4 Best Things to do in Stans, Switzerland
Stans is one of the oldest settlements in this part of Switzerland and it is easy to see why people would have been drawn here. Sitting at the base of the Stanserhorn, this Swiss town has spectacular mountain views. If you are wondering if Stans is worth visiting, let me be the first to say, YES. While there aren’t many things to do in Stans, it is the best place to stop if you want to visit the Stanserhorn.
Why Visit Stans?
If you are visiting Engelberg and Lucerne or Zurich, you should go ahead and add Stans to your itinerary.
While I wouldn’t suggest staying here for days, it makes a great day trip or a starting point to see other areas of this region of Switzerland.
Stan in the summer is especially lovely as it offers you the chance to get outdoors and explore.
4 Best Things to do in Stans
As I stated previously, there aren’t a ton of activities in Stans, but it is worth walking around to see some of the points of interest that make it unique.
Here are the places you should check out:
Winkelrieddenkmal
This marble sculpture depicts Arnold von Winkelried, who according to Swiss legend, helped the Swiss against the Habsburgs of Austria.
Winkleried sacrificed his life to help his fellow soldiers.
The legend has it that Winkelried yelled out, “I will open a passage into the line; protect, dear countrymen and confederates, my wife and children” before throwing himself on the pikes of the Austrian pikemen.
In doing so, he was able to secure passage of other Swiss soldiers to gain a stronghold.
Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul
St. Peter and Paul in Stans was built in the mid-17th century on the site where five previous churches once stood.
The Romanesque bell tower is a remnant of a previous church and dates to around 1200.
One part of this Baroque church worth taking the time to see is the second oldest playable organ in Switzerland that dates back to 1646.
Stanserhorn-Bahn
One of the highlights of a trip to Stans is taking the vintage cable car & CabriO aerial cableway up to the Stanserhorn.
The trip begins at the Stanshorn Bahn where you board a vintage train that takes you halfway up the mountain to the intermediate station.
Along the way, you will get lovely views of the town below and farther off, lake Lucerne.
At the intermediate station, you then board the aerial cableway that can take you to the Stanserhorn.
Towering over the valley below, the magnificent views make this ride quite amazing.
Stanserhorn
There is nothing like standing on the Stanserhorn’s open-air viewing platform.
At 1898 meters above sea level, you will find spectacular panoramic views.
Also at the summit is a small restaurant, souvenir shop, and a sun terrace with an observation deck. If you are visiting the Swiss Alps in the summer, you might even catch a local musician playing outside as you enjoy the views.
And while you might think the restaurant & viewing platform is the highest peak, you can actually take a hiking trail a bit higher!
When you get to the top, you will see just how far up you really are!
And the views are unparalleled! You really feel like you are standing on top of the world.
If you find yourself in the area and are looking for a charming place to spend an afternoon or evening, be sure to visit Stans, Switzerland. With its cobblestone streets, old-world atmosphere, and stunning mountain views, you won’t regret making the trip.
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