Hörnliturm

Hörnliturm in Uhwiesen is a small wooden lookout tower in the municipality of Laufen-Uhwiesen, in the northern part of the canton of Zürich. It sits on the Uhwieser Hörnli hill and is one of the canton's 16 observation towers. It is also the smallest of them, which makes it an easy goal for a short walk.

What kind of tower is it?

The structure is built entirely of timber and stands roughly 12.5 metres tall. It was rebuilt from scratch in 2021, so the stairs and railings are in good shape. The hilltop, known as the Cholfirst, lies around 570 metres above sea level. The tower rises above the surrounding trees and gives a view you cannot get from the ground.

What can you see from the top?

The viewing platform is about 9.5 metres up and takes 55 steps to reach. The outlook faces mainly south. A panorama board on the platform names the summits you can pick out, from the Säntis in eastern Switzerland to the Hohgant in the Bernese Alps. Visitors also mention views toward the west. Clear air matters a lot here, since on a hazy day the board stays more of a curiosity than a guide.

How should you plan a visit?

The tower stands on the hill outside the built-up area of Uhwiesen, so you reach it on foot. A rest area with barbecue facilities lies right next to it, which makes it easy to pair the climb with a picnic stop. Pick a day with good visibility, when the Alps stand out clearly.

The surrounding Weinland and the Rhine valley offer further walking routes, so the tower works well as the goal of a short loop or as a stop on a longer hike. The climb needs no special preparation beyond the fitness for 55 steps.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Hörnliturm? The whole structure is about 12.5 metres high, and the platform sits at roughly 9.5 metres.

How many steps lead to the top? There are 55 steps up to the platform.

What can you see from the tower? The view faces south. A panorama board identifies peaks from the Säntis to the Hohgant in the Bernese Alps.

Is the tower new? Yes, the wooden structure was rebuilt in 2021.

Is there somewhere to rest nearby? Yes, a rest area with barbecue facilities is right beside the tower.