Stoosbahn

8 Highlights Stoosbahn

• 110% maximum gradient (47.73°) make the funicular the steepest in the world.
• Over a length of 1738 m, the funicular passes through 3 tunnels and climbs 743 meters in altitude up to the mountain village of Stoos.
• At speeds of up to 36 km/h, the funicular takes a total of 4 to 7 min. to reach the top.
• Generous panoramic windows open up views of the scenic Muota Valley and the Great Mythen.
• 36 passengers fit into one cabin, one carriage (4 cabins) takes up to 136 passengers.
• The Stoosbahn crosses the river Muota over a 90 m long bridge right at the beginning.
• Opened in 2017, the cable car is an eye-catcher and regularly attracts international guests.
• A maximum of 1500 people can be transported with the two cars per hour.

The Stoosbahn has very unusual looking carriages. They resemble side-by-side cylinders in their shape and were developed especially for this railroad. This design allows for immediate compensation of height differences. Passengers always sit horizontally on the funicular, which ensures a high level of ride comfort.

The Stoosbahn runs from Schlattli (Hinteribrig) up to Stoos (initially in the direction of Muotathal). The bottom station is located at 563 meters above sea level and belongs to the municipality of Schwyz. The mountain station on the Stoos reaches 1306 m above sea level. The Stoos is car-free. In winter it becomes a popular ski resort.

On the Stoosbahn awaits you

The Stoosbahn runs in all weathers. The mountain and valley stations are both at ground level. In this way you can reach the wagons barrier-free. Your luggage is also transported without any problems.

Technical facts about the Stoosbahn:

• Track gauge of the railroad: standard gauge 1435 mm
• Passengers per cabin: 36
• Passengers per track length: 136
• Speed: max. 10 m/s (36 km/h)
• Drive: 1360 hp = 1000 kW (in the top station )

The ride to Stoos begins with the crossing of the Muota bridge. Afterwards, the Stoosbahn passes through the following 3 tunnels:

• Zingelifluhtunnel (245 m)
• Ober Zingeli tunnel (80 m)
• Stoosfluhtunnel (223 m)

As soon as the funicular leaves the third tunnel, the view opens up into the vastness of the mountains. You will see the peaks Klingenstock (1935 m above sea level), Huser Stock (1904 m above sea level) and Fronalpstock (1922 m above sea level).

The mountain station is located in the middle of the car-free village of Stoos, which lies on a high plateau.

In groups you can visit the mountain station with an exciting guided tour. The guided tours last about an hour and show the construction, technology and operation of the Stoosbahn. It is rightly proudly called the project of the century. With 14 years of planning and 11 votes won, the new Stoosbahn has an eventful history behind it.

Activities and Events at Stoos

In winter, the Stoos area is a popular ski destination. It stretches from Fronalpstock to Klingenstock. There’s also a fun park and a snow sports school here.

The ski area around Stoos includes:

• 35 km of slopes
• 8 lifts
• 10 km of cross-country ski trails
• 2 km of toboggan runs
• Snowshoe trails (e.g., 3.5 km Stoos-Rieter-Stoos) and groomed winter hiking paths

In summer, the entire area transforms into a popular hiking region. With 340 km of hiking trails in the Stoos-Muotatal region, you can explore Muotatal or the surrounding mountains. Many of these paths can also be tackled on an e-bike or mountain bike.

Some of the most popular hiking routes include:

• A 5 km ridge trail from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock offering 360-degree panoramic views, extendable to 13 km via a detour over Rot Turm, Huser Stock, and Furggeli.
• A 5 km hiking trail (descent) from Stoos to Morschach
• 21 km leading through the village of Muotathal to the 450-hectare primeval forest reserve of Bödmeren Wald
• 24 km to the karst landscape of Silberen, the largest eroded limestone area in Switzerland

Throughout the year, various events are offered:

• January: the Stöösler Bathtub Race
• End of July: Open Air yodeling festival at Fronalpstock at 1922 m above sea level.
• 31.07. and 01.08.: Swiss National Day
• Summer: Stoos wrestling festival
• August: Klapperlappap Festival Stoos

The history of the Stoosbahn

The current Stoosbahn was completed in 2017. Before that, 14 years were needed for planning and completion. 11 referendums were required and were all won with a high approval rate.

