Are you yearning for an enchanting mountain escape from Zurich? Your perfect destination awaits in Stoos, a delightful car-free village nestled in the heart of the Central Swiss Alps. Located at the foothills of the impressive Fronalpstock mountain, Stoos boasts a peaceful alpine scenery at an altitude of around 1300 meters. And the best part? You can reach Stoos in less than two hours from Zurich and you even get to ride on the world’s steepest funicular railway—how cool is that?
Stoos is packed with adventure, whether you’re here for the breathtaking views from Fronalpstock, or like me, you’re excited to take on the famous Stoos ridge hike (one of my absolute favorites in Switzerland!). Despite its beauty, Stoos is – most of the time – not overrun with tourists, so it’s the perfect escape for anyone craving some peaceful time in nature. If you’re a hiker, nature lover, or just someone who loves a great view, Stoos makes for an ideal day trip from Zurich. Let’s dive in and explore all the wonders this alpine haven has to offer!
How to Get to Stoos by Public Transport
Option 1:
Begin your journey by taking a train to Arth-Goldau. From there, hop on bus 501 heading to the Schwyz-Stoos valley station. At the valley station, you’ll board the “Stoosbahn”, renowned as the steepest funicular railway in the world. This short yet thrilling journey, lasting only 4-7 minutes, ascends approximately 744 meters, traversing over two bridges and through three tunnels, covering a total distance of 1,740 meters before reaching the upper station situated in the heart of the mountain village of Stoos.
Option 2:
Alternatively, you can take a train to Brunnen and transfer to bus number 504 towards Morschach (Morschach, Luftseilbahn). From there, board the aerial cable car to Stoos. This scenic cable car ride takes around 7 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the landscape.
My Travel Tip:
For an enriching travel experience, I recommend traveling to Stoos via Schwyz and taking the funicular up to Stoos. On your return journey, consider taking the aerial cable car to Morschach. This way, you get to enjoy two distinct routes, adding variety to your adventure.
By Car
Option 1:
To reach Stoos by car, take the A4 highway heading towards Schwyz and exit at 39 for Schwyz. Follow signs directing you to Muotathal / Stoos. You will find the valley station for the funicular on the right-hand side, situated between Schwyz and Muotathal. For parking, head to Grundstrasse 230, 6430 Schwyz. There are clear signs showing the availability of parking spaces in both the parking garage and the open-air lot across the street. Remember to take a parking ticket upon entry; payment can be made via card or cash at the end of your visit. If these parking areas are full, continue driving down the valley for about 300 meters to the overflow parking lot, where a shuttle service will transport you back to the funicular station.
Option 2:
Another route is to take the A4 towards Brunnen, drive through the Mositunnel, and then follow directions towards Morschach. Drive through the village of Morschach until you reach the end of the road, marked by signs for Luftseilbahn Morschach. The parking lot is located at Rüti 10, 6443 Morschach.
Both routes offer unique scenic drives and various amenities to ensure a smooth travel experience. Choose the one that best suits your adventure needs!
Top Activities in Stoos
Soar to the Majestic Fronalpstock
If you’re looking for one of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints in Central Switzerland, Fronalpstock is where you need to be. Standing tall at 1,922 meters, the views are simply breathtaking! You can either hike up (if you’re feeling adventurous) or take the super comfy two-part chairlift from Stoos. It even has a wind-shielding bubble to keep you cozy on the way up! Getting to the valley station is a breeze—just a quick 10-minute walk from the Schwyz-Stoos funicular’s top station or 5 minutes from the Morschach-Stoos cable car.
Enjoy Panoramic Perfection at Fronalpstock
Once you’re at the summit, the 360-degree view will blow you away! You’ll get an unbeatable panorama of the Glarus mountains (Glärnisch and Tödi), the Uri Rotstock, and iconic Swiss peaks like Pilatus and the Mythen. On a clear day, you can even spot the Vosges mountains across the border. And the lakes—there are ten stunning lakes to admire from up there, plus amazing views of Rütli, the Uri Reuss Valley, and Lucerne. Trust me, it’s something you won’t want to miss.
Embark on the Ridge Hike from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock
For the hiking enthusiasts, the ridge hike from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock is an absolute must-do. It’s one of the best day hikes in the Alps, and for good reason. This 4-kilometer trail runs along a well-marked ridge offering unparalleled panoramic views of ten Swiss lakes and the towering peaks of the Central Swiss Alps. It’s a bit of a challenge, though— you will need proper equipment, a steady foot and no fear of heights! Start your adventure by taking the chairlift from Stoos to Klingenstock, accessible in 15 minutes from the Schwyz-Stoos funicular or 25 minutes from the Morschach-Stoos cable car. The trail, secured with chains from June to October, takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Panorama Walk: A Scenic Shortcut
Not quite ready for the ridge hike? No worries! The Panorama Walk is a fantastic alternative. This relatively flat and easy hike is a condensed version of the ridge hike’s final segment and is considered one of the best easy hikes in Switzerland.Plus, it ends at the Fronalpstock Hotel Restaurant, where there’s a playground for the kids and even dwarf goats to meet! It’s the perfect spot to relax with a picnic or just soak in the scenery.
