Nidwaldner Zentrumsweg, Stage 1/2

From Stans the route leads to the town square in Wil on the Aa River. The path continues along the Engelberg portion of the Aa and rises up to the geographical center of the canton - an attractive vantage point. Farther uphill lies the village of Niederrickenbach.

From Stans railway station, the route initially leads through the village centre. It passes the Church of St Peter and Paul, a cultural property of national significance, before continuing to Oberdorf. Settlements and open meadows still characterise the valley floor; the hiking trail then gradually leaves the built-up area behind via Büren.

After around two-thirds of the route, the character of the hike changes. The mountain trail now climbs more steeply and enters the forest. The Mittelpunkt von Nidwalden barbecue site offers an opportunity for a rest. The long ascent then continues without any significant intervening descents. Over the ten kilometres, the total elevation gain is around 740 metres.

Towards the end, the first houses signal the approach to Niederrickenbach. The route passes the Chapel of St Mary im Ahorn and reaches its highest point at around 1'160 m shortly before the destination. After a good three and a half hours, the hike ends in Niederrickenbach; the Niederrickenbach Dorf stop is just under 300 m away.