Walenstock peaks circular hike

Route

Hiking Trail

Length

24.5 km

Travel time

approx. 9 ½ h

Hiking group on the way towards the snow field
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, CC BY-ND, Nidwalden Tourismus

Rugghubelhütte SAC
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, CC BY-ND, Nidwalden Tourismus

Hiking group, on the way towards Rot Grätli
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, CC BY-ND, Nidwalden Tourismus

Hiking group on the way on the snow field, behind the Rot Grätli
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, CC BY-ND, Nidwalden Tourismus

Bannalper Schonegg with view towards lake Bannalpsee
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, CC BY-ND, Nidwalden Tourismus

Lake Bannalp
Photo: Nidwalden Tourismus, CC BY, Nidwalden Tourismus

Lake Härzli next to the Brunnihütte SAC
Photo: Caroline Pirskanen, CC BY-ND, Nidwalden Tourismus

Ristis – Rigidal – Rugghubel – Rot Grättli – Bannalper Schonegg – Bannalp - Ristis

An impressive hike around the 7 Walenstock peaks in a tranquil, protected mountainous terrain. It starts and ends in Ristis.

Technical details

Tour type: Hiking Trail
Starting point: Ristis
Point of arrival: Ristis
Difficulty: Medium
Condition: 4 / 6
Ascent: 1570 m
Descent: 1569 m
Best Time of Year: July, August, September
Directions: It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Älplerbeizli Rigidal alp restaurant. The ascent continues to the Rugghubelhütte refuge (alt. 2290 m) and up to the Rot Grätli (alt. 2559 m), the highest point of the tour. Behind the Rot Grätli there is still snow in some places in high summer. Continue over the Bannalper Schonegg (alt. 2250 m) down to the Urnerstafel at Lake Bannalp (alt. 1690 m). There follows the ascent to the Walegg (alt. 1951 m), then the descent to Walenalp (alt. 1675 m) and over the Stock or Rosenbold back to Ristis.
Safety information: The Walenstöcke circular hike is demanding. Sturdy footwear is essential due to the snow fields that lie behind the Rot Grätli, depending on the season. A very good level of fitness is required. July is the earliest it can be tackled, depending on the snow conditions.
Author’s advice: The hike can alternatively be done as a leisurely two-day tour. The following five accommodation options are available along the way:
- Berglodge Restaurant Ristis
- Brunnihütte SAC
- Rugghubelhütte SAC
- Berggasthaus Urnerstaffel
- Berggasthaus Bannalpsee
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Parking

A large parking area is available at the Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg.

Arrival / Return journey

Route planner to Engelberg

Accessible by bus and train

Public transport

SBB Timetable

Further information & links

Tourism information:

Nidwalden Tourismus
Bahnhofplatz 2
6370 Stans
+41 (0)41 610 88 33
info@nidwalden.com
www.nidwalden.com