From the moment I visited Fronalpstock for the first time a couple of years ago, I knew I wanted to return to complete the Stoos Ridge Hike.
This spectacular hiking trail can be done in two directions but the most popular one is definitely when starting in Klingenstock and ending at Fronalpstock.
During our last visit to the area I was 32 weeks pregant with César and since it was the very first hike of our babymoon in Switzerland I didn’t manage to complete it.
However, while I was resting in our hotel room at the top of Fronalpstock, Christof completed the entire ridge hike.
The morning after we got up for sunrise and together we hiked to the most beautiful viewpoint on the Stoos Ridge Hike called the Stairway to Heaven.
In this article I will tell you everything you need to know before undertaking the Stoos Ridge Hike, as well as where to stay so you can also visit the Stairway to Heaven during sunrise.
Stoos Ridge Hiking Stats
Hiking Distance – 4.4km (2.7 miles) one way
Elevation – 300m (984 feet)
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 3 hours
Level – Moderate but also depending on how you tackle this hiking trail. If you spend the night at Gipfelrestaurant Fronalpstock then you’ll hike from Fronalpstock to Klingenstock and then back. If you can’t be bothered with watching the sunrise you can simply take the cable car up from Stoos to Klingenstock, then complete the Stoos Ridge Hike and end at Fronalpstock and take the cable car back down to Stoos.
Parking Lot – The town of Stoos is car free so you’ll have to park your car at Parkhaus Stoosbahn at take the Stoos funicular up. And yes, it is possible to leave your car overnight and get a gondola return ticket with return the next day.
Best time to visit – June to October cause that’s when the Stoosbahn is open.
💡 TIP – Avoid visiting on a summer weekend!
Interesting facts about the Stoos Ridge Hike
This remarkable hike is made accessible via the Stoos Bahn, which holds the title of the world’s steepest funicular railway (110% gradient!!), providing an exhilarating start to the journey as it climbs steeply to the quaint mountain village of Stoos.
The trail itself is a panorama lover’s dream, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding Swiss Alps, including majestic vistas over Lake Lucerne and iconic peaks such as the Mythen, Rigi, and Pilatus.
Remarkably family-friendly, the Stoos Ridge Hike offers various trails suitable for all fitness levels, making it an ideal choice for both avid hikers and families with children.
The Stoos region is also committed to sustainability, focusing on preserving the natural environment and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices, which enhances the experience for all visitors and ensures the beauty of the area for future generations.
How to reach the Stoos Ridge Hike
Reaching the Stoos Ridge Hike involves a few steps that promise an adventure from the very start:
Travel to Schwyz: Begin your journey by traveling to the town of Schwyz, which is easily accessible by train from major Swiss cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Zug.
If you’re traveling by car this are the average driving times and distance to the Stoos Bahn:
- From Zurich: The distance to Stoos is about 55 kilometers (approximately 34 miles), with an average driving time of around 1 hour.
- From Lucerne: Stoos is roughly 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) away, and the drive usually takes around 1 hour.
- From Bern: The journey to Stoos covers around 120 kilometers (about 75 miles), with an estimated driving time of 1.5 hours.
- From Basel: Driving from Basel to Stoos involves a distance of about 130 kilometers (approximately 81 miles), and it typically takes about 1.75 hours.
❗️You can not reach Stoos by car! The only way to reach this town is by funicular.
Head to the Funicular Stations: From Schwyz, make your way to either the Schwyz-Stoos funicular station (Schwyz-Stoos Bahn) in Schlattli or the Morschach-Stoos cable car station, depending on your preference. Both these routes will take you up to the mountain village of Stoos.
💡 TIP – The Stoos Bahn is an experience on its own, since it’s named the worlds steepest funicular railway, so I suggest you choose this option. The Swiss Travel Pass is valid on all public transport including the Stoos Bahn
How to hike the Stoos Ridge Trail from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock – A step by step guide
After taking the Stoos Bahn up you’ll reach the quaint town of Stoos. From here you can take two cable cars: one to Klingenstock and one directly to Fronalpstock.
Since we’re hiking from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock you’ll take a left and walk towards the funicular that will take you to the peak of Klingenstock, indicated as Sesselbahn Klingenstock Talstation. It takes about 10 minutes from the Stoos Bahn.
💡 TIP – If you don’t want to take the funicular up you can also hike up to Klingenstock.
