Things To Do
in Urdorf

Urdorf is a small, well-kept suburban municipality in the canton of Zürich located just outside the city of Zürich, offering a quiet, residential base with easy access to urban amenities. The town is framed by mixed farmland and forested hills, giving residents and visitors quick access to green hiking trails and riverside walks. Urdorf has a compact village center with local shops, cafés and family-friendly services, but the wider Zürich region is only a short public-transport ride away.

The pace here is relaxed, making it a pleasant stop for people who want a low-key Swiss experience while remaining close to big-city culture and transport links.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Urdorf
morning
:

Arrive in Urdorf, an idyllic village located just outside Zurich. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through the serene streets lined with quaint Swiss architecture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, taking in the fresh mountain air.

afternoon
:

Dedicate your afternoon to exploring the Urdorf village center. Visit the local shops and boutiques, where you can find unique Swiss souvenirs. Unwind in one of the neighborhood parks, perfect for a refreshing pause.

evening
:

As the sun sets, savor a traditional Swiss dinner at a local restaurant. Engage with locals who share tales of Urdorf’s history and culture over delightful dishes. End your day with a peaceful walk under the stars, enjoying the calm ambiance of the village.

day 2
Exploring Zurich
morning
:

Take a short train ride to Zurich, where your exploration begins at the historic Old Town. Visit landmarks like the Grossmünster and the beautiful Lindenhof Park for stunning views of the city. Enjoy breakfast at a local bakery with a fresh pastry and coffee.

afternoon
:

Wander along Lake Zurich, stopping by the vibrant shops along the Bahnhofstrasse. Consider a boat tour on the lake to see the scenic beauty from the water. For lunch, sample local cheeses and charcuterie at one of the lakeside bistros.

evening
:

As evening falls, visit one of Zurich's charming restaurants for a delightful dinner. Enjoy traditional Fondue or Raclette while immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city. Conclude your visit with a stroll along the lakeshore to enjoy the tranquil evening views.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$20-35
☕️Coffee (café)$4-6
🍺Domestic beer (0.5L)$6-9
🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night)$120-220
🛒Weekly groceries (per person)$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Zürich with fast public transport links
  • Peaceful, green surroundings with great hiking and outdoor options
  • Well-maintained infrastructure and high public safety
  • Good local amenities for everyday needs
  • Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the village itself
  • Higher costs typical of Switzerland compared with many countries
  • Quiet pace may feel slow for travelers seeking a bustling tourist town
  • Smaller choice of restaurants and specialized shops compared with Zürich
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist die Bushaltestelle?" - Where is the bus stop?

Places to Visit in Urdorf

Visit one of these nice places.

Village center and local church

Charming scenes of traditional Swiss village architecture, cobbled lanes and the parish church — great for golden-hour shots and everyday life.

Albis ridge / Uetliberg viewpoint

Panoramic views over Zürich, Lake Zürich and the Alps on clear days; sunrise and sunset can yield dramatic skies and city silhouette photos.

Sihlwald forest

Ancient woodland with mossy trunks, walking paths and tranquil light — excellent for nature and macro photography.

Türlersee and nearby lakes

Small lakes and reed-lined shores offer reflective water shots, birdlife and peaceful landscapes especially at dawn.

Limmat river banks (nearby Dietikon/Schlieren)

Riverside compositions with bridges, flowing water and urban-natural contrasts close to Urdorf.

Culinary Guide

Food in Urdorf

Cuisine around Urdorf reflects Swiss and Zürich regional traditions: expect Zürich-style specialties, mountain-farm influences and international options brought by the region’s multicultural population. Fresh dairy, seasonal produce, breads and pastries are staples, and many restaurants serve classic Swiss dishes alongside Italian and Mediterranean fare.

Urdorf Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

A creamy sliced veal dish in a white wine and cream sauce, usually served with rösti; available at traditional restaurants in Urdorf and throughout the Zürich region.

Must-Try!

Rösti

Crispy shredded potato cake served as a side or main (often topped with cheese, eggs or bacon); common in local pubs and family restaurants.

Fondue & Raclette

Melted cheese dishes best enjoyed in colder months — look for them on seasonal menus in local inns and mountain restaurants near Urdorf.

Birchermüesli

A Swiss breakfast classic of oats, grated apple, nuts and yogurt — widely available at cafés for breakfast or brunch.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Urdorf weekly market

Small local market days (check the village noticeboard for times) offer fresh produce, cheese and bread from regional producers.

Dietikon and Schlieren markets

Nearby towns hold larger weekly markets with more variety — a good place to try cheeses, sausages, seasonal fruits and prepared foods.

Zürich Bürkliplatz market

A short trip into Zürich will get you the popular Saturday market with local and regional produce, flowers and street-food stalls.

Climate Guide

Weather

Urdorf experiences a temperate, continental climate with four distinct seasons: cool, often wet springs; warm summers with occasional hot days; crisp, colorful autumns; and cold winters with some snowfall at higher elevations. Weather can change quickly in the hills, so layering is recommended year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is important in Swiss culture — whether for trains, appointments or social meetings.

Quiet hours

Respect quiet hours (usually evenings and night, and often midday on Sundays) — avoid loud noise, lawn mowing or disruptive behavior during these times.

Recycling and orderliness

Switzerland has strict recycling and waste-disposal rules — sort trash carefully and follow local guidelines for bags and collection days.

