Altberg Observation Tower

Altberg Observation Tower rises from the forest on the Altberg ridge near Dänikon in the canton of Zurich. From the top you look across to the Bernese and Glarus Alps and out over the wide Swiss Plateau. It opened on 10 July 2010, which makes it one of the youngest lookout towers in the canton.

What kind of tower is it?

The frame is built mostly from local larch, with steel bracing to stiffen it. The project cost about 660,000 Swiss francs, raised through donations from municipalities, companies and private people rather than from a single public budget. It sits in the Furttal and Limmattal area, where the lands of Dänikon and Hüttikon meet.

What can you see from the top?

The platform is roughly 30 metres above the ground, reached by 147 steps. The tower clears the treetops, so the forest does not block the panorama. On a clear day you can pick out:

• the Bernese and Glarus Alps to the south,
• the open farmland of the Swiss Plateau,
• the villages of the Furttal valley and the wooded Lägern ridge nearby.

Sources quote the full height of the structure differently, from about 30 to 34.5 metres. For a visit, the platform height and the step count matter more.

How do you get to Altberg?

There is no access road. Park in a nearby village such as Dänikon or Hüttikon and follow marked footpaths through the woods. The tower lies on several hiking routes. One popular walk runs from Würenlos station over the Altberg summit (631 m above sea level) to Weiningen, about 7.9 km and around 2 hours 10 minutes on foot.

The Waldschenke Altberg restaurant stands right beside the tower, handy for a break after the climb.

When should you go?

Pick a bright day after a weather front has passed, when the air is crisp and the Alps stand out. Autumn and winter often deliver this more reliably than summer. No special gear is needed, but wear dry, grippy shoes for 147 steps and take care in strong wind or icy conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee?

The sources we checked mention no charge. The tower was funded by donations rather than built as a commercial attraction.

How many steps are there?

147 steps lead to the platform, about 30 metres up.

Can I drive up to the tower?

No. You leave the car in Dänikon, Hüttikon or another nearby village and walk the final stretch on a trail.

What else is nearby?

The Waldschenke Altberg restaurant is next to the tower, and the Altberg and Lägern ridges offer longer circular hikes.