Walenpfad High Trail
A classic high-altitude trail in Central Switzerland offering diverse alpine scenery, from blooming meadows to panoramic mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best weather and trail conditions
Walenpfad High Trail
Best Time
Best weather and trail conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic high-altitude trail in Central Switzerland offering diverse alpine scenery, from blooming meadows to panoramic mountain vistas.
"Magic trail with ever changing landscape, feels very diverse and refreshing... Absolutely worth doing it, one of the most beautiful trails in Switzerland."
🚊 Public Transport Access
Start at Brunni (via Engelberg cable car) and end at Bannalp, taking the gondola down to Ober-Rickenbach, then bus to Wolfenschiessen.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail has steep, secured sections; good hiking boots are a must for safety and comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Alpine Vistas
Throughout the trail
Experience breathtaking, ever-changing mountain scenery with blooming alpine meadows and diverse landscapes.
Bannalpsee Lake
Near Bannalp
A serene alpine lake offering a picturesque spot for a picnic and reflection amidst the mountains.
Secured Steep Sections
Towards Bannalp
Challenging yet rewarding segments with steel cables, offering a sense of adventure and secure passage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Alpine Adventure
Navigating the Trail with Ease
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚊 Public Transport Access
Start at Brunni (via Engelberg cable car) and end at Bannalp, taking the gondola down to Ober-Rickenbach, then bus to Wolfenschiessen.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail has steep, secured sections; good hiking boots are a must for safety and comfort.
💰 Cash for Gondola
Bring cash for the Bannalp gondola descent, as card payments might not always be an option.
☀️ Enjoy with Sun
The trail is best enjoyed with sunshine for optimal views and a pleasant picnic experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚊 Public Transport Access
Start at Brunni (via Engelberg cable car) and end at Bannalp, taking the gondola down to Ober-Rickenbach, then bus to Wolfenschiessen.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail has steep, secured sections; good hiking boots are a must for safety and comfort.
💰 Cash for Gondola
Bring cash for the Bannalp gondola descent, as card payments might not always be an option.
☀️ Enjoy with Sun
The trail is best enjoyed with sunshine for optimal views and a pleasant picnic experience.
⚠️ Check Conditions Early
Early season (May) may have snow; check if the path is marked as closed before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Walenpfad High Trail's magical and diverse landscapes, calling it one of Switzerland's most beautiful trails. The accessibility via public transport and the manageable difficulty for those in normal physical condition are frequently praised. However, some note that certain steep sections require surefootedness, and early season snow can impact accessibility.
"Magic trail with ever changing landscape, feels very diverse and refreshing... Not too difficult to walk, did everything in one go spending 3.5 hours... Absolutely worth doing it, one of the most beautiful trails in Switzerland"
Jochen Schmidmeir
"Best Calm route"
Eliza
"Beautiful trail in Engelberg. Start and endpoint connected with public transport."
Matthijs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Lucerne, take a train to Engelberg. From Engelberg, use the cable car up to Brunni, then continue to Ristis to begin the Walenpfad. The trail ends near Bannalp, from where you can take a gondola down and then a bus back to Wolfenschiessen, connecting to trains.
Yes, the Walenpfad High Trail is well-connected by public transport. You can start near Engelberg and end near Wolfenschiessen, with convenient bus and train connections available.
A popular and recommended starting point is from Engelberg, taking the cable car up to Brunni and then Ristis. This allows you to hike towards Bannalp.
While possible, hiking from Brunni towards Bannalp is generally recommended for a more scenic and logistically smoother experience with public transport connections.
The train journey from Zurich to Engelberg typically takes around 2 hours, offering scenic views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The trail itself is free to access. However, you will need tickets for the cable cars and gondolas used to reach the starting points and descend from the ending points.
The Fünrenalp cable car can be around $25 round trip, making it one of the more affordable options for accessing mountain trails.
Yes, there is a fee for the Bannalp gondola descent. It's advisable to have cash on hand for this, as card payments may not always be accepted.
Operating hours for the cable cars and gondolas vary by season. It's best to check the official websites of the respective cable car companies for the most up-to-date information.
Some Swiss Travel Passes may offer discounts or cover certain cable car routes. It's recommended to check the specific coverage of your pass before your trip.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Walenpfad is considered a moderate hike. It's about 12 km with around 600 meters of altitude gain, featuring some steep, secured sections. It's suitable for those in normal physical condition and older children.
The hike typically takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views and taking photos.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing layers suitable for mountain weather, and bring rain gear just in case.
Some sections are steep and secured with steel cables, requiring surefootedness. Early in the season, snow can be an issue. Always check trail conditions.
Yes, it's considered ideal for families and mountain lovers, with older children being able to manage the hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The trail offers constantly changing landscapes, from alpine meadows to panoramic mountain views. Don't miss the views around Bannalpsee.
Morning light often provides beautiful soft lighting for landscapes, while late afternoon can offer dramatic shadows and golden hour hues.
Drone regulations vary by region in Switzerland. It's essential to research and comply with local rules and restrictions before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas, and a telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks or wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The entire trail is a viewpoint! However, the area around Bannalpsee and the highest points of the trail offer particularly stunning, unobstructed vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the trip easier for families, consider starting from Engelberg and hiking towards Bannalp. The cable car access to the starting point and the gondola descent at the end simplify logistics. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for some steeper sections secured with cables, which can add an exciting element for kids.
🚶 Casual Hikers
Starting from Brunni (via Engelberg cable car) and hiking towards Bannalp offers a rewarding experience. The trail is described as 'magic' with an 'ever changing landscape' and is not too difficult to walk, often completed in around 3.5 hours. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for the Bannalp gondola.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Walenpfad: A Classic Alpine Hike
This trail is particularly noted for its accessibility via public transport, making it a convenient option for day-trippers from cities like Lucerne. The route typically involves taking a cable car from Engelberg up to Brunni, then hiking the Walenpfad towards Bannalp. From Bannalp, another gondola descends to Ober-Rickenbach, followed by a bus ride to Wolfenschiessen, where train connections are available. This well-integrated transport system allows for a seamless point-to-point hike.
While generally manageable, the Walenpfad does feature some steep sections that are secured with steel cables, adding an element of adventure. Hikers should be sure-footed and wear appropriate footwear. Early in the season, snow can linger on the path, potentially requiring a return or alternative route, so checking conditions is advised. Despite these considerations, the trail's beauty and the sense of accomplishment make it a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting the region.
Navigating the Walenpfad: Logistics and Tips
Upon reaching the Bannalp area, hikers can descend via the Bannalp gondola. It's important to note that this gondola often requires payment in cash, so carrying sufficient Swiss Francs is essential. From Ober-Rickenbach, where the gondola terminates, a bus service connects to Wolfenschiessen. From Wolfenschiessen, you can easily catch a train back to Engelberg or continue to Lucerne. This multi-modal approach makes the Walenpfad a fantastic point-to-point hike without the need for a car.
For those concerned about trail conditions, especially early in the season (May), it's wise to check local reports. Snow can sometimes block sections of the path, and if marked as closed, it's best to heed the warnings. The trail is approximately 12 km long with an elevation gain of about 600 meters, typically taking around 3.5 to 4 hours to complete. The diverse scenery, from lush meadows to rugged mountain paths, ensures a memorable trek.
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