Schnebelhorn
Mountain Highest point in Canton Zurich with panoramic views
The highest point in the Canton of Zürich, reached by marked footpaths; hikers come for panoramic views over the Swiss plateau and surrounding pre-Alpine ridges.
Schnebelhorn is a peak in the Zürcher Oberland and the highest point of the Canton of Zurich at 1,292 metres. It is a popular destination for day hikers and viewpoint-seekers from the Zurich region.
The mountain offers marked trails and pathways that lead to the summit, where walkers can find open viewpoints with vistas toward the Swiss Alps on clear days. The terrain is typical upland forest and pasture rather than alpine rock.
There is no major infrastructure on the summit; access is on foot from surrounding villages and parking points in the Zürcher Oberland. The peak forms part of a cross-cantonal upland landscape on the border with neighbouring cantons.
Schnebelhorn lies in the Zürcher Oberland region of northeastern Switzerland, on the cantonal boundary area between Zurich and neighbouring cantons.
- Cantonal high point: The summit is the highest point of the Canton of Zurich at 1,292 metres above sea level.
- Hiking access: Marked hiking trails from nearby towns such as Hinwil and Fischenthal lead to the summit and are commonly used for day hikes.
How to Get to Schnebelhorn #
Reachable via local roads from Hinwil or Fischenthal; regional trains run to nearby towns and marked walking trails lead to the summit (allow 2-3 hours from nearest trailhead).
Tips for Visiting Schnebelhorn #
- Start from the small parking and follow marked trails-the path from Fischenthal/Hinwil is the most direct.
- On clear days, bring binoculars-the view can extend to the Glarus and Pennine Alps.
- Combine a Schnebelhorn hike with visits to nearby Zürcher Oberland villages for regional food.
Best Time to Visit Schnebelhorn #
Late spring through early autumn provides the most reliable hiking conditions and the longest days for views from Schnebelhorn.
Weather & Climate near Schnebelhorn #
Schnebelhorn's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1535 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (180 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
