The route I propose runs through the two cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden.
To start, head to the small town of Engelberg. It has fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, but its fame reaches far beyond the borders of Switzerland. It is a well-known centre for winter sports and alpine tourism.
It is particularly well-known to ski jumping fans. This is the home of the Gross-Titlis-Schanze, which hosts the annual World Cup competitions.
However, the trail starts more than 800 metres higher, at Brunnihütte SAC. We covered this section with two mountain railways. We travelled the first section from Engelberg to Ristis by gondola and the second section to Brunnihütte by chairlift.
SAC – Swiss Alpine Club
For those who are not yet familiar with the abbreviation SAC, let me explain that it stands for Swiss Alpine Club (Schweizer Alpen-Club). The association was founded in 1863 on the initiative of Rudolf Theodor Simler.
The maintenance of 153 mountain huts in the Swiss Alps is now only part of the association’s activities. To name but a few: promoting young mountain athletes, organising competitions or engaging in the protection of the mountain environment. SAC is also a co-founder (with REGA) of the rescue organisation Alpine Rettung Schweiz. And that’s not all …
A few words about the route
As far as the route is concerned, the start is almost flat, with the path following green mountain slopes and through the forest. The views are stunning right from the start, as you can see in the attached photos.
After a short descent and a renewed climb, you reach Walegg station. Just beyond it, the view of Lake Bannalp, idyllically located in the midst of the mountains, opens up.
Lake Bannalp
This artificial lake was created after the construction of a dam and power station in Oberrickenbach between 1935 and 1937. This was not without scandal. Apparently, the decision to build the power station was taken against the wishes of politicians and businessmen, which led to a small reshuffle in the canton’s ruling team. However, this does not change the fact that the site is very picturesque.
At Bannalp Lake itself, you can end the hike and take the mountain railway (Bannalpsee – Fellboden) down.
Of course, the descent is also attractive, but at the same time quite steep and leads largely through the forest.
Finally, there are several mountain inns along the route where you can eat and drink. And regional delicacies are sold at the Oberfeld station.