Discover the Fronalp Trail
If you’re up for a more relaxed hike with a touch of local culture, the Fronalp Trail is a newer route that gives you a peek into the lives of Stoos’ alpine farmers. Along the way, there are nine stations with fun features like a telescope, milk churns, and even a bell puzzle. You’ll walk through beautiful alpine meadows, learn about the farmers’ traditions, and maybe even discover some medicinal plants. It’s about a 2-hour hike, not counting time spent at each station. Just a heads-up—this trail isn’t stroller-friendly, so plan accordingly!
Let the Kids Have Fun at a High-Altitude Playground and Goat Petting Zoo
If you’ve got little ones with you, they’re going to love the playground at Fronalpstock! It’s a charming spot with wooden play structures that’ll keep kids entertained as they climb, slide, and explore—plus, they get to do all this while surrounded by incredible alpine views. Meanwhile, parents can kick back at the nearby picnic area or grab a bite on the sun terrace of the restaurant. And here’s a bonus: from mid-June to mid-September, there’s a goat petting zoo right next to the playground. The pygmy goats are absolutely adorable and a huge hit with the kids!
Refresh at Little Stoos Lake
Little Stoos Lake (Stoosseeli) is such a great spot to unwind after a hike! There are fireplaces and picnic areas where you can relax, plus a fun water game for kids to splash around in. They’ve even got toilet facilities, so everything’s super convenient. If your feet need a break, there’s a footbridge that lets you dip them in the cool water—perfect after a long trek. The lake is also the starting point for a 1.6-kilometer adventure trail that winds through the moor, adding a little extra excitement to your visit!
Alp Cheese Trail
For a unique hiking experience with culinary delights, try the Alp Cheese Trail. This 3.5-hour hike kicks off at the mountain station and takes you past a real alpine cheese dairy. Along the way, you can stop at three of six designated spots to sample some seriously delicious regional alpine cheese—provided you’ve got an Alp Cheese Pass, of course!
Where to Eat in Stoos
When visiting Stoos, you’ll find a variety of restaurants offering both regional specialties and international cuisine. If you choose to venture up to the Fronalpstock, be sure to take a break on the terrace of the self-service summit restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the spectacular panoramic views.
Pricing for Stoos, Klingenstock, and Fronalpstock
Schwyz/Morschach – Stoos
During the summer season 2024, a return ticket to Stoos costs CHF 23.20 for adults. Holders of the GA travelcard and the Swiss Travel Pass can travel for free. Half-fare card holders receive a discounted rate of CHF 11.60 for a return ticket. This is also the price for a regular return ticket for children between 6 and 16 years old. Kids up to 16 years of age with a junior travel card can use the funicular/cable car to Stoos for free when accompanied by a parent or grandparent. Children under 6 travel for free. The timetable for the Stoos funicular and cable car can be found here.
Stoos – Fronalpstock / Stoos – Klingenstock
The chairlift ride up and down costs CHF 33 for adults. Kids between 6 and 16 years old pay CHF 13.20, while those with a junior card can ride for free.
Peak Experience Ticket (Funicular/Cable Car + Both Chairlifts)
Adults pay CHF 56 at the ticket office or CHF 54 if purchased online. GA and Swiss Travel Pass holders pay CHF 33 at the ticket office or CHF 31 if bought online. Half Fare Card holders pay CHF 44 at the ticket office or CHF 42 if purchased online.
Unique Accommodations in Stoos
Fronalpstock Hotel and Restaurant
My top recommendation for lodging is the Fronalpstock Summit Hotel, which offers a variety of room options to suit your needs. Choose from double or four-bed rooms, some with balconies, or opt for a studio apartment that can accommodate up to five people. All rooms feature private bathrooms and toilets. On clear nights, you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the sunset and the sea of lights over Lake Lucerne – a truly mesmerizing sight included in your stay. Room rates start from CHF 220 per night, with a delectable mountain buffet breakfast included.
For a truly unique and romantic experience, consider spending the night in one of the hotel’s panorama tents, complete with an integrated sleeping mat. Enjoy sleeping under the stars in this cozy outdoor accommodation, with breakfast included for just CHF 65 per night. However, you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and set up the tent yourself.
Stoos Hütte
Another cozy accommodation option is the Stoos Hüttä, which offers 41 sleeping spaces across ten different, mostly wood-clad rooms. These rooms can accommodate three to six people, and can also be booked as double rooms. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as private showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Conclusion: Stoos, a Scenic Alpine Oasis
Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, Stoos has it all. The breathtaking views from Fronalpstock, combined with delightful experiences like the Alp Cheese Trail, make this destination a must-visit. You can enjoy thrilling chairlift rides, embark on the scenic Ridge hike, or simply unwind while soaking in the stunning alpine landscape.
With family-friendly activities, delicious local cheeses to sample, and the opportunity to learn about local farming traditions, Stoos provides a rich experience for everyone. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip from Zurich, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. So, why not plan your visit to this serene alpine gem? Create unforgettable memories in Stoos, where nature and adventure await!
