Zurich: Excursion to the steepest railway in the world / visit to Stoos village

Explore Switzerland’s Unique Mountain Village of Stoos and the World’s Steepest Funicular

This 4.5-hour tour offers an engaging journey from Zurich to the car-free village of Stoos in Central Switzerland. The highlight is riding on the world’s steepest funicular railway, the Stoosbahn, which provides a thrilling ascent and descent through stunning alpine scenery. This experience is ideal for those interested in Swiss engineering marvels and authentic mountain villages, with a small group limited to four participants for a personalized feel.

The tour includes luxurious pickup and return transport via a Tesla electric limousine, making the start and end of the adventure comfortable and eco-friendly. The itinerary combines scenic rides, a walk through the charming village, and a visit to the over 300-year-old Stoos church, offering a rich blend of natural beauty, architecture, and local culture.

While the tour offers memorable highlights, it requires walking and is not suitable for those with mobility challenges. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed yet engaging experience that balances scenic transportation with cultural exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration of 4.5 hours, including transport, rides, and sightseeing
• Pickup and return via Tesla electric limousine for extra comfort and eco-friendliness
• Ride on the world’s steepest funicular railway (Stoosbahn), an engineering feat
• Charming village walk with a visit to the 300-year-old Stoos church
• Visit to the mountain village of Stoos, a car-free zone with traditional wooden houses
• Moderate walking around the village, approx. 1 hour, with flexible routes
• Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes recommended
• Tour operates in German and English with a small group of 4 participants

Pickup and Transportation in Style with Tesla Limousine

The tour begins with a luxury pickup from your hotel in Zurich, provided the location is accessible by car. The Tesla electric limousine ensures a smooth, quiet, and eco-conscious ride to the valley station of Hinteres Schlattli, which takes about one hour. This premium transportation adds a touch of comfort and sustainability to the experience, setting a leisurely tone for the day.

After the scenic rides and village walk, the limousine returns you to Zurich, completing a well-organized and eco-friendly transfer service. The convenience of hotel pickup makes this tour especially appealing for travelers seeking a hassle-free day trip.

Riding the World’s Steepest Funicular Railway: The Stoosbahn

The highlight of the tour is the ride on the Stoosbahn, recognized as the steepest funicular railway in the world. The journey takes 20 minutes each way and offers exhilarating views as it climbs and descends the hillside. This engineering marvel was built to connect the valley with the mountain village, offering a unique perspective of the Swiss Alps.

The funicular’s remarkable incline provides a sense of adventure, and the ride itself is a photo-worthy moment. The railway’s design allows visitors to experience a bit of Swiss innovation, making it a standout feature of the tour.

Discovering the Traditional Village of Stoos

Once at Stoos village, visitors enjoy a walking tour lasting approximately one hour. The village boasts traditional wooden houses with flower-filled balconies, creating an authentic alpine atmosphere. The walk is flexible, allowing for adaptation based on participants’ pace and preferences.

A special highlight is the 300-year-old Stoos church, an architectural gem located at the heart of the village. The church’s history and alpine style provide insight into local heritage and craftsmanship. The village’s car-free status preserves its peaceful and timeless charm, making it a perfect spot for leisurely exploration.

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Enjoying the Mountain Village Atmosphere with Local Flavors

During the visit, travelers can choose to stop at a Stoos restaurant for a meal or coffee break (at their own expense). The options provide a chance to relax, soak in the mountain scenery, and experience local hospitality. The restaurant’s location offers scenic views, making the meal or coffee even more enjoyable.

The return trip involves descending on the Stoosbahn, giving visitors a final opportunity to admire the landscape from the railway’s unique incline. The return journey is just as scenic and is complemented by the comfort of the Tesla limousine that awaits at the mountain station.

Practical Details: What to Expect and How to Prepare

This tour is wheelchair accessible, but it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The walk around the village lasts about an hour and can be adapted to suit different needs, but some physical activity is involved.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, especially given the mountain environment. Bringing drinks is recommended, as well as any personal items needed for comfort during the walk and meals.

The entire experience is guided in German and English, with a small group of only 4 participants, ensuring personalized attention. The cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for planning.

Enhancing the Swiss Mountain Experience with a Small Group

The small group setting of four participants makes this tour intimate and flexible. The live guides enhance the experience with local knowledge and personalized service, answering questions and sharing interesting details about the village, the railway, and local history.

The tour’s pace ensures a relaxed exploration without feeling rushed, making it suitable for those who enjoy a balance of scenic rides, cultural discovery, and light walking.

Price and Booking Flexibility

While the price is not specified, the tour offers the benefit of reserve now and pay later, which provides peace of mind when planning your trip. You can book your spot without immediate payment and cancel up to 24 hours before the experience, making it a flexible option for spontaneous travel plans or uncertain schedules.

Final Thoughts: A Unique Swiss Mountain Adventure from Zurich

This tour presents an excellent opportunity to experience a Swiss engineering marvel and visit a peaceful, car-free mountain village. The Stoosbahn, with its record-breaking steepness, delivers a unique thrill, while the charming Stoos village offers an authentic glimpse into alpine life.

The combination of luxurious transportation, scenic rides, and a walk through traditional village streets makes this tour stand out. It suits travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic outing with a touch of engineering fascination and cultural discovery.

However, it’s worth noting that the walking is moderate and not suitable for those with mobility issues. Also, the meal or coffee in the village is at participants’ own expense, so budget accordingly if planning to dine. This tour provides a memorable Swiss experience in a manageable half-day format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup by limousine at your hotel in Zurich is included, provided the hotel is accessible by car.

How long does the trip to Stoos take?
The total duration is approximately 4.5 hours, including transport, rides, and walking.

What is special about the Stoosbahn?
It is recognized as the steepest funicular railway in the world, with a 20-minute ride offering breathtaking views and an engineering feat.

Can I bring food or drinks?
Participants can purchase food and drinks at a Stoos restaurant, but they are not included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour requires walking and is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides operate in German and English.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially given the mountain environment.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How eco-friendly is the transportation?
The Tesla electric limousine provides a sustainable way to travel, emphasizing an eco-conscious approach.

What makes this tour a good choice?
The combination of engineering marvels, authentic village charm, and luxurious transport makes it perfect for those wanting a relaxing yet fascinating half-day trip from Zurich.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby