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Intro

Stans is the capital of the canton of Nidwalden and lies at the foot of the Stanserhorn. The expansive main square in the centre of town is truly magnificent – and one of the most beautiful squares in Switzerland.

Stans at a glance

Stans is nestled between the Stanserhorn, Buochserhorn and Bürgenstock mountains on the edge of the Nidwalden valley floor. From the 14th century onwards, the former village developed into the political, religious and cultural centre of Nidwalden. An expansive village square, framed by townhouses, forms the centre of Stans. All streets lead here, in a star-like pattern. The church, with its dominant tower, stands at the centre. An imposing monument to Arnold von Winkelried – the hero of the Battle of Sempach who led the Confederates to victory through his sacrifice, according to legend – and a fountain lend the square an even more potent effect. The upper edge of the settlement is characterised by the former Capuchin monastery with its attached college, the walled cemetery and the Convent of St. Klara, which served as an orphanage, run by Heinrich Pestalozzi, after the French invasion.

A little outside the centre, you can discover the Winkelriedhaus, which has been influenced by the Italian Renaissance, or take the historic funicular up towards the Stanserhorn.

 

ISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.

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Overview
Stans
Lucerne – Lake Lucerne
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Impressions

Auszeichnungen

Experiences & Activities

Hotels

  • Boutique Hotel Stanserhof 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Stans, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Stans, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Boutique Hotel Stanserhof
  • Culinarium Alpinum 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Stans, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Stans, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Culinarium Alpinum
  • Tailormade Hotel STANS SÜD 3 Stars

    Stans, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Stans, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Tailormade Hotel STANS SÜD
  • Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bürgenstock, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Bürgenstock, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa
  • Hotel Villa Honegg 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Ennetbürgen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Ennetbürgen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Hotel Villa Honegg
  • Seehotel Kastanienbaum 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Kastanienbaum, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Kastanienbaum, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Seehotel Kastanienbaum
  • Boutique-Hotel Schlüssel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Beckenried, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Beckenried, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Boutique-Hotel Schlüssel
  • Hotel Nidwaldnerhof 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Beckenried, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Beckenried, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Hotel Nidwaldnerhof
  • Hotel Gerbi 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Weggis

    Learn more about: Weggis Hotel Gerbi
  • CHENOT Palace Weggis 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Weggis

    Learn more about: Weggis CHENOT Palace Weggis

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 200
    Offer details


    valid: 27.04.2025 - 31.10.2025

    Learn more about Paragliding Emmetten Lake Lucerne from Stans
  • 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 200
    Offer details


    valid: 27.04.2025 - 31.10.2025

    Learn more about Paragliding in Engelberg Valley 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: 26.04.2025 - 22.10.2025

    Learn more about Stanserhorn Ticket: Funicular and CabriO
  • Culinarium Alpinum, Stans Discover Stans

    2 nights, 2 Nights in Double room, breakfast buffet, 1 x 4 course evening meal on arrival date per person per... from CHF 370
    Offer details

    Double room
    valid: 26.04.2025 - 23.05.2025

    Learn more about Discover Stans
  • Stans

    Included: Overnight stays according to the program incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for...
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  • Alpnach Canyoning Action Chli Schliere from Alpnach

    When canyoning in the Chli Schliere, you'll experience a challenging tour with high jumps and long... from CHF 189
    Offer details


    valid: 29.05.2025 - 21.09.2025

    Learn more about Canyoning Action Chli Schliere from Alpnach
  • Lucerne Sea Kayak Tour Lucerne

    During the two-hour canoe tour, you will experience the city of Lucerne from the lake. You paddle... from CHF 115
    Offer details


    valid: 01.06.2025 - 26.10.2025

    Learn more about Sea Kayak Tour Lucerne
  • Lucerne "Hidden Gems" Lucerne private e-bike tour

    On the electric cargo bike tour, you and your private group discover the surroundings of Lucerne.... from CHF 950
    Offer details


    valid: 27.04.2025 - 26.10.2025

    Learn more about "Hidden Gems" Lucerne private e-bike tour
  • Lucerne Guided hike on the Pilatus with barbecue experience

    On a day trip from Lucerne, you take the cable car up to Pilatus with a guide and hike up to... from CHF 190
    Offer details


    valid: 01.05.2025 - 16.10.2025

    Learn more about Guided hike on the Pilatus with barbecue experience

Travel information: Stans