Stoos Ridge Hike: Klingenstock to Fronalpstock Guide (2026)
| Distance | 2.5 mi (4 km) point to point |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 1,250 ft (380 m) |
| Time | About 2 hours (1 h 50 official) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best months | June to October |
| Start | Klingenstock chairlift top station, Stoos |
| Cable car / train needed? | Yes — Stoosbahn funicular from Schwyz, then the Klingenstock chairlift; Fronalpstock chairlift back down. |
| Getting there | Train to Schwyz (about 1 h from Zurich or 40 min from Lucerne), bus to the Stoosbahn valley station. |
The Stoos Ridge (Gratwanderung) is a short, punchy ridge walk with a 360° view of ten lakes — including Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug — and it starts with a ride on the world's steepest funicular.
The route
From Stoos village, ride the chairlift to Klingenstock (1,935 m). Follow the ridge southwest via Huser Stock to Fronalpstock (1,922 m). Expect short ups and downs, a few chain-secured passages, and wildflowers in early summer. From Fronalpstock, take the chairlift back to Stoos.
Good to know
- Stoos village is car-free.
- The ridge is fully exposed — skip it in thunderstorms (afternoon storms are common in July/August).
- Combine with a sunset dinner at Fronalpstock if you stay overnight.
Hike & soak around Lake Lucerne
Central Switzerland has two of the most photographed hotel pools in the country: the Bürgenstock infinity pool and Villa Honegg's outdoor pool, both above Lake Lucerne. Closer to Stoos, Swiss Holiday Park in Morschach is the family-friendly option.
♨ Soak after: where to stay
The point of this site: finish the trail in warm water. These are the closest spa hotels and thermal baths to the Stoos Ridge Hike.
Wellness Hotel Stoos
Stoos · Schwyz
Wellness hotel in car-free Stoos — sleep at the start of the Stoos Ridge hike.
Check rates & availability →Swiss Holiday Park
Morschach · Schwyz
Family resort above Lake Lucerne with a wellness area and indoor water park.
Check rates & availability →Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort
Bürgenstock · Nidwalden
Clifftop resort with a 10,000 m² Alpine Spa and an infinity pool over Lake Lucerne.
See rates nearby →Hotel Villa Honegg
Ennetbürgen · Nidwalden
Small hotel whose heated outdoor infinity pool went viral on Instagram.
Check rates & availability →FAQ
Is the Stoos Ridge hike scary?
There are a few narrow, exposed sections with drops on both sides, secured with chains. It's fine for sure-footed hikers but not ideal if you're afraid of heights.
How steep is the Stoosbahn?
It reaches a 110% gradient (about 47.7°), making it the steepest funicular in the world. The cabins rotate to stay level.
Can I do Stoos as a day trip from Zurich or Lucerne?
Yes. It's about 1.5 hours door to door from Zurich and slightly less from Lucerne.
Which direction should I hike the Stoos Ridge?
Klingenstock to Fronalpstock is the direction Switzerland Tourism recommends, ending at a restaurant with the best Lake Lucerne panorama.