Nidwaldner Höhenweg, Stage 4/6

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.

From Engelberg railway station, the route initially leads through the village and past the monastery church. The long ascent soon begins. Woodland and open pastures alternate as the mountain path steadily gains height. After a good two hours, the Brunnihütte SAC is reached at 1,860 m. It stands beside Härzlisee and is an ideal spot for a first extended break.

The white-red-white marked trail crosses alpine pastures to Walenalp. The terrain then becomes rougher. Shortly before Walegg, the hike reaches its highest point at just under 1,960 m. The long descent now begins, initially with views of Bannalpsee, a reservoir in the canton of Nidwalden. Later, the trail re-enters the forest and descends via Fell to Oberrickenbach. After around eight hours and 22 kilometres, this demanding hike ends near the Oberrickenbach, alte Post bus stop.