Via ferrata Graustock including Schafberg near Engelberg/Titlis

Tip
5.21 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: difficult
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Via ferrata
  • 3:05 h
  • 5.21 km
  • 451 m
  • 449 m
  • 2,202 m
  • 2,659 m
  • 457 m
  • Start: Mountain station Jochpass (2,213 m)
  • Destination: Mountain station Jochpass

The via ferrata on the Graustock (2661 m) allows the direct ascent of the mountain via an exposed ridge with breathtaking views down into its north face and of Engelberg. An easier variant K3/K4 is possible.

The via ferrata on the Graustock (2661 m) offers us a mix of mountain path and overcoming partly steep and exposed rock ascents. We can expect breathtaking views down into the 700 m high north face of the Graustock and into the Engelberg valley. From the summit, we enjoy a magnificent panorama of the peaks Titlis, Spannort, Rigi, Mittelland, and Pilatus, as well as the Bernese peaks Wetterhörner, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn.

For less experienced climbers, it is also possible to ascend to the Schafberg (easier via ferrata, K3-K4) and exit there. From Schafberg, you can exit to the left and walk to the hiking trail marked white-red-white. From there, there is a hiking trail up to the ridge in front of the Graustock.

In early summer, large snow cornices can still protrude over the ridge, and snow bridges over the karst areas can collapse when stepped on. So caution is advised in these places! Orientation is easy in good visibility; in poor visibility, the descent can be challenging. The ridge is southeast-exposed. 

Good to know

Pavements

Unknown
Trail
Path
Via ferrata

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Approach:

We take the Engelberg-Trübsee gondola lift first to the Trübsee station, then continue by chairlift up to the Jochpass (2207 m).

Route Description:

From Jochpass, a sign points us to the white-blue-white marked trail. We follow the southeast ridge of the Graustock to the first ascent (20 meters elevation). The cable leads us to the Rot Nollen point (2309 m, Swisstopo, A/B). The marked trail leads us to the second rocky ascent (60 meters elevation). Over grass and rock, it continues steeply along cables to Schafberg (2522 m). From here, the marked trail leads over rock slabs and scree to the steepest ascent on the ridge. Slightly left of the main ridge, the route leads over an approximately 80 m high pillar (C/D rating) using steps and stirrups upwards to the next saddle. We follow the trail until we return to the actual ridge and ascend it with the help of cables to the summit at 2661 m.

Descent:

From the summit, we follow the cables along our ascent route back to the marked junction. There, we turn right and descend south step by step into the Schaftal. We always follow the white-blue-white markings until our path at point 2324 m (Swisstopo) meets the white-red-white marked hiking trail, which leads us left back to the Jochpass.

Tour information

  • Loop Road

  • Mountain Railway Tour

  • Stop at an Inn

  • Summit

Equipment

Via ferrata equipment with rockfall helmet and via ferrata gloves.

Directions & Parking facilities

On the A2 motorway to the Stans Süd exit, then continue on the cantonal road to Engelberg

Parking lot of the Engelberg-Trübsee gondola lift in Engelberg

By train to Engelberg station, then by gondola lift and chairlift to the Jochpass

Additional information

Author

Engelberg - Titlis Tourismus

Organization

Engelberg-Titlis Tourismus

Safety guidelines

The via ferrata is not suitable for beginners, sure-footedness and freedom from vertigo are prerequisites. It is recommended to check the current weather report for the destination region.

Nearby

Contact

Via ferrata Graustock including Schafberg near Engelberg/Titlis
3862 Innertkirchen