Located in the heart of Central Switzerland, Stoos is a picturesque, car-free mountain village that is renowned for its beautiful landscapes—and the world's steepest funicular. With its diverse activities and beautiful year-round views, Stoos is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Stoos in Switzerland serves as a popular hub for hiking, skiing, and a variety of winter sports. One of the highlights for hikers is the trail that meanders along the ridge from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock, offering panoramic vistas that stretch across the majestic Alps and the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne. However, it's not just the destination that captivates; the journey to Stoos itself is an extraordinary experience.
The Stoosbahn funicular railway connects Schwyz to Stoos and offers an exciting ride. It began operations in late 2017, replacing a predecessor that was built in 1933. The Stoosbahn holds the title of the world's steepest funicular railway and features spherical cabins that adjust to the gradient, ensuring that passengers remain upright throughout the journey. The funicular features a gradient of 110 per cent at its steepest point.
Travellers will go over two bridges and through three tunnels on a route that covers a total ascent of approximately 744 m (2,441 ft) over a distance of 1,740 m (5,708 ft). A level compensation system keeps the cabin floors horizontal, even on the steepest inclines. The journey from Schwyz to Stoos takes between four to seven minutes.
Morschach in Schwyz was a world-renowned resort from 1869 until the Great Depression. The village is situated on a glacier moraine overlooking Lake Lucerne. Visitors can enjoy stunning views, extensive walking trails, and a range of activities at the Swiss Holiday Park, which are the main attractions of this charming village. Its central location also makes Morschach an ideal starting point for mountain excursions and lake cruises.
There are several fantastic hiking options in the area. One popular choice is the ridge trail that runs from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Schwyz mountains, the peaks of Uri, and the Glarus peaks. This Stoos ridge hiking trail provides stunning vistas of over 10 Swiss lakes along with countless Alpine peaks in Central Switzerland. In addition to the captivating scenery, you'll also encounter a variety of exquisite alpine flowers to admire.
Stoos is a year-round recreation area perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, you can enjoy a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels and engage in mountain biking with spectacular views. For a thrill, paragliding offers a unique perspective of the area. During winter, Stoos transforms into a winter wonderland with 35 km of ski and snowboard slopes for all abilities. Families can enjoy toboggan runs, while winter hiking trails provide a leisurely way to experience the snowy scenery.
Keep a day aside to explore the Hölloch, a cave system in the Muota Valley, known for being the largest in Europe and the second-longest in the world. It offers breathtaking rock formations and enchanting stalactites, with an explored length of 207 km and a height difference of 1,033 m. Visitors can choose from various tour options, including short guided tours, day expeditions, and multi-day adventures with overnight stays in cave bivouac shelters.
The nearest airport to Stoos is Zurich (ZRH) Airport which is around 54 km away. Other nearby airports include Basel (BSL) and Mulhouse (MLH), both around 110 km away.