--- title: "Walenpfad Ristis–Bannalp" url: "https://www.luzern.com/en/tour/walenpfad-ristis-bannalp" description: "The starting point of this hiking trail is Ristis, which can be reached by cable car from Engelberg. Before starting, there is another opportunity to stop here. In addition to a toboggan run, there is a large playground for families. The first section climbs to Hätzlisee near the Brunni hut. On two medicinal herb paths around the lake, medicinal plants can be observed in their natural environment. Around Hätzlisee, the Kitzelpfad also leads, a beautifully designed barefoot path. Without shoes and socks, you can feel sand, pebbles, water, or wood chips under your feet. Initially almost flat over lush alpine meadows and through forest, after a short descent and an ascent, the Walenalp is reached. Here, the fireplace with a view far into the Central Plateau invites you to linger. Next follows the longest ascent of the tour up to Walegg. The reward: a wonderful view of Bannalpsee, over the Engelberg valley, and of the surrounding mountain world. Prominent peaks are Brisen and Buochser Horn. The surroundings change significantly now: it becomes wilder, rugged rock faces, scree slopes, and jagged peaks surround the hikers. They now face the steep passage through the Walengräben. The path is narrow and requires sure-footedness but is well secured. All the more magnificent afterwards is the view of Bannalpsee. Always downhill, the Ziegenalp Oberdorf follows, another highlight of the tour. Here you can taste products from own production, such as goat cheese, meat, or yogurt. The ending is pleasant again: via Oberfeld and Unterstafel, you hike to the Chrüzhütte cable car station with a splendid view of the dreamy Bannalpsee. Those who have time can take a break at Bannalp, a true gem of the canton of Nidwalden. The pre-alpine high valley is surrounded by mighty peaks. Fireplaces with wood supplies invite you to linger." language: "en" type: "SportsActivityLocation" image: "https://dam.destination.one/3989311/59fe542f43c320029f8d40bd2776665fb85709e81295996bd4dd472e8007676a/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Welcome to Lucerne > Special > Destination.Data Details > Tour" --- GPX Share Walenpfad Ristis–Bannalp ======================== - Tip - 11.38 km long - Difficulty: medium - Condition: easy - Great panorama - Hike Magnificent high-altitude hike from the Brunni area to the Bannalp area. The backdrop: the mountain world with the Walenstöcke and a panorama reaching into the Central Plateau. First over meadows, the path becomes increasingly alpine and passes by the idyllic Bannalpsee.From October 25, 2025, the safety installations along the path will be removed. The starting point of this hiking trail is Ristis, which can be reached by cable car from Engelberg. Before starting, there is another opportunity to stop here. In addition to a toboggan run, there is a large playground for families. The first section climbs to Hätzlisee near the Brunni hut. On two medicinal herb paths around the lake, medicinal plants can be observed in their natural environment. Around Hätzlisee, the Kitzelpfad also leads, a beautifully designed barefoot path. Without shoes and socks, you can feel sand, pebbles, water, or wood chips under your feet. Initially almost flat over lush alpine meadows and through forest, after a short descent and an ascent, the Walenalp is reached. Here, the fireplace with a view far into the Central Plateau invites you to linger. Next follows the longest ascent of the tour up to Walegg. The reward: a wonderful view of Bannalpsee, over the Engelberg valley, and of the surrounding mountain world. Prominent peaks are Brisen and Buochser Horn. The surroundings change significantly now: it becomes wilder, rugged rock faces, scree slopes, and jagged peaks surround the hikers. They now face the steep passage through the Walengräben. The path is narrow and requires sure-footedness but is well secured. All the more magnificent afterwards is the view of Bannalpsee. Always downhill, the Ziegenalp Oberdorf follows, another highlight of the tour. Here you can taste products from own production, such as goat cheese, meat, or yogurt. The ending is pleasant again: via Oberfeld and Unterstafel, you hike to the Chrüzhütte cable car station with a splendid view of the dreamy Bannalpsee. Those who have time can take a break at Bannalp, a true gem of the canton of Nidwalden. The pre-alpine high valley is surrounded by mighty peaks. Fireplaces with wood supplies invite you to linger. Read more - 4:00 h - 11.38 km - 780 m - 660 m - 1,598 m - 1,953 m - 355 m - - Start: Ristis - Destination: Bannalp Waypoints --------- View on map Start Start Ristis - Fireplace - Playground - Lake Destination Destination Bannalp Show more Good to know ------------ Pavements Asphalt (3%) Trail (13%) Path (84%) Best to visit suitable Depends on weather - Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec Directions Engelberg / Ristis – Härzlisee / Brunnihütte – Walenalp – Walegg – Walengräben – Oberfeld – Unterstafel – Chrüzhütte / Bannalp Read more Additional information - - Read more Author Engelberg - Titlis Tourismus Organization Engelberg-Titlis Tourismus Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author **Small cable cars on the route:** - - Fellboden-Bannalp - - Bord Bahn Alternatively, the two small cable cars can be used Read more Safety guidelines The Walenpfad is "closed" from Monday, October 20, 2025. From then on, the safety installations along the path will be removed. Read more Nearby ------ View on map - Event - mental exercise - Gastronomy - concert - Place of interest - summer toboggan run - Adventure Trail - Fireplace - Tours 8.86 km - Hike 24.81 km - Hike 22.30 km - Hike Download GPX file - - - -