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 at a Glance#
About Schnebelhorn#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 2° | -5° | 91 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 3° | -5° | 98 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 5° | -2° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 8° | 2° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Poor | 5° - 14° | 8° | 136 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 16° | 12° | 174 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 180 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 11° - 19° | 15° | 168 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 131 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 110 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 5° | -1° | 121 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 109 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
