Episode 136: Zurich Tours With a Twist: Hidden Hikes, Swiss Chocolate & the Circular Economy

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What if exploring Zurich could make you healthier and help the planet?

In this episode, I’m joined by two inspiring women who are changing how we experience Switzerland’s biggest city without the crowds or the big carbon footprint.

First, meet Giada Rocca, a former lawyer and yoga teacher who now leads energizing urban hikes through Zurich. Her company, Zurich Urban Hikes, blends movement, nature, and history into one unforgettable experience, perfect for those curious about hiking in Switzerland but short on time.

Also meet Diana Fischer, a tourism professional with a master’s degree in innovation and management. She’s the founder of Detours Zurich, which runs Zurich walking tours with a difference: each one is rooted in social impact tourism, from ethical chocolate tastings to upcycling workshops and circular economy initiatives.

You’ll discover what an urban hike is and why it’s a unique way to experience Zurich. We explore how Zurich tours like Zurich Urban Hikes and Detours Zurich support the local community and combat over-tourism through ethical tourism and social impact tourism. 

You’ll learn practical tips for responsible travel, how to embrace slow travel, and how Zurich walking tours can connect you with local change makers, hidden spots, and even wild food. 

Whether you’re planning to go hiking in Switzerland, or just want to see Zurich in a more authentic way, this episode will open your eyes to Zurich’s sustainable, soulful side.

So lace up your walking shoes and tune in! Zurich is ready to surprise you.

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• How Giada and Diana’s unique backgrounds inspired their sustainable tour companies in Zurich
• The concept of urban hiking in Zurich and what makes these city adventures special
• The difference between traditional sightseeing tours and social impact tours, such as Detour Zurich’s hands-on, community-focused experiences
• How both tour companies support local artisans, small businesses, and promote sustainability
• Practical tips for travelers who want to explore Zurich more sustainably and authentically, beyond the usual tourist hotspots

Our Guests

Zurich Urban Hikes’ tours mentioned in this episode

>> Urban hike “The Classic” – covering all the high points of Zurich including Old Town sightseeing, secret doors and passages, wooden walkways, plenty of stairs and a lot of adventure. The hike covers 9 kilometres over 3 hours. A 15-minute picnic stop is included about 3/4 of the way through the hike. Full details here.

>> Short hike “The Quickie” – a shorter version of the Classic, this 1.5 hour hike covers around 4.5 kilometres and includes the Old Town, hidden alleyways, a secret door and of course some stairs. This hike is a great option for folks who are short on time but want to discover Zurich in a unique way. Full details here.

>> Long hike “The Distance” – more enthusiastic hikers will love the longer, 18 kilometre hike that extends beyond the city centre and includes a hike along Lake Zurich. The half-day hike combines all the sights of “the Classic” with an 8 kilometre hike alongside the lake. Full details here.

Detours Zurich tours mentioned in this episode

>> Ethical Chocolate tour – this 3-hour tour includes an interactive workshop where you’ll learn all about the history of chocolate, meet ethical chocolate makers from Switzerland, and then visit a chocolate manufactory to see the chocolate making process from raw beans to finished bars. Chocolate tasting is included! More info here.

>> Circular City Tour – visit a small label atelier to learn about various upcycling techniques before taking part in a hands-on workshop. Here you’ll have the chance to  transform discarded materials into a unique upcycled item to take home whilst learning how sustainability and creativity go hand in hand. More info here.

>> Conscious Foodies Tour – learn about Zurich’s hidden edible treasures as you forage for wild herbs, flowers, and roots. Then, together with the other tour members, transform your harvest into seasonal delicacies to enjoy together. More info here.

>> Bean to Bar Chocolate Course – visit an artisan chocolate manufactory where you have the chance to observe every step of the bean to bar chocolate experience in a behind the scenes factory tour. Taste a variety of chocolate inspired drinks and apero, and make your own chocolate bar. More info here.

Also mentioned in this episode

>> Äss-bar – a bakery in Zurich (and elsewhere in Switzerland) that sells day-old products at reduced prices, in order to reduce food wastage. Visit the website.

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