent continues towards Dolder and Adlisberg.

After around five kilometres, the circular route reaches its highest point near Adlisberg at an elevation of about 620 m. From there, it descends back to Hottingen. Passing the Kreuzkirche, considered one of Switzerland’s outstanding church buildings from around 1900, the route leads through the first houses back to Hottingerplatz and the nearby tram stop.