Walenpfad Panorama Trail, Engelberg, Switzerland

Walenpfad Panorama Trail is a point-to-point day hike in the Walenstöcke mountains in the Urner Alps (aka Uri Alps) above Engelberg Valley in Switzerland. 

From Brunnihütte to Bannalp, this high mountain trail traverses the western flank of Walenstöcke, crossing mountain pastures and tracing balcony-band paths.

The mountain views are grandiose throughout, offering dreamy outlooks towards Titlis, the Stanserhorn-Engelberg ridge, the Sättelistock peaks, and Lake Bannalpsee. 

The Walenpfad hike begins with a cableway ascent from Engelberg to Brunnihütte and ends with a cableway descent from Chrüzhütte to Fell. From Fell, there is a bus connection to Wolfenschiessen train station in Engelberg Valley. And from Wolfenschiessen, there are direct trains to both Engelberg and Lucerne. 

Despite the logistics involved, this is a must-do hike if you’re visiting Engelberg, or the Lake Lucerne Region in summer, or early autumn.

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Walenpfad Hiking Map

To view an interactive map of this trail, check out our 5-Day Lucerne Itinerary for Hikers.

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Essential Trail Info

Hiking Season | The trail is usually open between the beginning of July and the end of October. 

Trail Direction | The Walenpfad trail can be hiked in either direction. Some sections unfold more beautifully heading north, while others unfold more majestically heading south. We recommend hiking in the direction that works best for you. 

Difficulty | This is a moderate (T2), mostly smooth hiking trail. There is no technical difficulty. Even so, this is a mountain hike and it’s important to wear proper footwear and bring sufficient water. Some sections of the balcony trail are narrow with steep drops on one-side. These sections are all secured with cable fencing.

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Where to Start the Walenpfad Hike: Ristis, or Brunnihütte

From the town center of Engelberg, walk 15 minutes, or take the free bus to the Brunni cableway valley station. 

The Brunni cableway is an aerial cableway connecting Engelberg to Ristis. 

The Walenpfad Panorama Trail hike officially starts at Ristis. However, you can trim off additional elevation by further ascending to Brunnihütte with the Ristis-Brunnihütte chairlift. 

Note: the Ristis-Brunnihütte chairlift is not included in the Walenpfad Ticket, but can be purchased at a reduced price. 

We started the hike at Brunnihütte (1859 m). 

Tickets | There are a few ticket options available. You can purchase a ticket that includes the cableways only (Engelberg to Ristis cableway and Chrüzhütte to Fell cableway), or a ticket that includes the cableways and the additional transit needed to return to Engelberg (Fell/Oberrickenbach – Wolfenschiessen post bus and Wolfenschiessen – Engelberg train). 

For pricing and further information, consult brunni.ch.

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Walenpfad Hiking Trail Description

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Brunnihütte to Walenalp (1:20 hours)

Brunnihütte’s panoramic terrace overlooks the glaciated Titlis, sandwiched between an ensemble of peaks, towering above rolling pastures and woodland. 

It feels difficult – almost irreverent –  to turn your back on Titlis. But, you’ll find that the rewards are many when you venture left around the Härzlisee lake onto the Walenpfad.

For about 20 minutes, the traverse cuts a level path across grassy slopes in a northwesterly direction.

Across Engelberg Valley, you can see all the peaks of the Stanserhorn-Engelberg ridge. 

From the Sädelegg (1864 m) junction and viewpoint, the path ascends for the first time. Hike in the direction of Walenalp, now signed 50 minutes. 

The Walenpfad trail levels across the western flank of Walenstöcke, where cattle graze in summer. Next, the path descends through forest and then joins a gravel road to Walenalp. 

You’ll pass a picnic area before reaching Walenalp (1670 m), dwarfed by the imposing Walenstöcke peaks. 

Walenalp is a privately-owned hut that sometimes sells drinks and small plates. The opening hours are unknown. 

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Walenalp to Walegg (55 minutes)

Follow the gravel farm road in an easterly direction. The wide track rises steadily across pastureland. This is the most rigorous ascent of the whole hike. 

At the Walegg viewpoint (1951 m), a grandiose landscape of sky-piercing peaks and velvet green slopes awaits you. 

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Walegg to Alp Oberfeld  (45 minutes)

The way ahead is clearly etched across the mountainside, descending at first and then contouring around the steep corrugated slopes of Rund (2267 m). 

Cable fencing runs along the narrow path, providing a safety barrier. 

The balcony trail leads to a ridge viewpoint overlooking the rectangular Lake Bannalpsee. High above the lake, you’ll see the Alp Oberfeld hut standing at the edge of a high alpine pasture,  the next destination along the Walenpfad Panorama Trail. 

Turn right and hike up the ridge. Soon the path veers left, leaving the crest. Timber and cable fencing continues to flank the trail. 

Descend to Alp Oberfeld, savoring the deliriously stunning view of the Chli Sättelistock, a serrated, pointed peak nestled between stone giants.  

The trail descends in serpentines to the idyllic Oberfeld Alm, which serves drinks, homemade cakes, daily soups, and plates of cheese and meats, sourced directly from their alpine farm. Cash only. 

We enjoyed a long lunch here. 

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Alp Oberfeld to Berggasthaus Urnerstaffel (45 minutes)

The path winds across a basin, nearing but never crossing the silver mountain scree that bleeds into the green meadows.

After passing through a pasture gate, the path curves east, crossing the slopes high above Lake Bannalpsee. Ignore the path that plunges down to the lakeshore and maintain the same direction. 

The trail progresses across pastures and a stream to reach Urnerstafel mountain inn (1690 m). From here, it’s a 15-minute hike to the Banalp Chrüzhütte hut and cableway mountain station. 

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Berggasthaus Urnerstaffel  – Chrüzhütte – Chrüzhütte-Fell Cableway Mountain Station (15 minute)

Follow the paved and later gravel road to Chrüzhütte. This charming hut sells homemade cakes and drinks. 

Just beyond the hut, you’ll see the Chrüzhütte-Fell Cableway Mountain Station. This snug aerial cableway fits 15 people and runs automatically at 30-minute intervals. 

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Where to Stay in Engelberg

Budget | Ski Lodge Engelberg is a centrally-located boutique hotel in Engelberg with modern rooms,  a bar, and on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included. 

Where we stayed – Midrange | Bellevue-Terminus – Urban Lifestyle Hotel is an excellent hotel with stylish rooms and a wonderful breakfast, located across from the Engelberg train station. Extra Perk: complimentary tea and coffee makers on each floor of the hotel. 

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Alpenclub is a centrally-located hotel with rustic alpine-style rooms, a spa area, and restaurant. Guests love the breakfast, romantic atmosphere, and helpful staff. 

More places to stay in Engelberg | Engelberg Youth Hostel (budget), H+ Hotel & SPA Engelberg (midrange), Hotel Bänklialp (midrange), Hotel Sonnwendhof Engelberg (luxury), Hotel Waldegg – Adults only (luxury), VILLA HUNDERT Boutique Mountainscape (luxury), and Kempinski Palace Engelberg (luxury).

Find an accommodation in Engelberg.

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Keep Reading about Switzerland

Lake Lucerne Region:

• 2-Day Stanserhorn-Engelberg Hike
• Stoos Ridge Hike

Appenzell:

• Appenzell (Appenzellerland) Region Guide 
• Appenzell Village: Hotels, Restaurants, and Museums 
• Best Hikes in Appenzell
• 3-Day Alpstein High Trail Trek

Alps:

• Best Hikes in the Alps
• Summer in the Alps

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