Bachtel, Mountain summit and radio tower in Zurich Oberland, Switzerland

Bachtel is the 1,115 m summit of the Allmann chain in the Zurich Oberland, between Hinwil, Wald and Rüti. Its upper slopes are mostly wooded, the lower slopes farmed. On the top stand a restaurant and the 75 m Bachtel observation tower built in 1986; a pyramidal triangulation point marks the summit.

The Bachtel has been a destination since the Bachtelverein built a drinking hut on the summit in 1854; two years later Johannes Ryf added a dwelling and inn with a viewing platform. A first wooden tower followed in 1873. Its metal successor was dismantled and since 1992 stands on the Pfannenstiel; the present 75-metre tower dates from 1986.

The Bachtel is a familiar sight for people living in the villages of the Zurich Oberland and feels like a natural part of everyday life there. On clear days, the view from the top reaches the Alps, Lake Zurich, and much of the Swiss Plateau.

Several hiking trails lead to the top, with the main route starting from Hinwil Langmatt. Trails are clearly marked year-round, though snow can make the upper sections more demanding in winter.

The Bachtelspalt, just below the summit at about 955 m, is a crevice formed in 1939 when a Nagelfluh rock head slid downhill. It can be walked through, but it is very narrow. The Bachtel summit itself carries a pyramid-shaped triangulation point.