1 Steepest Funicular in the World: Our Shocking Stoos, Schwyz Hike
A Horrifying & Traumatizing Experience
Stoos is a breathtaking, car free mountain village located in the heart of the Canton of Schwyz. Beyond its beautiful alpine scenery, it offers an engineering marvel: a funicular railway that is officially the steepest in the world, boasting a mind-boggling gradient of up to 110 percent. We had been planning on visiting this unique destination for quite a while, and in 2022, we finally succeeded in riding the legendary funicular.
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Arriving in Schwyz
- Via Train or Bus: Schwyz is highly accessible, with direct rail connections from Zurich, Lucerne, and the Gotthard route stopping at Schwyz or nearby Arth-Goldau. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Zurich Airport (the closest international gateway) and take a direct train south to experience the historic town of Schwyz and the dramatic peaks of the Mythen region. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Choosing a Stroller Friendly Route: The Moor Trail
As we had our 7 month old daughter with us in a stroller, we specifically looked for a stroller friendly hiking track once we reached the top. We chose the Moor Trail (known locally as the Moorerlebnisweg) because it promised an easy walk. We simply wanted to relax and enjoy the serene alpine nature without walking a lot.
Caught in an Unexpected Swiss Hailstorm
The beginning of our walk was peaceful, but Swiss mountain weather can change in the blink of an eye. Just 10 minutes after we started our walk, the sky darkened and it started raining heavily. This was immediately followed by a severe hailstorm consisting of huge hailstones.
We looked around in panic and realized we were very far from any kind of shelter or shade. Worst of all, we had a vulnerable baby in the stroller to protect. With no nearby cover, Mehran and I both stood directly over the stroller, using our own bodies as shields to completely cover our daughter while it hailed heavily on us.
It was an extremely painful experience that lasted for about 2 to 3 minutes, though it felt like an eternity. Once the worst of the storm was over, we ran toward a shaded area to catch our breath. We then finished the remainder of the hike in extreme haste because we were freezing, wet, and badly bruised by the impact of the hail.
Final Reflections on Our Stoos, Schwyz Adventure
Looking back, it stands out as one of the very scary experiences we have ever had during our travels. While we can laugh about it today, we were absolutely petrified when we were stuck in the middle of nowhere with a newborn.
I almost forgot to mention that despite the sudden storm, we thoroughly enjoyed the incredible funicular ride itself, as well as the stunning panoramic view of the mountains at the top before the clouds rolled in. We plan to revisit Stoos some day once we are completely over our traumatic experience. Next time, we will definitely keep a much closer eye on the radar!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the steepest funicular in the world?
The Stoos funicular railway in the Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, is the steepest funicular in the world. It features an incredible maximum gradient of 110 percent (about 47.7 degrees). The innovative barrel-shaped cabins rotate automatically so that passengers always stand on a completely flat surface during the steep climb.
Is Stoos stroller friendly?
Yes, the village of Stoos itself is flat and car free, making it highly accessible. For hiking, the Moor Trail (Moorerlebnisweg) is a designated stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible loop that offers interactive stations and easy walking paths through the wetlands.
What should I do if caught in a mountain hailstorm?
If you are caught in a storm while hiking in the mountains, immediately seek hard shelter if available. Always check local Swiss weather applications before heading up.
