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Walenstock peaks circular hike

Route
Hiking Trail
Length
24.5 km
Travel time
approx. 9 ½ h
Tour details
Tour details
Walenstock peaks circular hike
Hiking group on the way towards the snow field
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, Nidwalden Tourismus
Walenstock peaks circular hike
Rugghubelhütte SAC
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, Nidwalden Tourismus
Walenstock peaks circular hike
Hiking group, on the way towards Rot Grätli
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, Nidwalden Tourismus
Walenstock peaks circular hike
Hiking group on the way on the snow field, behind the Rot Grätli
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, Nidwalden Tourismus
Walenstock peaks circular hike
Bannalper Schonegg with view towards lake Bannalpsee
Photo: Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg AG, Nidwalden Tourismus
Walenstock peaks circular hike
Lake Bannalp
Photo: Nidwalden Tourismus, Nidwalden Tourismus
Walenstock peaks circular hike
Lake Härzli next to the Brunnihütte SAC
Photo: Caroline Pirskanen, Nidwalden Tourismus
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Ristis – Rigidal – Rugghubel – Rot Grättli – Bannalper Schonegg – Bannalp - Ristis
An impressive hike around the 7 Walenstock peaks in a tranquil, protected mountainous terrain. It starts and ends in Ristis.

Technical details

Tour type
Hiking Trail
Starting point
Ristis
Point of arrival
Ristis
Difficulty
Medium
Condition
0 / 6
Ascent
1570 m
Descent
1569 m
Best Time of Year
July, August, September
Directions
It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Älplerbeizli Rigidal alp restaurant. The ascent continues to the Rugghubelhütte refuge (alt. 2290 m) and up to the Rot Grätli (alt. 2559 m), the highest point of the tour. Behind the Rot Grätli there is still snow in some places in high summer. Continue over the Bannalper Schonegg (alt. 2250 m) down to the Urnerstafel at Lake Bannalp (alt. 1690 m). There follows the ascent to the Walegg (alt. 1951 m), then the descent to Walenalp (alt. 1675 m) and over the Stock or Rosenbold back to Ristis.
Safety information
The Walenstöcke circular hike is demanding. Sturdy footwear is essential due to the snow fields that lie behind the Rot Grätli, depending on the season. A very good level of fitness is required. July is the earliest it can be tackled, depending on the snow conditions.
Author’s advice
The hike can alternatively be done as a leisurely two-day tour. The following five accommodation options are available along the way:

- Berglodge Restaurant Ristis
- Brunnihütte SAC
- Rugghubelhütte SAC
- Berggasthaus Urnerstaffel
- Berggasthaus Bannalpsee

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Good to know

Parking
A large parking area is available at the Brunni-Bahnen Engelberg.
Arrival / Return journey
Route planner to Engelberg
Accessible by bus and train
No
Public transport
SBB Timetable
Further information & links
Tourism information:

Nidwalden Tourismus
Bahnhofplatz 2
6370 Stans
+41 (0)41 610 88 33
infonidwalden.com
www.nidwalden.com 

Link: 
Brunni
nidwalden.com/hiking