Zurich Day Trip: World's Steepest Funicular & Fronalpstock
The funicular climbs at 110%: steep enough that the carriages rotate to keep you level
A full-day tour from Zurich that takes you up the Stoosbahn, the world's steepest funicular railway, to the mountain village of Stoos, then by cable car to Fronalpstock for panoramic views of the Urner Alps and Lake Urner. A guide leads a scenic hike at the summit or you can relax on the alpine meadows. Optional lunch at a mountain restaurant features Swiss specialties. Transport, all mountain railways and a guided hike are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Ride funicular and explore alpine views
- Depart from Zurich Airport
- Ride world’s steepest funicular to Stoos
- Explore Stoos mountain village
- Take cable car to Fronalpstock summit
- Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Urner and Alps
- Hike scenic trails or relax at summit
- Optional lunch at mountain restaurant
- Return to Zurich Airport
What’s included
- Guided hike on Fronalpstock.
- all train, funicular and chairlift tickets.
- pickup from Zurich.
- unlimited 5G WiFi via hotspot provided by your guide.
- insider tips about Switzerland's hidden gems.
- unlimited high-quality photo backup to Google Photos.
Times
- Every day 08:00
Before you book
Operated by Trekking Switzerland
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
The Stoosbahn is an engineering feat that climbs at a 110% gradient: steep enough that the carriages rotate inside to keep passengers level as the funicular ascends. You board at the valley station near Brunnen on Lake Lucerne and ride up through lush valleys and rugged peaks, with views of Lake Urner opening up as you gain height. The journey ends in Stoos, a car-free mountain village of traditional chalets and cozy restaurants, where the real climb begins.
From Stoos, a cable car carries you to Fronalpstock, where the panorama spreads across the Urner Alps and down to the sparkling lake. Your guide leads a hike through the alpine meadows or you can walk at your own pace and photograph the peaks. The summit has viewing platforms and a mountain restaurant where you can order lunch: authentic Swiss dishes with the Alps as your table. A 5G hotspot provided by your guide lets you upload photos in real time, and the guide shares insider tips about Switzerland's hidden corners that don't make the guidebooks.
The full day runs seven hours door to door from Zurich, with pickup included. Trains, funicular and chairlift are all covered, so you move between each stage without stopping to buy tickets. The pace suits all fitness levels. The hike is guided but optional, and the summit has plenty of space to sit and absorb the view without moving.
Is this one for you?Seven hours lets you ride the funicular, hike the summit and return to Zurich with the rest of your day open: tight enough to fit a single mountain experience, loose enough to add a city walk or early dinner without rushing. If you need more time for a longer alpine trek or want to overnight in the mountains, look for a multi-day option instead.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and German.
What makes the Stoosbahn different from other mountain railways in Switzerland?
The Stoosbahn climbs at a 110% gradient, making it the world's steepest funicular. Specially designed rotating carriages keep passengers level despite the extreme incline, so the ride is comfortable even as the track beneath you reaches angles steeper than most ski runs.
Can I hike at Fronalpstock or do I have to stay on marked trails?
The guide leads a scenic hike through the alpine meadows at Fronalpstock, but you can also walk at your own pace and explore the summit area. Viewing platforms and open meadows give you freedom to find your own vantage points for photos and rest.
Is lunch included in the tour price?
Lunch is optional and not included in the tour price. A cozy mountain restaurant at Fronalpstock serves traditional Swiss cuisine, and you can order and pay separately if you want to eat there.
How long does the whole day take, and when do I get back to Zurich?
The tour runs seven hours total from pickup in Zurich to return. That leaves room to explore the city or rest at your hotel before or after the mountain day, depending on your flight or evening plans.
What is Lake Urner, and where do I see it from?
Lake Urner is the sparkling alpine lake visible from both the Stoosbahn as you ascend and from Fronalpstock at the summit. It's framed by the peaks of the Urner Alps and appears throughout the day as you climb higher into the mountains.
Zurich Day Trip: World's Steepest Funicular & Fronalpstock
7h · EN · DE · at your hotel
from US$ 546 per person
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