Walenpfad: The Swiss Cableway Experience Trail

Technical information

Starting point:	Bannalp Chrützhütte
Destination:	Engelberg
Getting to the starting point:	Train to Wolfenschiessen, post bus to Oberrickenbach, aerial cableway to Bannalp (Chrützhütte)
Getting to the destination:	Aerial cableway from Ristis middle station (or chairlift from Brunni), train from Engelberg
Technique:	medium
Physical fitness:	challenging
Gradient:	ascent of 560m and descent of 670m
Hiking time:	4h00
Season:	June to October

Description

Appearances can be deceptive - although there is indeed a cable car at the beginning and end of the Walen Trail from Bannalp (1713m) to Ristis (1600m), this does not at all mean that all the differences in altitude have been conquered. An ascent of 560 metres and descent of 670 metres make of the Panorama Trail a proper alpine route. Being a well-secured mountain path, it offers a unique Alpine experience for (almost) everyone.

On the Oberfeld with its alpine meadows full of grazing goats, a welcoming little mountain restaurant serves its own produce such as goat's milk, goat's cheese, meat and yoghurt. Towards the end of the tour the tired wanderer can find fortification in the Brunnihütte with a mid-morning alpine snack or the already legendary Felsenputzer steak: For it is here, on Brunni, where Switzerland Tourism played the famous Felsenputzer April Fool's joke.

On the adjacent Tickle Trail there is wading - alternately in water and on shore – over moor, gravel, wood chips and stones. Enjoy the tingling feeling of relaxing in nature before continuing along the wide Brunni path for another hour towards Ristis. There the new cable car with its panoramic glass windows ensures a promising finale on the way to Engelberg.

Tour Overview

3D hiking map Download GPX coordinates Download KMZ (GoogleEarth)

Profile

The careful planning of a tour will ensure that you also derive the maximum pleasure and enjoyment from it. Please take the time to contact the local information centre and enquire about route and weather conditions before setting off. Your intended trail may be fully or partially closed, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.