Pure variety on Switzerland’s picturesque Nidwalden Höhenweg
Hiking Collection by Tobias Büttel
6
days
4-9 h
/ day
58.8 mi
15,950 ft
16,725 ft
The Nidwaldner Höhenweg (High Trail) leads you along six varied stages around the picturesque Engelberg Valley. Along the way, magnificent views of countless lakes, the surrounding mountains and the glaciated 4,000-metre peaks of the Bernese Alps await you. You hike across flowering mountain meadows, through ancient forests and past glittering alpine lakes, while discovering the region’s wonderful flora and fauna. Meals and nights in cosy mountain huts are all part of the experience too.
There’s plenty of variety on the hike. In addition to its natural splendour, you also discover two old monasteries. You experience thrills on the ascent to the Stanserhorn, with the world's first convertible cable car. The overnight stays are also varied. In addition to spectacular huts high up in the mountains, you also spend a night in lively Engelberg. The alpine nature of the trails means that surefootedness and sturdy shoes are necessary.
The canton of Nidwalden is also known as the ‘cable car canton’. Countless cable cars connect remote alpine pastures and meadows with the valley. On the way, you have the option of shortening sections by using these facilities. You find more detailed information in the Tour descriptions.
The best time of year is from the end of June to the end of September. Check the conditions of the trails beforehand and book your accommodation in advance. At high altitudes, snowfields can persist into the summer. Check the weather forecast before setting off and pack suitable rain gear, warm clothing and sun protection.
You can reach the start and end points by public transport. More information on the timetables: sbb.ch/en/fahrplan.html.
I wish you lots of fun on the Nidwaldner Höhenweg and many unforgettable moments. Enjoy the magnificent views and the tranquillity of nature.
On The Map
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Last updated: February 22, 2023
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Tours
- 06:128.32 mi1.3 mph2,750 ft2,875 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The first stage begins in a relaxed manner with the ascent to the Stanserhorn mountain station from Stans. If you have a head for heights, you can enjoy the wonderful view on the open deck of the world's first convertible cable car. In the revolving restaurant at the mountain station you can strengthen…
- 04:107.98 mi1.9 mph2,125 ft1,600 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The second stage takes you from the Storeggpass to the summer and winter sports resort of Melchsee-Frutt. From the pass, which forms the border between the cantons of Nidwalden and Obwalden, you have a wonderful view of the striking Walenstöcke.
You descend on the Obwaldner side to the Denalp. There is…
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- 07:2712.9 mi1.7 mph1,700 ft4,650 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The third stage takes you past four beautiful mountain lakes to the monastery village of Engelberg. Around 21 kilometers challenge your stamina. However, you will be rewarded with wonderful views of the Swiss mountains along the way.
You start on the banks of the Melchsee, where anglers catch fresh trout…
- 09:1013.9 mi1.5 mph4,075 ft4,425 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
At 22 kilometers and around 1,300 meters in altitude, the fourth stage is the most strenuous of the Höhenweg. However, you can save around 800 meters in altitude with the help of the cable cars. The Brunni cable cars run from Engelberg to Ristis and from there to the Brunnihütte.
Passing the monastery…
- 04:558.13 mi1.7 mph3,700 ft900 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The fifth stage takes you via the Benediktusweg to Niederrickenbach and on to the Brisenhaus. If you stayed in Wolfenschiessen, you can shorten the route and take the cable car up to Brändlen.
You can walk to Brändlen in around an hour. From here you have a wonderful view over the valley. You hike through…
- 04:337.52 mi1.7 mph1,625 ft2,275 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The last stage takes you along a wildlife observation trail to the Emmetten-Niederbauen mountain station, while enjoying wonderful views of Lake Lucerne along the way.
From the Brisenhaus you first hike comfortably downhill in the direction of Stafel. Soon you will follow the Emmetten wildlife observation…
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Collection Stats
- Tours6
- Distance58.8 mi
- Duration36:26 h
- Elevation15,950 ft16,725 ft
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