Once you’ve made it to the top of Klingenstock you’ll get a first taste of why this hike is so popular: the views! The views are honestly out of this world!
Before starting your hike along the mountain ridge you can have a last bathroom break at the bottom of the top funicular. Otherwise you’ll have to hold it in until you reach Fronalpstock.
From here you’ll also see the signs that mention the walking time to Fronalpstock which indicates 2 hours and 10 minutes. But better make it 3 hours cause the views are simply that good that you’ll want to stop for making photos every few meters.
The trail has a lot of ups and downs, which is normal for a ridge hike, and also why it takes so long to reach a restaurant that you can already see from the starting point.
For the biggest part, the hike is really easy and very enjoyable. Just the last part is a bit of a nail biter. First you’ll have a very steep descent, then followed by a very steep ascent.
💡 TIP – This part is exactly why you should avoid this hike on a summer weekend. The trail will be flooded with people and you’ll be either stuck behind people trying to shuffle down the mountain or trying to catch their breath going uphill. Either way the trail in this section is very narrow so there is no going around.
But before you know it, all of that is behind you and you’ll reach the final stretch to Fronalpstock. There are several trails here but I recommend taking the one that’s closest to the lake for the best views.
💡 TIP – There’s a beautiful viewing platform at Fronalpstock that you don’t want to miss!
How to visit Fronalpstock for sunrise
One of my bucket list moments for our babymoon in Switzerland was to watch the sunrise from Fronalpstock, and more specific from the Stairway of Heaven along the Stoos Ridge Hike.
Now the cable cars don’t start running until long after sunrise at 9am but there is actually one hotel located at the top of Fronalpstock – Gipfelrestaurant Fronalpstock. In my opinion it’s one of the most unique places to stay in Switzerland!
When staying here you can start hiking before sunrise and reach the Stairway of Heaven by sunrise. In my condition (32 weeks pregnant) it took us about 45 minutes.
💡 TIP – In August and September there are sunrise rides up to Fronalpstock. In August the first cable car leaves at 5am, from September at 5.40am.
Another plus from staying at Gipfelrestaurant Fronalpstock is that you can also watch the sunset from Fronalpstock. We were a bit unlucky with the weather during our stay but the views were still incredible. I highly recommend adding this bucket list experience to your Switzerland itinerary!
When can you hike the Stoos Ridge Hike
The Stoos Ridge Hike is best enjoyed from late spring to early autumn, typically from June to October.
During these months, the weather is warmer and the snow has melted, making the trails accessible and providing hikers with the most favorable conditions for enjoying the stunning views and diverse flora.
It’s important to check local weather and trail conditions before your hike, as conditions can vary, especially at higher altitudes. Outside this optimal window, snow and colder temperatures can make the hike more challenging and potentially hazardous.
💡 TIP – For the most up to date information on the chairlifts check the official website here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hike the Stoos Ridge Hike in both directions?
Yes, you absolutely can! Both Klingenstock and Fronalpstock are connected to Stoos through a short funicular ride up. The elevation gain between both places is therefore pretty much the same either way you go.
However, the biggest difference comes with the views. If you hike from Fronalpstock to Klingenstock you’ll have your back towards the lake for pretty much the entire hike.
So my advice would remain the same and hike from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock.
Another plus is that if you end your hike at Fronalpstock there is a restaurant where you can enjoy a beer and have lunch. And how doesn’t love a fresh beer after a beautiful hike?
Is there a playground at Fronalpstock?
Yes there is! Another reason why you should bring your kids along on this hike! While you enjoy your fresh beer they can enjoy themselves at the playground and have an ice cream.
At the restaurant there’s also a small area where little goats roam around freely.
Is the Stoos Ridge Hike dangerous?
No, the Stoos Ridge Hike is not dangerous. Important to know is that a ridge hike always goes hand in hand with steep drop offs on one or either two sides. If you have a terrible fear of heights this might not be the best hike for you.
The Stoos Ridge Hike is suitable for children from 5 years up who have experience hiking.
When is the Stoos Ridge Hike open?
The Stoos Ridge Hike is typically open and most accessible from late spring to early autumn, approximately June to October. This timing ensures that the snow has melted and the weather conditions are favorable for hiking. However, the exact opening times can vary each year depending on snow conditions and weather patterns. It’s always a good idea to check the current conditions and any official announcements regarding the trail’s accessibility before planning your hike.
If you have any questions about how to visit Lucerne or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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