albis

Albis is a ridge of hills in the Swiss plateau within the canton of Zurich, forming a green belt south of the city of Zurich. The Albis range runs roughly in a south-west to north-east orientation, and its highest point is Üetliberg (Üetliberg) at about 871 meters above sea level. The ridge includes scenic viewpoints and connects several uplands and valleys, with notable sections such as the Felsenegg area along the northern slopes overlooking Lake Zurich.

Geographically, the Albis lies to the south of central Zurich and extends toward the Sihl valley, contributing to the region’s network of forests, meadows, and fruit orchards. The area is characterized by mixed woodland and agricultural land, and it serves as a popular recreation area for residents and visitors. The Sihlwald forest to the southeast is a nearby major natural area associated with the broader Albis region.

Access and recreation are well-developed: the Albis is served by local transport routes, and notable facilities include the Uetliberg railway, which provides a gateway from Zurich to the hill, and the Felsenegg cable car from Adliswil, offering panoramic views of the lake and city. The Albis region is also reflected in local toponyms and districts such as Albisrieden and Albisriederplatz, and in neighboring municipalities including Adliswil, Langnau am Albis, and Oberrieden.

Historically, the hills have been a natural boundary and backdrop for the Zurich area, shaping settlement patterns and serving as a long-standing cultural and recreational landscape.