Stoos is a charming car-free village at 1,300 meters in central Switzerland that offers spectacular hiking opportunities year-round. Thanks to its convenient location from Lucerne and Zurich, it is also a great spot for a day skiing trip in winter. However, Stoos is definitely a place you want to spend more time at than just a day! 

One of the highlights of Stoos, pronounced “Shtos,” is the world’s steepest funicular railway. The ride up to the top is a unique experience that makes visiting Stoos even more worthwhile.

Once you’ve made it to the top, stunning views of Lake Lucerne and surrounding peaks, like Grosser Mythen, will leave you in awe.

Another perk, and reason it is one of our go-to mountains in Switzerland, is that the ride to the Stoos village is included in the Swiss Travel Pass – unlike most other mountain tops in Switzerland.

Getting There

From Zurich

1. Take a direct train to Schwyz (1 hour)
2. Bus to Schwyz-Stoos valley station (10 minutes)
3. Ride the famous Stoos funicular (7 minutes)

Total journey time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes – one way

From Lucerne

1. Take a train to Schwyz (30 minutes)
2. Bus to Schwyz-Stoos valley station (10 minutes)
3. Ride the famous Stoos funicular (7 minutes)

Total journey time: Approximately 1 hour – one way

Summer Hiking Routes

1. Fronalpstock Panorama Trail

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 30-45 min
• Distance: 1.6km / 1 mile
• Elevation gain: 60m / 197ft
• Equipment needed: Comfortable shoes (tennis shoes, trail shoes, hiking sandals), water

Starting from Stoos village, take the chairlift to Fronalpstock summit (1,922m). You will find guideposts to the Fronalpstock chairlift when you get off the funicular. This spectacular ridge walk offers 360-degree views of 10 lakes and over 20 Swiss Alps peaks. The views up there are absolutely breathtaking! The well-marked trail leads you along the ridge before descending back to Stoos village.

Enjoy your lunch with a view – at one of the many picnic spots or at the restaurant Fronalpstock.

Good to know:

• The chairlift to Fronalpstock is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass and will cost extra. You will receive a discount if you have purchased the Swiss Travel Pass. If you do not have the Swiss Travel Pass, make sure you get the following ticket: Stoos Talstation – Stoos – Fronalpstock. Simply request a ticket to Fronalpstock.
• Kids friendly – check out the petting zoo at Fronalpstock.
• All-terrain stroller friendly (needs to be foldable for the chairlift).

2. Family-Friendly Stooshorn Loop

• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: 1 hour
• Distance: 2.9km / 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 45m

A perfect trail for families that will take you through the idyllic mountain village – featuring fun kids attractions along the way.

Good to know:

• All-terrain stroller friendly

3. Stoos – Fronalpstock

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 4.3km / 2.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 650m / 2150 ft

Hike up to the Fronalpstock peak. Start from Stoos village and follow the guideposts to Fronalpstock. Enjoy spectacular views while climbing up the 2000 ft. of elevation gain. If you are looking for a less demanding hike, take the chairlift up and enjoy a stroll around the panorama trail.

Good to know:

• Hiking shoes are recommended
• Pack enough water and snacks

Winter Activities

1. Nühusweidli Loop

• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Distance: 4.2km / 2.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 150m / 490 ft
• Equipment needed: Winter boots, warm clothing

Looking for a quieter route away from the busy ski slopes? This is a well-groomed, accessible winter trail. On your route, you will pass multiple traditional farms and get a great view of the Muotataler mountain range and the Mythen. You will start and end at the funicular station and follow the pink signpost (Nühusweidli) and the pink poles along the way. Back in the village, there will be lots of different dining options.

Insider Tip:

• Walk up to the chapel (Kapälleli) for amazing views, pictures and to soak up some sun on one of the benches right in front.
• Stop at the Skihaus Ibach Restaurant and Enoteca for some delicious homemade Italian cuisine.

2. Panorama Trail Fronalpstock

• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: 30-45 min
• Distance: 1.2km / 0.75 miles
• Elevation gain: 44m / 144 feet
• Equipment needed: Winter hiking boots, warm clothing

Follow the signpost from the funicular to the Fronalpstock chairlift. Make sure to get your ticket to the Fronalpstock at the funicular station.

Once you reach the peak, follow the panorama trail for spectacular views of central Switzerland. You’ll find yourself frequently pausing to admire the spectacular views and capture lots of pictures. After completing the loop around the Fronalpstock peak, enjoy more stunning views and Swiss cuisine at the restaurant Fronalpstock. The chairlift will take you back to Stoos village.

Good to know:

• The chairlift to Fronalpstock is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass and will cost extra. You will receive a discount if you have purchased the Swiss Travel Pass. If you do not have the Swiss Travel Pass, make sure you get the following ticket: Stoos Talstation – Stoos – Fronalpstock. Simply request a ticket to Fronalpstock.

3. Snowshoe Trail Rieter/Brunnerboden

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Distance: 2-4.5km / 1.25-2.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 106-196m / 350-650ft
• Equipment needed: Snowshoes and poles (rentable in Stoos at different Schneesportgeschäfte (ski rental places)), snow boots, winter clothing – ideally ski pants and coat

Snowshoe Trails offer a magical winter experience. Choose between a one-hour or two-hour loop. For both options, follow the “Rieter” guideposts. If you want to continue on the longer loop, follow along “Brunnerboden”. Take a well-deserved break at the restaurant “Pisten Bully Brunnerboden” or at any other restaurants you will pass along the way back to the village. Both loops will end back in the village.

Good to know:

• Always check the avalanche warnings

Other Fun Things To-Do in Winter:

• Ski & Snowboard
• Cross Country Ski
• Sledding
• Air Boarding
• Aprés Ski (after ski partying)

Essential Tips

Summer Hiking

• Best time to visit: June to September (Swiss school summer break July – August)
• Bring sun protection, rain gear, and plenty of water
• Wear sturdy hiking boots
• Check weather forecast before departing
• Carry a basic first aid kit

Winter Activities

• Best time to visit: December to March – if you want to avoid the crowds, visit one week after New Year’s until the last week of January or in March (end of January and February are Swiss school winter breaks)
• Rent equipment in Stoos village
• Wear sturdy winter boots
• If icy or not that steady on foot, bring ice cleats
• Check avalanche bulletins
• Dress in layers
• Bring hot drinks and snacks
• Begin early to maximize daylight hours

Where to Eat

Mountain Restaurants

• Skiclub Stoos: Great Italian cuisine, in winter less crowded than other places – not right on the ski slopes
• Restaurant Fronalpstock: Panoramic dining at 1,922m
• Stoos Restaurant: Traditional Swiss cuisine in the village

Planning Your Visit

What to Pack

• Hiking boots/shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Camera
• Swiss hiking map (hiking maps are usually available at Talstation)
• Water bottle and snacks (tap water from fountains is drinkable as long as it doesn’t say: Kein Trinkwasser)
• Cash (some mountain restaurants don’t accept cards)

When to Visit

• Summer peak season: July-August
• Quieter months: May, June and September
• Winter peak: December-February

The Stoos funicular usually operates from 7am to 10:30pm. Make sure to check operating times before your trip: https://www.stoos.ch/en/pages/funicular-schwyz-stoos

Also make sure to check the restaurant’s opening hours, especially if you are visiting during the slower months. Not all places are open during the off-season.