Sustainability
Because resource conservation use is important
The Stanserhorn has always been in harmony and in step with nature. On the Stanserhorn, we enjoy the biodiversity of the plant protection area. The service water is treated from rainwater, a solar collector system heats the hot water and takes over the lion’s share of the room heaters in the Stanserhorn revolving restaurant.
Outstanding
Plus-energy administration building
The new building at the valley station, known as the “Remise,” blends harmoniously into the historical ensemble of the valley station thanks to its sophisticated solar architecture. With its ingenious and multi-layered energy concept, it has become the first plus-energy administration building in the canton of Nidwalden to receive double Minergie-A/-P certification. At the heart of the energy system lies a ring trench collector, installed under the tracks at a depth of around two meters and extending over a length of approximately 40 meters. In addition, photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of 47 kWp were installed on the roofs of the new building and the historic platform. These systems generate around 30% more energy per year than the building consumes. An intelligent battery storage system increases on-site consumption, supplies the area with solar power after sunset, and also serves as an emergency power source.
Arrived
Travel by public transport
Arriving by public transport is very important to us. The valley station of the Mount Stanserhorn Railway is located just a 4-minute walk from Stans railway station. Our timetable is coordinated with public transport connections. In addition, by accepting the Swiss Travel Pass and the public transport General Abonnement (GA), we provide a clear incentive for our guests to travel by public transport.
Protected area
Biodiversity
The Stanserhorn is a popular excursion destination and at the same time a valuable plant conservation area. Thanks to its location and careful management, the mountain provides a habitat for an impressive variety of plants and animals. Throughout the year, countless species come into bloom – from crocuses, globe flowers, and martagon lilies to 13 different species of orchids. The Stanserhorn is also home to a rich animal world. Chamois, in particular, can often be seen on the steep slopes. With their sure-footedness, they are perfectly adapted to the rough terrain and offer a fascinating sight to those travelling by CabriO cable car or exploring on foot. Through respectful interaction with nature and targeted maintenance measures, we help preserve this unique flora and fauna. In this way, the Stanserhorn remains a place full of life for guests as well as for plants and animals.
Level 2: Engaged
We are Swisstainable
We are part of the sustainability program Swisstainable and classified at Level II – engaged. The sustainability program Swisstainable unites businesses and organizations along the entire Swiss tourism sector. With our participation, we commit ourselves to continuous sustainable business development, pursue measures in the field of sustainability and thus make a concrete contribution to a sustainable Swiss tourism.
CabriO cable car valley station
New photovoltaic system
In June 2024, a new photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the valley station of the CabriO cable car in the Kälti middle station. The electricity produced covers around a quarter of the electrical energy required for both cable cars and the Kälti station. The system was installed by Mathis Tech Solar und Elektro GmbH from Ennetbürgen.
Innovative
Uphill in economy mode
The 11-year-old CabriO cable car is not only a world first and a tourist attraction. It also runs in energy-efficient eco-mode and consumes about 10 % less electricity annually than before the renovation. A major advantage is that the braking energy can be converted into electricity (keyword recuperation). A real innovation in cable car technology and extremely energy-saving as well. For the Stanserhorn cable car, efficient energy supply is a top priority. It uses solar energy and renewable energy. Every detail counts, is the credo.
From Switzerland and the Alpine region
The good is so close
For years we are working on our concept "Culinary Essence of the Alps" The idea: Hand-picked ingredients from Switzerland and the Alpine region form the soul of the gastronomic offer. This way we can strengthen sustainability in gastronomy. Even around the Stanserhorn there are all kinds of exciting things to discover. For example, Sepp Odermatt. He is the "idolised" master of two bee colonies on Alp Bluematt on the Stanserhorn. He supplies the finest golden-yellow alpine honey, which his bees have collected from the meadows on the Stanserhorn. Just like the alpine cheese, which comes from the cows of the Huismatt alpine cheese dairy. It doesn't get any closer than that. Long transports and costly packaging are therefore a thing of the past. Really sustainable!
Award-winning
Intelligent solar architecture
The Stanserhorn railway has been committed to sustainable development on the mountain for years. Gradually it renovated its buildings and the railways. It uses renewable energy and passive solar energy through an intelligent solar architecture for the mountain restaurant, which is built from local wood. The 56 m2 solar thermal system generates around 25,000 kWh/a and the 24.7 kW PV system produces 22,000 kWh/a. Together with heat recovery, the railways generate around 60,000 kWh/a or around 11 % of the total energy requirement. In 2014, the railways renovated the building shell of the valley station and connected it to the local wood chip district heating network.
Sophisticated
Innovative design
The Stanserhorn railway uses solar energy and increases its energy efficiency to supply its railway exclusively with renewable energy. The solar modules of the 24.7 kW PV system can withstand high snow loads and wind speeds of up to 300 km/h. The solar system generates 22,000 kWh per year and the 56 m2 solar thermal system delivers 25,000 kWh/a for hot water and central heating support. The restaurant uses solar energy passively: Large window areas and an innovative construction using local wood are evidence of intelligent solar architecture.
Well-thought-out
Autonomous water supply
There is also no water supply on the mountain. The meteoric water is purified and used for the entire water supply. The rainwater from the roof is treated as drinking water and the service water collected on the roof terrace so that the entire Stanserhorn facilities are supplied with water autonomously. The restaurant and the cold room have a heat recovery system. The CabriO cableway operates in energy-efficient Eco mode and consumes around 10 % less electricity per year than before the refurbishment. One stage of ecological expansion affected the valley station in 2014. Energy-related refurbishment included modernizing the building shell with triple-glazed windows and connecting it to the district heating network.
