Have you ever wanted to visit a remote, beautiful, and underrated corner of the world? If so, then you should consider making your way to Stans, Switzerland in the summer. Just minutes from Engelberg and Lucerne & a few hours from Zurich, this little village is a true gem.
Things to do in Stans, Switzerland in the Summer
Because of its proximity to larger Swiss cities, Stans makes a great day trip!
While you could spend more time here, making a day trip to Stans allows you to do some really great things.
Here are some of what you can do when in Stans in the summer:
The beautiful summer temps make strolling around town a breeze.
Enjoy the outdoor cafes, and walk around to see all that Stans has to offer.
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 in the early Baroque style.
It consists of the Parish church & other smaller chapels.
The Romanesque bell tower was built with the previous church around
The choir organ dates back to 1646 & is the second oldest playable organ in Switzerland.
Stanserhorn-Bahn
One of the highlights of a trip to Stans is taking the vintage cable car & CabriO aerial cableway.
The trip begins in Stans 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 open-air viewing platform of the Stanserhorn.
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 it!