Stoos Ridge Hike: Klingenstock to Fronalpstock (Schwyz): Lake Lucerne Views & 6 Essential Tips

DETAILS*

Duration: 4h 20min including all breaks

Difficulty:

Distance: 11.5 km point-to-point

Incline: 861 m

Decline: 861 m

The highest point: 1923 m above sea level

 

OUR EXPERIENCE:

 

Start and end point:

We took bus 501 from Arth-Goldau, Bahnhof to Schwyz, Stoosbahn. The journey takes around 33 minutes and, on Sundays, there are usually two connections per hour.

From there, we took the Stoos funicular up to the car-free village of Stoos.

TIP #1: It is also very easy to reach Stoosbahn by car, and there are plenty of parking spaces next to the valley station. At Stoosbahn, you can refill your water bottles, use the toilets and buy some basic supplies before heading up.

TIP #2: The Stoos funicular itself is already part of the experience. With a maximum gradient of 110%, it is the steepest funicular railway in the world.

Itinerary:

We decided hike from Stoos up to Klingenstock (1935 m above sea level). This first section is basically one continuous climb, with around 600 m of elevation gain.

 

TIP #3: You can also take the chairlift directly to Klingenstock. However, if you have enough time and want a proper hike rather than only the ridge section, I recommend walking up. The famous ridge trail itself is only around 4–4.5 km long. For people who want to reduce the overall distance or elevation gain, taking the chairlift is an option.

 

The first half of the climb is relatively easy, although, in my opinion, not particularly exciting. You mainly walk along a wide road. However, you already get very nice views of Kleiner Mythen and Grosser Mythen. Around halfway up, the trail becomes much more enjoyable. The wide road turns into a smaller hiking path that follows a creek uphill, and the surroundings start to feel much more alpine.

TIP #4: During a hot and dry summer, do not rely on the creek as a water source. When we did the hike, it had been dry for quite some time. Bring enough water with you.

 

Once you reach Klingenstock, the landscape changes completely. This is where the famous ridge hike starts (number 827: Gratweg Stoos).

TIP #5: There is a toilet facility at Klingenstock near the upper chairlift station.

 

From Klingenstock, we followed the famous Stoos Ridge Trail towards Fronalpstock. The ridge section is around 4–4.5 km long, with continuous small climbs and descents rather than one long ascent. It is one of those hikes where you are almost constantly walking either slightly uphill or downhill. The path itself is very well maintained. For large parts of the route, the ridge is wide and there are even stairs built into many of the steeper sections. At the same time, you continuously have spectacular views.

 

On one side, you look down towards Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), while on the other side you can see the Muota Valley and the surrounding mountains. In good weather, the panorama stretches towards the Bernese Alps as well as the peaks of Central Switzerland. Although the ridge is technically easy, there are some exposed sections and steep drops beside the trail. If you are uncomfortable with heights, keep this in mind, but from all ridge hikes that we did – this is the most hiker-friendly.

TIP #6: There are several benches and picnic tables along the ridge. It is therefore very easy to find a place to sit down, eat something and simply enjoy the panorama.

 

One observation from our hike: on some of the highest points of the ridge, the number of flying insects was almost unbearable. Just a little bit lower down, however, it was perfectly calm and much nicer for a longer break.

 Foto by Andrzej Nowicki.

Another reason why this hike is so enjoyable is that you do not necessarily need to rush. There are plenty of places where you can stop, sit down and simply enjoy the surroundings.

For the first time in a long while, we were caught by a proper mountain storm. Luckily, weather changed and our way down. Within around 20 minutes, the conditions changed completely. We were already at the final junction before the last climb towards Fronalpstock. Instead of continuing to the summit, we decided to take the safer option and descend directly back to Stoos. The trail down is relatively steep in places, but it mainly follows a wide road and is technically straightforward. This was also a good reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the mountains, even on what looks like a relatively easy hike.

What we packed:

We hiked in shorts and T-shirts. On a sunny summer day, the trail is extremely exposed and there is practically no shade along the ridge, so sunscreen is essential.

Even if the forecast looks good, having a lightweight rain shell is worth it. Our weather changed from summer conditions to a storm within approximately 20 minutes.

TIP #7: Stoos is also a great place to consider for a sunset trip.

The Stoos funicular operates much later than most mountain lifts, which makes it possible to stay in the area until the evening and return to the valley afterwards.

If you specifically want to watch the sunset from Fronalpstock, check the chairlift timetable beforehand. During selected summer dates, the Fronalpstock chairlifts operate later specifically for sunset visitors.

With Lake Lucerne below and the surrounding mountains catching the last light, this is definitely one of the places we would like to come back to for sunset.

TIP #8: At Fronalpstock (1922 m) there is a restaurant at the summit, making it a very convenient place for a longer break before taking the chairlift or hiking back down towards Stoos.

Highlights:

The panoramic view over Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee).

Views of Kleiner Mythen and Grosser Mythen during the climb to Klingenstock.

Constant mountain panoramas with views towards the Schwyz, Uri and Glarus Alps.

A technically easy and very well-maintained ridge trail.

Plenty of benches and picnic spots to stop and enjoy the views.

The world's steepest funicular as part of the trip.

A great location to consider for a sunset excursion.

See our highlights here.

Let's sum up our TIPs:

TIP #1: It is also very easy to reach Stoosbahn by car, and there are plenty of parking spaces next to the valley station. At Stoosbahn, you can refill your water bottles, use the toilets and buy some basic supplies before heading up.

TIP #2: The Stoos funicular itself is already part of the experience. With a maximum gradient of 110%, it is the steepest funicular railway in the world.

TIP #3: You can also take the chairlift directly to Klingenstock. However, if you have enough time and want a proper hike rather than only the ridge section, I recommend walking up. The famous ridge trail itself is only around 4–4.5 km long. For people who want to reduce the overall distance or elevation gain, taking the chairlift is an option.

TIP #4: During a hot and dry summer, do not rely on the creek as a water source. When we did the hike, it had been dry for quite some time. Bring enough water with you.

TIP #5: There is a toilet facility at Klingenstock near the upper chairlift station.

TIP #6: There are several benches and picnic tables along the ridge. It is therefore very easy to find a place to sit down, eat something and simply enjoy the panorama.

TIP #7: Stoos is also a great place to consider for a sunset trip.

TIP #8 At Fronalpstock (1922 m) there is a restaurant at the summit, making it a very convenient place for a longer break before taking the chairlift or hiking back down towards Stoos.

 

*supported by Garmin and SchweizMobil