The new funicular replaced the old funicular from 1933. It was technically obsolete and its concession had expired

Garaventa won the international tender for the engineering and electromechanical systems. A consortium led by Implenia AG took on the bridge and tunnel construction, embankments and other terrain work

During construction, there were various problems that led to delays. For example, the material ropeway collapsed in 2013. During tunnel boring, drill heads got stuck several times. Overall, construction was delayed by around two years.

In mid-February 2017, the last tunnel was cut through. It was possible to set up an alternative station between the second and third tunnels. The official opening of the railroad took place in mid-December 2017

The history of the Stoosbahn

The current Stoosbahn was completed in 2017. Before that, 14 years were needed for planning and completion. 11 referendums were required and were all won with a high approval rate.

The new funicular replaced the old funicular from 1933. It was technically obsolete and its concession had expired

Garaventa won the international tender for the engineering and electromechanical systems. A consortium led by Implenia AG took on the bridge and tunnel construction, embankments and other terrain work

During construction, there were various problems that led to delays. For example, the material ropeway collapsed in 2013. During tunnel boring, drill heads got stuck several times. Overall, construction was delayed by around two years.

In mid-February 2017, the last tunnel was cut through. It was possible to set up an alternative station between the second and third tunnels. The official opening of the railroad took place in mid-December 2017.

Swiss Activities Tips Stoosbahn

Mountain ride in the lowest cabin

Do you want to consciously experience how steep the track is? Then look for a seat in the lowest cabin. Here you have the best view of the track and experience how the gradient gets steeper and steeper.

Downhill ride in the foremost cabin

Do you like a roller coaster feeling? Then it's best to get into the front cabin for the downhill ride. But you should be sure that you like it, you can't change during the ride.

Regioshop

At the bottom station of the Stoos cable car there is a Regioshop with a small café. Here you will find traditionally made cheese and other specialties from the Stoos-Muota valley region. Handicraft products are also offered.

St. Barbara at the Stoosfluhtunnel

Saint Barbara is a patron saint for miners and is said to avert accidents in tunnel construction. You can see her illuminated statue during the mountain ride on the left side of the Stoosbahn. She stands about 50 m before the end of the last tunnel.

Babies and other wild animals next to the railway

For maintenance and rescue work, a total of 3260 steps have been created between the bottom and top stations. Chamois and other wild animals often stand on them and can be perfectly observed through the panoramic windows.

Transports on the Stoos

The Stoos is car-free. Should you wish to transport luggage (or yourself) to your vacation accommodation, horse-drawn carriages are available. The Stoosbahnen AG and the Suter Transport Stoos GmbH work together. You only have to announce your ride 30 minutes in advance.

Stoosbahn Prices

There are two price lists for the Stoosbahn. The summer prices are valid from May to October, while the winter prices apply from November to April. Adult guests with a GA or Swiss Travel Pass can ride for free, and children with a Junior Card. Kids under 6 can ride for free when accompanied, but they do need a ticket.

Stoos funicular railroad timetable

The funicular runs all year round. Inspection periods are from mid-April to early May and mid-November to early December. On weekends the funicular runs anyway. During the week, transport is provided by the Morschach-Stoos cable car.

When there is a large number of visitors, the cable car runs more frequently. It can carry up to 1500 people per hour. The Stoosbahn runs from early morning to evening

Getting to the Stoosbahn

The Stoosbahn is easily accessible by car or public transport from all directions.

By Car

There are three routes to get there by car.

• Basel/Lucerne: From Lucerne, take the A14 heading towards Zug. At the Rütihof interchange, switch to the A14 and exit at Schwyz. Follow the signs towards Stoos/Muotathal to the parking lot at the valley station.

• Rapperswil/Lake Constance: From Rapperswil, head towards Gotthard/Schwyz. A short stretch on the A3 leads towards Gotthard. The country road through Rothenthurm and Sattel takes you to Schwyz.

• Gotthard/Altdorf: At Flüelen, take the Mositunnel towards Schwyz. Use exit 40 Brunnen to leave the highway towards Weggis/Gersau/Schwyz. In Ibach, take the second roundabout (1st exit) towards Muotathal.

The parking lot is located on the main road and can be used for free for up to one hour. From the second hour, you pay 1 CHF per hour. A free Park & Ride bus runs between the parking area and the valley station.

By Public Transport (ÖV)

Getting there by public transport is also very straightforward from all directions. Take the train to Schwyz and transfer to the bus at the station. Take line 501 towards Muotathal Hölloch / Stoosbahn. You will arrive at the valley station of the Stoosbahn at the bus stop "Schwyz, Stoosbahn."