Ever wondered what it would feel like to have a whole panoramic Swiss mountain to yourself? Busy crowd, literally gone, and it’s just you on top of the world! Most people visit Fronalpstock for its 360° panoramic view, allowing you to see over 10 Swiss Lakes (including Lake Luzern). Additionally, you get to see a dozen well-known peaks like Rigi, Pilatus, Grosser and Kleiner Mythen, among others.
A year ago, I had an unforgettable overnight stay at Fronalpstock, and this is an experience to add to your Swiss adventures bucket list this summer. Here’s what to expect;
Table of Contents
How to get there
To get there, first you need to go to the car-free village of Stoos through the steepest fornicular from Schwyz or Morschach. If using public transport, the SBB is a great way to get to your connections, depending on the location you come from. But typically, you take a train to Schwyz train station and from there a local bus to Schwyz Stoosbahn for the cable car. Travellers going by car just need to drive to Stoos/Muotathal. For precise locations, check out here, including parking.
Your final part of the journey to the peak will involve either taking a chairlift or taking a scenic hike. The operating times vary from season to season, so it’s always best practice to check the most current information depending on the season.
When to visit fronalpstock
Generally, late Spring and early Autumn (mid-May to October) are the best times to visit Fronalpstcok. However, for an overnight experience, it’s best to go during Summer as it is warm and less chances of rain. The Alps get colder, especially at night. Additionally, the sun makes the water look bluer during the day.
What to expect with wild camping
While Switzerland offers postcard-perfect views, it is important that regulation regarding wild camping varies from canton to canton. Generally, it is permitted only above tree level ( approximately 2000 meters) and outside of the protected areas. Wild camping is strictly forbidden in places such as national parks, nature reserves, and on private land (unless with permission). To avoid heavy fines, always check the regulations of the canton you wish to camp at.
Watch The Sunset and The Stars
During the day, it can be quite busy with several hikers, especially in summer. But at night, you get to enjoy the peace and tranquility with the place all to yourself or, in some cases, with a few other paragliders. During my stay, there were only a couple who were spending the night some meters away.
Catch the beautiful sunset, and for night photography, it’s important to wait until the city lights turn off.
Tips for wild camping in Switzerland
There is no one rule that fits all in Switzerland. That means what is allowed in one canton or municipality varies from the next. But the rule of thumb is that;
- You can camp when you are above the tree line (2000 meters altitude).
- Never camp on private land unless you have permission from the owner. Instead, look for public camping grounds.
- NEVER camp in nature reserves, the Swiss National Park, Federal hunting zones, wildlife sanctuaries, and expressly prohibited areas. Forbidden areas lead to heavy fines.
Unless there is a designated fire pit, avoid creating any open fires. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, as this happens quite often in the mountains. For safety reasons, I find it useful to always inform at least someone of your wild camping plans, just in case.
Lastly, as much as wild camping is a fun experience to try in the mountains, it’s also prohibited for large groups. It is recommended to keep it to 1 or 2 tents, usually a single overnight stay. Make sure to pitch your tent very late in the evening and pack up everything early in the morning. Additionally, pick a spot that is not very close to the trails, water bodies, or residential areas.
