Among the Trees Around the Lake Basin

This level urban hike follows Zurich’s lake basin to Wollishofen. Along the way, distinctive trees tell of biodiversity, the urban climate and the importance of ancient giants.

The urban tree circuit begins at Zürich Stadelhofen, just a few steps from the stop. Almost imperceptibly, the route reaches its highest point at around 420 m right at the start, before descending to Lake Zurich. At Quaibrücke, views open out across the lake basin.

The route now follows the shore towards Enge. Cucumber magnolia, European beech and Canadian poplar exemplify the diversity of Zurich’s urban trees; bald cypress and giant sequoia appear later. Devised by Grün Stadt Zürich, the circuit was created for the exhibition «Bäume in der Stadt». It explores trees as habitats, witnesses to history and cultural assets, as well as the pressures they face in the urban climate.

At Hafen Enge, a local eatery lies close to the route. The level trail then continues southwards between the lake, meadows and the city. Small-leaved lime and silver fir also feature among the stops. After almost five kilometres, the circuit ends in Wollishofen; the Zürich Wollishofen stop is just a few steps from the finish.