Hike /Schweiz Mobil
ViaSbrinz
StansstadPonte (I)
- Distance
- 115.0 km
- Duration
- –
- Ascent
- 6300 m
- Descent
- 5400 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Fitness
- Hard
- Route type
- One way
- Season
- May - October
01/ Overview
The route
In the late Middle Ages, the «Sbrinz» hard cheese became a top Inner Switzerland export at the markets of Northern Italy. Not least because the mule track over the Grimsel and Gries Passes became a well- developed trade route.
The hike begins at the Stansstad (See) stop, directly on Lake Lucerne. From Stans, the route leads up the valley, initially through built-up areas, then alternating between woodland and open meadows. Beyond Grafenort, the long ascent into the high valley of Engelberg begins. Passing Eugenisee, the route continues to Trüebsee and along mountain paths to Engstlensee.
Across alpine pastures and wooded slopes, the route leads to Innertkirchen, where it follows the Aare for a short stretch. It then climbs via Guttannen into the Grimsel region. Räterichsbodensee and Grimselsee lie directly on the route; near Totesee, the watershed close to the Grimsel Pass is crossed. The descent ends in Obergesteln.
The final major ascent now follows. Above the tree line, the terrain becomes barer and rockier. The mountain path reaches the 2,487-metre Gries Pass and, shortly afterwards, the highest point of the entire tour at just over 2,500 metres. Heading south, the final section leads across open slopes to Ponte in Italy. The destination is not served by public transport; the nearest stop, Rossboda (Grossalp), is around seven kilometres away.
02/ Along the route
What's along the way
Where the route climbs and where it descends. Hover the profile to find the spot on the map.
03/ Conditions
Current conditions
What to know before you set off. Closures and snow are re-checked every day.
Staldifeld
From 1 Jun 2026 – Until 18 Dec 2026
Doppelspurausbau Zentralbahn Staldifeld
Staldifeld II
From 1 Jun 2026 – Until 18 Dec 2026
Doppelspurausbau Zentralbahn Staldifeld
Aaschlucht-Schwändliloch
From 1 Sept 2026 – Until 31 Mar 2027
Das alte Wegteilstück zwischen Aaschlucht und Schwändliloch bleibt gesperrt (zerstörte Brücke). Die Sperrung dauert voraussichtlich bis Ende März 2027. Der neue Wegabschnitt zwischen Aaschlucht und Schwändiloch ist offen und begehbar.
How we check: Every night we match the route against the official closures and detours from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Any reported closure that touches the route shows up here.
How we check: We look up a live public transport connection from your starting point to the stop closest to the trailhead. If it ends further away, the nearest stop may be a cable car or bus that isn't running right now.
How we check: Snow depth estimated daily at the lowest and the highest point of the route. Estimates: check the situation on site.
04/ Getting there
Getting there
From your door to the trailhead and home again, by train and bus or by car. Computed live from the timetable.
Or from
Outbound
Return
05/ Weather
Weather on the way
Forecast for the lowest and the highest point of the route.
Weather
06/ Trail & landscape
Trail & landscape
Which paths you walk on and the landscape they lead through.
07/ Snow
Snow on the route
Snow depths, new snow and forecast. Estimates: check the situation on site before you set off.
Snow Info
Comparative snow depth is only available from November 1 to June 30.
08/ Export
Take the route with you
Load the track onto your GPS device, print a route sheet for the trail or send the route to your hiking group.
Share
Send the link to friends or your hiking group.
Export GPX File
For hiking apps, GPS watches and navigation devices.
Print Route Sheet
A4 with map, elevation profile, waypoints and emergency numbers.
