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Intro

After the ascent to Brunnihütte at 1860 m you hike on the famous Walenweg path with the magnificent Walegg vantage point and superb views of the Central Alps. In the 1930s, the Bannalpsee lake was the source of a fierce dispute over the energy supply.

Description

Angel Mountain, as the founders of the Benedictine monastery named the town in 1120, is a popular tourist destination. The appearance of the village of Engelberg is dominated by the impressive monastery and the church. At the current time, about 30 monks still live and work here. Starting at the train station and passing the monastery, the tour soon turns into a test of endurance. It takes around two hours just to get to Ristis. Continuing on a wide road, Brunni Hut is reached in another hour or so. This is probably the only hut of the Swiss Alpine Club with its own chairlift station. It is located at Härzlisee Lake. There is a trail going all around the lake, a so-called barefoot path. The view of the mountains of Central Switzerland is spectacular, especially Mt. Titlis, at 3238 m the highest mountain of this region.

The route now changes to a narrow path. At Sädelegg, the last viewpoint in the direction of Engelberg and Titlis, you start walking around the Walenstöcke. After a little over an hour of pure joy on the trail, you get to Walenalp with a campfire site and a lovely view of the Mittelland region. Climbing up another 250 m in altitude, past the dominant Gross and Chli Chälen Mountains, takes you to the magnificent lookout at Walegg, the highest point of the tour. The reward is a fantastic view of Bannalpsee. The path now continues in the direction of the lake located in the midst of gorgeous mountain scenery. After about an hour, the trail crosses Bannalp Creek, which feeds the lake.

Near Kreuzhütte, which can be reached by gondola, the path turns to the right, heading for Brisen Mountain along the green hillside and through the forest. After another hut (Haghütte) the pleasant trail turns again and begins to steepen somewhat for the remaining 600 altitude meters downhill. It takes a good hour to reach the Fell gondola station, but just a few minutes later you arrive in Oberrickenbach, the end of today’s stage.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Engelberg
Destination
Oberrickenbach
Direction
One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
1500 m
Ascent
1500 m
Descent
1600 m
Distance
22 km
Duration
8 h
Duration back
8 h 15 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
May - October
Theme
To an alp, With panoramic view
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

Nidwaldner Höhenweg

Stanserhorn - Emmetten, Stn. Niederbauen
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 4/6

Distance

22 km

Duration

8 h

Ascent

1500 m

Travel information: Engelberg

  • Engelberg Engelberg-Brunnihütte ticket from Engelberg in summer

    In summer, you can take the cable car from Engelberg to Ristis one way or round trip. Additionally,... from CHF 33
    Offer details


    valid: 11.11.2026 - 22.11.2026

    Learn more about Engelberg-Brunnihütte ticket from Engelberg in summer
  • Engelberg Seilpark Engelberg ticket

    In the Engelberg Rope Park, you climb from tree to tree on six courses, over suspension bridges,... from CHF 22
    Offer details


    valid: 01.05.2027 - 26.09.2027

    Learn more about Seilpark Engelberg ticket
  • Engelberg Trübsee Ticket from Engelberg

    Take the cable car "Titlis Xpress" from Engelberg to Trübsee at 1,764 meters above sea level. This... from CHF 38
    Offer details


    valid: 10.11.2026 - 30.04.2027

    Learn more about Trübsee Ticket from Engelberg
  • Engelberg Engelberg Brunni paragliding tandem

    Experience tandem paragliding over the sunny side of Engelberg. You'll discover a beautiful... from CHF 200
    Offer details


    valid: 11.11.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Engelberg Brunni paragliding tandem
  • Engelberg Guided E-MTB ride with a stop for refreshments in Engelberg

    Enjoy a relaxed E-MTB tour through the mountain scenery around Engelberg with a guide from... from CHF 330
    Offer details


    valid: 01.05.2027 - 31.10.2027

    Learn more about Guided E-MTB ride with a stop for refreshments in Engelberg
  • Engelberg Private snowshoe tour with a guide in Engelberg

    Experience the snow-covered mountain world of Engelberg on a private snowshoe tour. A guide from the... from CHF 190
    Offer details


    valid: 01.12.2026 - 30.04.2027

    Learn more about Private snowshoe tour with a guide in Engelberg
  • Engelberg Titlis Cableways

    * Return ticket for the cable car Engelberg-Titlis* Return ticket Ice Flyer chair lift* Access to... from CHF 124.65
    Offer details


    valid: 10.11.2026 - 07.02.2027

    Learn more about Titlis Cableways
  • Engelberg Fürenalp: Sledging with cable car ticket from Engelberg

    Take the cable car from Engelberg to Fürenalp and sled on the easy sledding trail without turns. The... from CHF 21
    Offer details


    valid: 05.12.2026 - 31.10.2027

    Learn more about Fürenalp: Sledging with cable car ticket from Engelberg
  • Engelberg Private splitboard or ski tour near Engelberg and Lucerne

    On a private splitboard or ski tour around Engelberg and Lucerne, you'll ascend quiet mountains... from CHF 620
    Offer details


    valid: 07.12.2026 - 14.03.2027

    Learn more about Private splitboard or ski tour near Engelberg and Lucerne
  • Engelberg Private Ski Lessons for Kids and Adults in Engelberg

    In your private ski course in Engelberg, you'll learn at your own pace, from the first snowplough to... from CHF 260
    Offer details


    valid: 11.12.2026 - 14.03.2027

    Learn more about Private Ski Lessons for Kids and Adults in Engelberg