Hint

Intro

Following the first ascent after Stans, impressive views open up to Stanser Boden, the Vierwaldstättersee and the Innerschweiz mountain peaks. Highpoint at the end of the section is the hermitage of Niklaus von Flüe and the Ranft chapels.

Description

With a population of 8,000 and two monasteries, Stans is the capital of the canton of Nidwalden. The stage begins on the historic village square with the Winkelried fountain. Shortly afterwards, you cross the more than 100-year-old funicular railway with its nostalgic valley station. The carriages lead across lush meadows to the Kälti intermediate station, where you can take the Cabrio cable car to the Stanserhorn, Stans' local mountain.

Shortly afterwards, the road turns into a path with views of Mount Pilatus. You reach St. Jakob after one and a half hours along meadows and short sections through the forest. Another hour later, now walking mainly on asphalt, you are above Wisserlen and St. Anton. The views around here extend from Mount Pilatus over Lake Sarnen to the Brienzer Rothorn.

At the chapel of St. Niklausen, you descend the stairs to the Grosse Melchaa. Soon after crossing the river, the trail climbs back to your final destination at Flüeli-Ranft. A relatively short stage of the Trans Swiss Trail ends here after about four and a half hours.

Flüeli-Ranft was the home of the hermit and ascetic Niklaus von Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus. He had a great deal of influence on 15th-century Switzerland as a politician, mystic and visionary. Flüeli-Ranft has remained a popular place of pilgrimage to this day. Information panels along the trail provide insight into Niklaus von Flüe's life and work.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Stans
Destination
Flüeli-Ranft
Direction
One way
Ascent
740 m
Descent
480 m
Distance
17 km
Duration
4 h 50 min
Duration back
4 h 35 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
March - October
Theme
With panoramic view
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

ViaJacobi

Rorschach- / Konstanz (D) - Charrot (Grenze)
Learn more about # title #

All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 7/33

Distance

17 km

Duration

4 h 50 min

Ascent

740 m

Travel information: Stans

Current Offers

  • Stans Paragliding Emmetten Lake Lucerne from Stans

    You experience a paragliding flight over Lake Lucerne in tandem with a professional pilot. The... from CHF 220
    Offer details


    valid: 01.10.2026 - 03.02.2027

    Learn more about Paragliding Emmetten Lake Lucerne from Stans
  • Stans Stanserhorn Ticket: Funicular and CabriO

    A ride up the Stanserhorn is a double experience: the first part you ride on a nostalgic funicular... from CHF 41
    Offer details


    valid: 07.08.2026 - 22.11.2026

    Learn more about Stanserhorn Ticket: Funicular and CabriO
  • Stans Paragliding in Engelberg Valley from Stans

    You experience a tandem paragliding flight through the 25 km long Engelberg Valley in the canton of... from CHF 220
    Offer details


    valid: 01.10.2026 - 03.02.2027

    Learn more about Paragliding in Engelberg Valley from Stans
  • Buochs Team event in a large canoe from Buochs

    During your team event, you paddle together in a large canoe from Buochs across Lake Lucerne. It's a... from CHF 70
    Offer details


    valid: 11.08.2026 - 30.09.2026

    Learn more about Team event in a large canoe from Buochs
  • Kriens "Sim Racing" virtual drive and lounge in Kriens

    Experience a sim racing session in Kriens near Lucerne on one of seven racing simulators. Get ready... from CHF 50
    Offer details


    valid: 07.08.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about "Sim Racing" virtual drive and lounge in Kriens
  • Lucerne From Lucerne: rafting adventure on the Lütschine in Interlaken

    For this whitewater adventure on the Lütschine, it's best if you have some rafting experience. You... from CHF 250
    Offer details


    valid: 09.08.2026 - 13.09.2026

    Learn more about From Lucerne: rafting adventure on the Lütschine in Interlaken
  • Lucerne Hiking holiday Waldstätterweg

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 1,415
    Offer details


    valid: 07.08.2026 - 18.10.2026

    Learn more about Hiking holiday Waldstätterweg
  • Lucerne "The heart of Lucerne" - city tour by tuk tuk in Lucerne

    You will experience a city tour through the eyes of a local. Your tuk tuk driver is also your guide.... from CHF 120
    Offer details


    valid: 10.08.2026 - 01.02.2027

    Learn more about "The heart of Lucerne" - city tour by tuk tuk in Lucerne
  • Lucerne From Lucerne: Rigi round trip incl. boat and train

    Sail by boat on the deep blue Lake Lucerne, observe the majestic alpine panorama and float through... from CHF 144
    Offer details


    valid: 07.08.2026 - 02.08.2027

    Learn more about From Lucerne: Rigi round trip incl. boat and train
  • Lucerne "The Keepers" Outdoor Escape Game Lucerne

    This escape game takes you through Lucerne. You search all over the city for codes you must crack to... from CHF 14
    Offer details


    valid: 07.08.2026 - 03.08.2027

    Learn more about "The Keepers" Outdoor Escape Game Lucerne