Politeness and greetings

A brief greeting in German (e.g., Guten Tag or Hallo) and saying Danke goes a long way; be polite and formal in first encounters.

Safety Guide

Safety

Urdorf and the greater Zürich region are generally very safe with low violent crime rates. Typical precautions are sensible: watch belongings in crowded areas, lock bikes, follow trail safety advice and check weather conditions before hikes. Emergency services are reliable; carry travel insurance and note local emergency numbers.

Tipping in Urdorf

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is typically included in restaurant bills, but it’s customary to round up or leave a small tip (5–10%) for good service; for taxis and personal services round up the fare or add a few francs. In small cafés, leaving small change is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Swiss francs (CHF) are used; credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are widely accepted, and contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some cash for very small vendors or village kiosks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blossoms and emerging greenery make trails and parks pleasant; occasional rainy days are common — bring a light waterproof layer and good walking shoes.

Summer

Warm, sometimes hot weather with long daylight hours — ideal for hiking, swimming in nearby lakes and terrace dining; expect more visitors on popular trails and lake beaches.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage on the ridges; cooler mornings and evenings, with excellent hiking conditions and fewer tourists — carry layers and a waterproof jacket.

Winter

Cold with possible snow at higher elevations; village life is quiet and cozy, and nearby mountains offer winter sports — check local transport and trail conditions, and dress warmly.

Nightlife Guide

Urdorf at Night

Urdorf itself is largely quiet after dark, with small pubs and bars for local gatherings; for a wider nightlife scene — live music venues, clubs, late-night bars and a larger selection of restaurants — take the short train ride into Zürich where nightlife is vibrant and varied across several districts.

Hiking in Urdorf

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Uetliberg Trail

Popular ridge hike with excellent panoramic views of Zürich, Lake Zürich and the distant Alps; accessible by train and well-marked trails for various fitness levels.

Albis Ridge (Felsenegg)

A scenic chain of hills with trails, viewpoints and mountain restaurants — ideal for half- or full-day hikes and sunset walks.

Lägern Ridge

A longer, slightly wilder ridge offering challenging hikes, expansive views and quieter backcountry feel away from busier tourist routes.

Türlersee Loop

Short, easy lakeside circuit around a small scenic lake — great for families, birdwatching and a summer swim stop.

Sihlwald Forest Trails

Extensive forest paths with varied terrain, peaceful streams and opportunities for guided nature walks and wildlife observation.

Airports

How to reach Urdorf by plane.

Zürich Airport (ZRH)

The main international airport serving the region, about 15–30 minutes by train from central Zürich and easily reachable from Urdorf by public transport or car; offers extensive international connections.

EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg (BSL/MLH)

A larger international airport serving Basel and the tri-border area; reachable by train or car in around 1.5–2 hours depending on connections.

Bern Airport (BRN)

Smaller regional airport serving Bern and central Switzerland; useful for some regional flights but fewer international options; about 1–1.5 hours by car or train to Urdorf.

Getting Around

Walkability

Urdorf is compact and easy to walk around within the village center; many residential areas and parks are pedestrian-friendly. For exploring the wider region, combining walking with frequent public-transport links (buses and S-Bahn) is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Commuters and Families

Many residents commute to Zürich for work; the municipality attracts families seeking suburban living with good schools and green spaces.

Local Swiss Residents

Long-term Swiss residents and local business owners maintain village traditions and community life.

International Residents

The Zürich region draws internationals and expatriates working at multinational companies, contributing to multicultural shops and restaurants nearby.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played and followed at amateur and professional levels; local clubs and youth teams are active in the region.

Hiking and Trail Running

Very popular given the convenient access to ridgelines, forests and lakes — suited to all fitness levels.

Ice Hockey

A major spectator sport in Switzerland; Zürich teams draw local support and there are ice rinks for recreational play nearby.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Road cycling and mountain-biking are common on rural roads and forest trails; e-bikes have broadened access to hillier terrain.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic around Urdorf is typically light outside peak commute hours; morning and evening rush hour can see congestion on main roads into Zürich. Public transport (S-Bahn, regional trains and buses) is frequent, reliable and often the fastest way to reach Zürich and neighboring towns. Park-and-ride facilities and coordinated timetables simplify combined car-and-train travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Urdorf.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in cafés and restaurants; many places list vegetarian dishes and can adapt mains. Supermarkets and health-food shops also stock plant-based alternatives.

Vegan

Vegan choices are increasingly available in Zürich-area restaurants; in Urdorf look for salads, grain bowls and bakeries with dairy-free pastries, or travel briefly into nearby towns for more vegan-specialized spots.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free bread and pasta are widely available in supermarkets; restaurants can usually accommodate if informed, but confirm preparation methods if you have high sensitivity.

Allergies

Staff generally understand common allergy terms in English and German — carry translation cards for severe allergies and double-check ingredients when dining out.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary healthcare is available through local general practitioners and small clinics in and near Urdorf; larger hospitals and specialist care are in nearby towns and in Zürich (e.g., cantonal and university hospitals). Pharmacies are available locally with standard opening hours and emergency pharmacy services on rotation. EU/Schengen visitors should carry appropriate insurance and European Health Insurance Card (where applicable); international visitors should have travel medical insurance.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide