Revisiting Mt. Üetliberg when the weather is nice

A couple of months ago, when we first arrived in Switzerland, our first trip blogged adventure was to Mt. Üetliberg.  It was mid-March, and the weather was very cold and foggy, so we didn't have the best views of the Alps.  We vowed to return when the weather was better.  Well, summer is now in full swing and the weather has cleared up beautifully, making it a great time to retrace our steps.

Hiking is a good Sunday activity.  As we've said in our previous posts, most shops are closed on Sundays and holidays.  However, the mountains are open 24/7 and are the perfect place to spend time on a nice day.

The Üetliberg bahn is located in a special section of the Zurich train station, tucked away on Gleis 2, far from the more commonly used S-Bahns and Inter-Regio trains .

Last time, we took the Üetliberg Bahn to the top of the mountain, then worked our way across the mountain range to Felsenegg, where we took a cable car down to Adliswil to end our journey.  This time, we decided to hike from the base of the mountain to the top.

Instead of going to the final stop on the Bahn, we got off early at Triemli.

We decided to do the route called Gratwegli/Hohensteinweg.  The description says the trek is sehr steil, einige Treppen (steep, some stairs).

On the way up, we were treated to stunning views of Zurich.

About half-way up the trail, we can begin to see above the treetops.

Admiring the view!

Along the way, we saw many great places to barbecue.

These grills were FILLED with meat and sausages.  Smokey goodness.

A park right near the BBQ pits for kids to play!

Public water fountains everywhere to hydrate tired hikers.

When we reached the top, we treated ourselves to a light lunch at Hotel Restaurant UTO KULM at the top of Üetliberg mountain.

You can sit outside and enjoy the view from the top of Üetliberg. 

If you don't have time to stop, a nearby stand offers quick bites to go.

Of course, we decided to relax at the restaurant!  Treating herself to a milchkaffee (a coffee with a high proportion of milk).

Same here!

Swiss Ms. ordered an air-dried beef sandwich (from the canton of Grison) last time.  This time, she got Rohschinken (raw ham) sandwich.  I forgot to mention last time that all sandwiches come buttered.   

I ordered the Zunftbratwurst last time, and decided to try the Paniertes Schweinsshitzel (vom Hals), which translates to a breaded pork cutlet (from the neck) with Zuri Frites (Zurich french fries).

While the views on the way up were nice, once at the peak, we could climb up the look-out tower to get even more breathtaking views.

Not just views of Zurich, but the entire Lake and the surrounding towns!

Lush, rolling green hills.  Clear blue sky.

You can see the Swiss Alps in the distance!

Another Toni Jogurt Update!

A new seasonal flavor was released for summer!

Apple Toni!  I thought it was quite good.

I don't know if you remember our Toni rankings, but for me, I would put it after Strawberry (#2).  Swiss Ms. would put it after Rasberry (#5 for her).  Again, I disagree with her.

Today is Swiss National Day, and since 1891, August first has been celebrated as the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy in 1291...like July 4th in the States.

Happy Swiss National Day!

-Herr Cervelat