Kloten between the airport and Eigental

Kloten is a city in the Bülach district of the Swiss canton of Zurich, about 10 km northeast of the centre of Zurich, on the plain of the Glatt Valley. Two distinct themes stand out when planning a stay: the airport, with its viewing opportunities, and Eigental, with its protected areas and hiking trails. Zurich Airport occupies a significant part of the municipality in western Kloten and the adjoining Rümlanger Ried. The forests of Homberg, Buehalm and Schlatt lie north of the city’s built-up area.

Watch airport operations from the observation terrace

From observation terrace B, you can watch take-offs and landings, airport operations and pilots preparing in the cockpit. The same terrace has an airport playground for children, designed as a “mini airport”. The terrace therefore offers both a view of airport operations and a dedicated play area.

Public airport tours and guided visits at Zurich Airport are offered from observation terrace B. If you plan to join one, check the dates and availability before your visit.

Eigental and the landscape

Located between Oberembrach, Nürensdorf, Bassersdorf and Kloten, Eigental is one of the most important nature and landscape conservation areas in the canton of Zurich. It includes nationally significant fens, dry meadows and amphibian spawning sites. Forests are also among the habitats that provide valuable refuges for numerous animal and plant species, including some that are very rare.

The municipality of Kloten extends from the wooded hilltop at Hard and Balsberg, over the ridges near Gerlisberg and Bänikon, and beyond the narrow Eigental valley. Eigental is considered an important regional nature reserve. The Altbach is another useful landmark: it passes beneath the airport grounds and flows into the Glatt below Glattbrugg.

Hiking through Eigental

The “Wanderbänkli Wangen and Kloten” hike runs from Wangen near Dübendorf through Eigental to Oberembrach, with several sections passing through the forest. It continues through Upper Eigental, past a pond, and then to the “Kloten” hiking bench near Gerlisberg. The route is 14.3 km long, takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, and is rated moderate. The distance, duration and difficulty rating give you concrete details to help fit the hike into your day’s plans.

Visiting hours and practical planning

Kloten Local History Museum is open from April to October on the first Sunday of each month, from 14:00 to 17:00. If you plan to visit the museum, check the date before travelling.

Eigentalstrasse is fully or partially closed in three phases during the year. If your plans involve this road, check the conditions before setting off. When planning your stay, you can weigh up whether to focus your trip on a visit to the airport, time in Eigental or the longer hike.

Discover more destinations: Höri, Wallisellen, Bassersdorf, Embrach, Rafz, Zweidlen, Opfikon, Lufingen

Return to the main travel overview: Bülach.