You have a free day in Zurich and you want to take your dog somewhere that actually feels like an adventure — not just the nearest city park. All six destinations below are reachable in under an hour by public transport or car, and every single one is worth the trip.
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Start quiz →1. Uetliberg — Zurich's Local Mountain, Dog-Friendly and S-Bahn Close
Uetliberg (870 m a.s.l.) is the most reliably accessible day trip when time is short. The S10 from Zurich HB gets you to 869 m in about 20 minutes — no car, no parking stress.
At the top you have options: a short summit loop with the viewing tower, the Planetenweg ridge walk towards Albispass (approx. 9 km, gentle ridge), or a forest descent to Triemli or Uitikon. The forest is generous and even on weekends you can find quieter stretches away from the main path.
Getting there: S10 from Zurich HB to Uetliberg (end of line). Leash: No general leash requirement on the ridge, but your dog must be under control at all times. Be considerate at the barbecue areas and near the summit restaurant. Tip: Bring water — there are almost no natural water sources on the ridge.
2. Pfäffikersee — Flat Loop with Lake Access
The Pfäffikersee in the Zürcher Oberland is a designated nature reserve. The loop trail (approx. 12 km, flat) is well suited to dogs — the surface is mostly gravel path or grass, no difficult sections.
Important: As a nature reserve, the rules for where dogs can enter the water are set by local signage on site. Pay attention to signs and keep your dog on a lead in sensitive shoreline areas. In spring in particular, some sections may be closed to dogs.
Getting there: Train to Pfäffikon ZH, then walk to the lake (approx. 10 min). Leash: Mandatory in designated protection zones; elsewhere keep your dog under control.
3. Greifensee — Lakeside Loop, No Elevation Gain
Greifensee is a Ramsar wetland and one of the most biodiverse lakes in the canton. The loop trail (approx. 14 km, flat) runs along the shore throughout — wonderful for dogs that love being near water.
Outside the nesting season, Greifensee is one of the most relaxed lakeside walks in the canton: flat, well-marked, with several benches and rest spots along the way.
Getting there: S8 to Uster or Greifensee, then walk to the lakeshore. Leash: Mandatory April–June in protection zones; outside that period, follow on-site signage.
4. Bachtel (Zürcher Oberland) — Views and Forest Trails
The Bachtel (1,115 m a.s.l.) is the prominent ridge in the Zürcher Oberland; on clear days the viewing tower gives you a line of sight all the way to the Alps. The forest trails around the Bachtel are spacious and quiet — on weekdays you can often walk for an hour without meeting another hiker.
Note: There are no officially verified, dog-specific trail details from a cantonal primary source for the Bachtel. On the ground: keep your dog under control, follow signage, and be mindful of any wildlife protection zones.
Getting there: Train to Hinwil or Rüti ZH, then bus or car to the trailhead. Leash: No general leash requirement known; observe wildlife protection zones.
5. Rheinfall (Schaffhausen) — Europe's Largest Waterfall by Volume, Dogs Welcome
About 50 minutes by direct train from Zurich HB to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall — and you're standing in front of one of the most impressive natural spectacles in Switzerland. The Rheinfall is dog-friendly: dogs on leads are welcome throughout the park grounds and on the viewing platforms.
The boat trip to the rock in the middle of the river is spectacular. Individual boat operators set their own rules on dogs — check directly on site or on the operator's website before booking.
Getting there: Direct train from Zurich HB to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall, approx. 50 min. Leash: Mandatory throughout the park grounds. Tip: Summer Saturdays get crowded — an early start makes a real difference.
6. Lake Zurich South Shore (Richterswil to Wädenswil)
The south shore of Lake Zurich is part of what locals call the "Golden Shore" — less touristy than Rapperswil, but with direct lake access and charming villages. The path between Richterswil and Wädenswil is flat, well-signposted, and offers constant views across the water.
Note: There are no individually verified primary sources for specific swimming spots or leash zones along the south shore. Follow local signage — especially at swimming areas and through villages.
Getting there: S2 or S8 to Richterswil or Wädenswil; both towns are right on the water. Tip: The ZVV Tageskarte Zürichsee covers lake boat trips — ideal for combining a one-way walk with a boat return leg.
Practical Tips for a Day Trip with Your Dog
Public Transport and Dog Tickets On ZVV and SBB services, your dog needs a ticket. Small dogs that fit in a bag or basket on your lap or under the seat travel free. Larger dogs need a dog ticket (half the normal fare on SBB; ZVV has its own tariff structure). Check current prices at sbb.ch and zvv.ch.
Leash Rules and Off-Leash Areas There is no canton-wide general leash requirement in Canton Zürich — but dogs must be under their owner's control at all times. Nature reserves, signposted paths, and built-up areas often have local leash obligations. Full detail: where dogs must be on a lead.
For more dog-friendly spots in and around the city: dog-friendly places in and around Zurich — or add your own favourite spot to the interactive DogMap.
Day Trip Checklist
- Water and bowl (water sources on trails are unreliable)
- Dog first-aid kit
- Poo bags (more than you think you'll need)
- Tick remover card or hook
- Dog ticket purchased before boarding
- Lead in your bag — even if you don't expect to need it
Tick Warning — Summer Means Tick Season
All six destinations sit in tick-endemic areas. The main season runs from March to November, with peaks in spring and early autumn. After any outing through grass or undergrowth: check your dog — and yourself — thoroughly.
For everything you need to know about ticks, transmission risks, and protection for both dog and owner:
See our full guide on ticks and how to protect your dog.
Conclusion
Zurich has far more to offer dogs than city parks. Whether it's a waterfall, a lakeshore, or a ridge walk — the range of destinations within an hour's travel is impressive. With the right ticket, a lead in your bag, and a quick look at local signage before you set off, there's nothing standing between you and a great day out.
