Stoos Ridge Hike in Switzerland: Klingenstock to Fronalpstock
The Stoos Ridge Hike is one of the best hiking trails in Switzerland and is a perfect day trip destination from Lucerne or Zurich. This ridge hike is known for its breathtaking scenery and incredible 360-degree panoramas. Our favorite experience during the tour was riding the steepest funicular in the world and taking epic photos at the Stairway to Heaven.
This ultimate guide to the Stoos Ridge Hike includes what to expect on the hike, cable car ticket prices and schedules, tips for visiting, and some inspiring photos.
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Where is the Stoos Ridge Hike?
The hike is located in the mountain village of Stoos, on a beautiful panoramic trail along the mountain ridge. Since Stoos is not accessible by car, it can be reached by cable car from Morschach and by funicular from Schwyz. Once you have arrived, you can start the ridge hike.
How to Get to Stoos Ridge Hike & Parking
The best way to reach Stoos is by the world’s steepest funicular railway from Schwyz, which takes about 7 minutes. Schwyz is a 40-minute drive from Lucerne and a 1-hour drive from Zurich.
The Schwyz Valley station is easily accessible by car or bus. If you arrive by car, there are many paid parking spaces available. There is also a multi-storey car park and outdoor spaces next to the funicular.
During our visit, the first hour was free, and parking cost 1 CHF per hour. Currently, parking costs 14 CHF (17.50 USD) for 1 day, and 20.50 CHF (25.60 USD) for 2 days.
After boarding the funicular, stand close to the window and enjoy the fantastic view.
Stoos Ridge Hike from Lucerne
If you are arriving by public transport, take the train from Lucerne or Zurich to Schwyz train station. From here, take bus number 501 and get off at the bus stop Schwyz, Stoosbahn. Or travel to Brunnen train station and from there take bus number 504 to Morschach, Luftseilbahn stop.
Budget Tip
Enjoy unlimited access by bus, train, and boat to visit more than 41 cities, reach peaks of many mountains, and sail through beautiful lakes in Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Stoos Ridge Hike: Step-by-Step Trail Guide
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you from Klingenstock (1,935 m) to Fronalpstock (1,921 m) via the Stoos Ridge, share our experiences, give you insider tips, and show you some inspirational photos. This was one of our favorite hikes in Switzerland, so let’s get started.
Stoos to Klingenstock
The best part of the excursion is that you can ride the world’s steepest funicular railway (110% gradient) and then do an easy, moderate hike. We reached the mountain village of Stoos in just 7 minutes on the funicular railway.
Stoos is a popular destination in Switzerland, offering fantastic outdoor activities and panoramic views in summer and winter.
There are two ways to do the Stoos Ridge Hike. The first option is from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock, or the second from Fronalpstock to Klingenstock. In our opinion, the best way to enjoy the Stoos Ridgeline Hike is from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock. The views get crazier as you head up the ridge, and arriving at the beautiful lookout of Fronalpstock after the hike is a great reward.
Once you arrive in Stoos, a short walk leads to the Klingenstock chairlift, which takes you up to 1,935 meters. Follow the signs to the left for Sesselbahn Klingenstock, Talstation. The chairlift ride takes about 15 minutes.
The combined ticket price includes the use of the chairlift, but be careful not to lose your ticket. After arriving, you can use the toilets next to the chairlift station. Then follow the signs to Fronalpstock.
TIP
As this is a popular hiking place, avoid weekends and arrive as early as possible!
See also → Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
Klingenstock to Fronalpstock
We did this hike on a summer weekend, and there were many people on the ridge. Allow extra time for the hike because the views are beautiful, and you’ll want to stop to take photos every time. Sometimes, it is worth looking back, as it gives the landscape a different perspective.
The path is well-built and not too narrow. The Stoos Ridge hike is easy and moderate, with a few ascents and lots of stairs. The hike from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock is 4.5 km long and takes approximately 2-3 hours. You can easily complete this hike if you wear hiking shoes and follow the marked trail.
The Stairway to Heaven offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the hike, located right in front of the Furggeli-Hütte.
Insider Knowledge
If you want to get to this fantastic photo spot faster, you can hike from Fronalpstock to Klingenstock. When you arrive in Stoos, walk to the Fronalpstock chairlift, 10 minutes away, and after about 40 minutes of hiking, you can enjoy the breathtaking views.
After arrival in Fronalpstock, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the mountain lakes and the Swiss Alps. There is a large playground for the kids and a great restaurant where you can relax. When you’re rested and ready, head back to the Stoos.
Fronalpstock to Stoos
Afterward, take a chairlift back to Stoos and explore the mountain village. There is a super cute church from where you can take great photos and enjoy the charming atmosphere of Stoos.
After spending enough time in the village, it’s time to say goodbye and enjoy the ride down by funicular. If you haven’t taken a photo in the funicular, stand next to the window for the best view.
See also → Best Hotels in the Swiss Mountains
Where to Stay in Stoos
If you want to make the most of your visit, stay at least one night in Stoos, but as accommodation is limited, we recommend booking in advance. Alternatively, stay in Lucerne, just a 40-minute drive from the Schwyz funicular station, and take a day trip to Stoos.
Best hotels in Stoos
- Mid-Range: Wellness Hotel Stoos
- Budget: Stoos Lodge
Best hotels in Lucerne
- Luxury: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
- Mid-Range: Cascada Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Holiday Inn Express or Capsule Hotel
Stoos Funicular & Morschach Cable Car Ticket Price, Timetable
- The Schwyz-Stoos funicular runs every 30 minutes from Sunday to Thursday between 7:10 AM and 10:40 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, it runs from 7:10 AM to 11:40 PM.
- The Morschach-Stoos cable car runs every 30 minutes from Sunday to Thursday between 7:10 AM and 10:10 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, it will be operating 1 hour longer.
- Chairlifts usually operate daily between 9 AM and 4 PM.
A return ticket for the Schwyz-Stoos funicular or the Morschach-Stoos cable car (without chairlifts) costs 23.20 CHF (29 USD), and a single ticket costs 11.60 CHF (14.50 USD). For children, a return ticket costs 11.60 CHF (14.50 USD), and a one-way ticket costs 5.80 CHF (7 USD).
You can buy your tickets here.
The Peak Experience Ticket includes use of the funicular from Schwyz and the cable car from Morschach to Stoos, as well as use of the Fronalpstock and Klingenstock chairlift up and down. Tickets cost 58 CHF (72.30 USD) on site and 56 CHF online.
You can use the funicular/cable car for free with a Swiss Travel Pass.
Tips for the Stoos Ridge Hike
- The best time for hiking is from early June to late October.
- Before you visit, check the weather forecast and the mountain webcam.
- As this hike offers spectacular panoramic views, do not hike in foggy or rainy weather.
- Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes.
- Bring a trekking pole if necessary.
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
- As the weather can change quickly in the mountains, pack warmer clothes and a raincoat.
- Take enough water and some snacks.
- It can be visited as a day trip from Lucerne or Zurich and can easily be combined with nearby attractions such as the Stäubifall and the Berglistüber Waterfall.
We hope you found our guide to the Stoos Ridge Hike useful and will inspire you to visit Switzerland. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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