Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, sits at 408 m above sea level at the northern tip of Lake Zurich, with the Swiss Alps visible on clear days.
Quick Facts
| Elevation above sea level | 408 m |
|---|---|
| Lowest point (city area) | 392 m |
| Highest point (city area) | 871 m |
| Coordinates | 47.3769° N, 8.5417° E |
| Country | Switzerland |
Elevation by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Old Town / Lindenhügel | 408 m |
| Albisrieden | 440 m |
| Witikon | 520 m |
| Uetliberg | 871 m |
| Schwamendingen | 430 m |
Interesting Facts About Zurich's Elevation
- The Uetliberg (871 m) is Zurich's local mountain — accessible by train in 25 minutes.
- On clear days, you can see over 200 km to the Bernese Alps.
- Lake Zurich sits at 406 m above sea level.
City Comparison – Elevation in the Region
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above sea level is Zurich?
Zurich's city centre is at about 408 m; the Uetliberg hill rises to 871 m.
Can you see the Alps from Zurich?
Yes — on clear days the Alps are clearly visible, especially the Glarus, Uri and Bernese Alps.
Why is Zurich so high?
The Swiss Plateau sits on average around 400–600 m above sea level — carved by glaciers during the last ice age.