Stoos Ridge Hike in Switzerland – Klingenstock to Fronalpstock
The Stoos Ridge Hike is an epic destination in Central Switzerland, so you can’t miss it on your Switzerland Itinerary. The best part of the hike is that you can ride with the world’s steepest funicular railway (110% gradient).
Wondering how to visit the Stoos Ridgeline Hike? The hike is located in the car-free mountain village of Stoos, on a beautiful panoramic trail along the ridgeline. You can visit it as a day trip from Zurich or Lucerne and easily combine it with nearby attractions, such as Stäubifall and Berglistüber Waterfall.
This ultimate guide to the Stoos Ridge Hike includes the best time to visit, how to reach the Fronalpstock and the “Stairways to Heaven”, what to expect on the hike, and tips for visiting.
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT
How to Get to Stoos Ridge Hike?
Stoos is a car-free mountain village, a great day trip destination in Central Switzerland. As Stoos is not accessible by car, you can reach Stoos from Morschach by cable car or from Schwyz by funicular.
The best way to reach the Stoos is to take the world’s steepest funicular railway from the Schwyz. Schwyz is a 35-minute drive from Lucerne and a 50-minute drive from Zurich.
TIP
For another unique experience, take a ride on the Gelmerbahn, the steepest open passenger funicular railway in Europe.
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 parking garage and an outdoor car park next to the funicular.
The first hour is free and costs 1 CHF (1 USD) each hour. Parking for one day costs 13 CHF (15 USD), and for 2 days, parking costs 19.5 CHF (22 USD).
If you are arriving by public transport, take the train from Lucerne or Zurich to Schwyz railway station. From here, take bus number 501 and get off at the bus stop Schwyz, Stoosbahn.
Budget Tip
Enjoy unlimited access by public train, bus, 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.
The Stoos is one of the best hikes in Switzerland, but we also recommend the epic Saxer Lücke.
TIP
After boarding the funicular, stand close to the window and enjoy the fantastic view.
Stoos Funicular 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 Stoos funicular or cable car ticket (without chairlifts) costs 23.20 CHF (26 USD) return and 11.60 CHF (13 USD) one-way for adults. For children, the return ticket costs 11.60 CHF (13 USD), and a single trip costs 5.80 CHF (6.5 USD).
The Morschach-Stoos cable car operates from Sunday to Thursday between 7:10 AM and 10:10 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, it will be operating 1 hour longer.
The Peak Experience Ticket includes the funicular from Schwyz or cable car from Morschach to Stoos and the Fronalpstock & Klingenstock chairlift uphill and downhill. The return ticket costs 56 CHF (63.5 USD) for adults and 20 CHF (23 USD) for children. Children under 6 years are free of charge.
The chairlifts will run daily between 9 AM and 4 PM. But the operating hours are different in winter and summer, so check before you visit.
Good to know
You can use the Schwyz/Morschach-Stoos funicular/cable car for free with a Swiss Travel Pass.
Stoos Ridge Hike
Stoos to Klingenstock
The best part of the excursion is that you can ride with the world’s steepest funicular railway (110% gradient) and then take 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.
TIP
The best time for hiking is from June to September.
Once you arrive in Stoos, a short walk leads to the Klingenstock chairlift, which takes you up 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 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!
Read more → Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
Klingenstock to Fronalpstock
We did the 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. This 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.
See also → Best Hotels in the Switzerland Mountains
The “Stairways to Heaven” are the most beautiful panoramic views of the hike, located just before the Furgelli-Hütte.
Another option: 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 which you can take a great photo 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.
Tips for the Stoos Ridge Hike
- 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 hiking stick 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.
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 35-minute drive from 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: Radisson Blu Hotel
- Budget: Hotel Alpha
We hope you found our guide to the Stoos Ridge Hike useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
RECOMMENDED POSTS
How to Visit Aare Gorge & Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge in 1 Day
How to Hike to the Schäfler Ridge
