The holiday village of Stoos is located on a sunny high plateau beneath the Fronalpstock at around 1,300 metres. The village can be reached with the steepest funicular railway in the world! The ridge trail between the Klingenstock and Fronalpstock mountains is an absolute highlight for hikers. 

Sepp Betschart swings the hammer onto the peg with enthusiasm. He builds steps for a steep section of the ridge trail together with his colleague Gottlieb Arnold. They then collect rocks from the steep meadow to the side of the trail to fill the steps. Watching the duo one quickly realises: these sprightly pensioners are a well-coordinated team who truly enjoy their work. Sepp Betschart is absolutely certain: “For me, this is the most beautiful workplace in the world!”

Sepp Betschart, 76, has been a “Büezer” (manual labourer) for 60 years, becoming a volunteer after retirement. As a technical fitter, he has already worked at many construction sites in Switzerland. Gottlieb Arnold, 80, worked as a pipe fitter before retirement. Along with five other committed pensioners from the region, they form the core team of the Stoos Ridge Trail association. 

The four-kilometre ridge trail leads through pre-alpine terrain, which is steep and demanding. 
Sepp remembers hiking the trail as a child, 70 years ago. “Back then, there was only a narrow path that was extremely exposed in many places.” 

The civil service workers have done an impressive job since 2006. Over the span of 1,000 days, they have maintained the trail and expanded or newly constructed it to make it accessible to a wider hiking audience. They built more than 1,000 steps by hand. If possible, the material comes from the region or directly from the terrain itself. For example, former power poles now serve as steps.

Almost every third hiker stops at the side of the trail and thanks the workers for their efforts. “For many, it is only then that they realise how much manual labour is involved in building a trail like this,” explains Gottlieb. Even if the civil service workers receive a small allowance for their work, one thing is clear: their true reward is the gratitude and appreciation of the happy hikers. 

The Stoos ridge trail from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock offers spectacular views over more than ten Swiss lakes and countless Alpine peaks in Central Switzerland. The best way to reach either peak is by chair lift from Stoos. As well as the fascinating panorama, there is also a variety of select Alpine flowers to admire. The hiking trail is well-finished, which also makes it suitable for older people, families with children who have hiking experience, as well as small groups. The Fronalpstock summit restaurant or a cosy mountain inn on the Stoos provide a wonderful end to a day’s hiking.

More info about the ridge trail