Stoos (Schwyz, Switzerland)

Renowned as one of Switzerland's finest high trails: the ridge path linking the Klingenstock and Fronalpstock peaks, with its many flights of steps. It affords views of more than ten Swiss lakes and countless Alpine peaks in Central Switzerland. You can also discover a variety of Alpine flowers along the route.

Steep, steeper – Stoos! The journey to the starting point of this hike is already quite an experience! To reach the car-free village of Stoos (1,300 m.a.s.l.), you can choose between the Morschach-Stoos cable car and the world's steepest funicular (Schwyz/Schlattli-Stoos). At its steepest point, the funicular has a gradient of 110 percent. Cross the little mountain village on foot, and then take the chairlift up to the Klingenstock 

The sky-high ridge path starts at the summit: with 360º panoramic views all the way, you hike westwards via Rot Turm to Nollen. The vista of Lake Lucerne below is your companion on this section. The path is narrow but well equipped. Steps have been built at places on the uphill and downhill stretches, and very steep gradients are secured with chains. This high trail is usually well-frequented, so you are recommended to walk in the direction indicated to avoid crossing paths with other walkers too often. After Nollen, you can take a few extra minutes to climb up to the Huserstock, although the ridge trail skirts the saddle to the left. Behind the Huserstock, a short mountain path carved into the rock and secured with chains winds its way down to the Furggeli col. You need to be sure-footed and have a head for heights to tackle this path, but it is wide enough for two people to pass one another.

Furggeli Alpine hut marks the start of the short final ascent to the highest restaurant in the canton of Schwyz on the summit of the Fronalpstock. This stretch might leave you somewhat breathless, but the reward is well worth the effort. The panorama from the cantilevered viewing pulpit is a highlight of the hike: the sweeping views take in the inlets of Lake Lucerne and extend as far as the Black Forest. You can see the two Mythen peaks, the Glärnisch massif, Mount Tödi and Lucerne's "own" mountains – Rigi and Pilatus. The view downwards is equally impressive, stretching to Rütli meadow and the Reuss Valley in Uri, and as far as Lucerne.