Nidwaldner Zentrumsweg, Stage 2/2

From Niederrickenbach it is a constant climb that eventually leads to the highest point of the hike - Buochserhorn with its wonderful panoramic views. Over alpine meadows and through shady forests, hikers pass the geographical center of central Switzerland on their way down to Buochs.

From the Niederrickenbach Dorf stop, the mountain trail immediately begins its long ascent. It crosses open slopes to Bleikigrat and continues up to the Buochserhorn. After just under an hour and a half, the highest point is reached at over 1,800 metres. Standing alone at the entrance to the Engelberg valley, the Buochserhorn is the highest elevation located entirely within the canton of Nidwalden.

The considerably longer descent now begins. Across open pastures and later through extensive forest, the route loses a total of around 1,400 metres in elevation. It follows white-red-white-marked mountain trails almost all the way down to the lowlands; only for the final two kilometres or so does the path become wider and easier. The Waldkapelle stands directly beside the route in the forest. The trail then descends to Buochs and passes the Sebastians-Kapelle. The destination is near the Buochs, Post stop; Lake Lucerne lies a little off the route. Just under four and a half hours should be allowed for the eleven kilometres.