Hiking

Via Alpina
Stage 7, Altdorf (UR)–Engelberg

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Via Alpina
Stage 7, Altdorf (UR)–Engelberg
When the work is done, it’s time for fun: After a steep section, the trail leads over a scenic ridge to the historic Surenenpass. The rock bastions on Brunnistock and the valley basin are imposing. A varied valley trail leads to the monastery town of Engelberg.
After a leisurely warm-up over the Reuss plain of Uri to the tranquil village of Attinghausen, things get brutal: the ascent to Brüsti is steep, zigzagging along old sunk into the meadow. Once we’ve overcome the altitude difference of around 1,000 metres, the reward awaits at the top: a wonderful view of the Reuss plain, Lake Uri, the Schächen valley opposite and the two Windgällen mountains.
While the first section was mostly tough, the route now becomes more exciting – and narrow. Following the ridge with its rich Alpine flora, we hike towards the Surenen Pass, which is almost always in sight. The passage through the Chräienhöreli rock formation is particularly spectacular. The terrain drops sharply and the shaly path gives way to a set of steps, ending on a grassy knoll. Thanks to chains and ropes, though, the descent is quite safe. The trail crosses Alpine meadows and a few small, perennial snow patches to reach the pass almost 2,300 metres above sea level. Here, another stunning mountain view awaits: the eye wanders over the Schächental Alps and the Titlis with its imposing limestone face.
With that peak in sight, we descend on a beautiful path across green meadows. The view from the Blackenalp basin includes the impressive, craggy rock formations of the Gritschenbänder. With a bit of luck, we may be able to watch marmots and glimpse the occasional ibex or chamois in the distance. The trail follows the Stierenbach stream as it winds its way into the valley, until the Fürenalp cable car station. Our route to Engelberg railway station takes us past the Benedictine Monastery, founded in 1120.
While the first section was mostly tough, the route now becomes more exciting – and narrow. Following the ridge with its rich Alpine flora, we hike towards the Surenen Pass, which is almost always in sight. The passage through the Chräienhöreli rock formation is particularly spectacular. The terrain drops sharply and the shaly path gives way to a set of steps, ending on a grassy knoll. Thanks to chains and ropes, though, the descent is quite safe. The trail crosses Alpine meadows and a few small, perennial snow patches to reach the pass almost 2,300 metres above sea level. Here, another stunning mountain view awaits: the eye wanders over the Schächental Alps and the Titlis with its imposing limestone face.
With that peak in sight, we descend on a beautiful path across green meadows. The view from the Blackenalp basin includes the impressive, craggy rock formations of the Gritschenbänder. With a bit of luck, we may be able to watch marmots and glimpse the occasional ibex or chamois in the distance. The trail follows the Stierenbach stream as it winds its way into the valley, until the Fürenalp cable car station. Our route to Engelberg railway station takes us past the Benedictine Monastery, founded in 1120.
When the work is done, it’s time for fun: After a steep section, the trail leads over a scenic ridge to the historic Surenenpass. The rock bastions on Brunnistock and the valley basin are imposing. A varied valley trail leads to the monastery town of Engelberg.
After a leisurely warm-up over the Reuss plain of Uri to the tranquil village of Attinghausen, things get brutal: the ascent to Brüsti is steep, zigzagging along old sunk into the meadow. Once we’ve overcome the altitude difference of around 1,000 metres, the reward awaits at the top: a wonderful view of the Reuss plain, Lake Uri, the Schächen valley opposite and the two Windgällen mountains.
While the first section was mostly tough, the route now becomes more exciting – and narrow. Following the ridge with its rich Alpine flora, we hike towards the Surenen Pass, which is almost always in sight. The passage through the Chräienhöreli rock formation is particularly spectacular. The terrain drops sharply and the shaly path gives way to a set of steps, ending on a grassy knoll. Thanks to chains and ropes, though, the descent is quite safe. The trail crosses Alpine meadows and a few small, perennial snow patches to reach the pass almost 2,300 metres above sea level. Here, another stunning mountain view awaits: the eye wanders over the Schächental Alps and the Titlis with its imposing limestone face.
With that peak in sight, we descend on a beautiful path across green meadows. The view from the Blackenalp basin includes the impressive, craggy rock formations of the Gritschenbänder. With a bit of luck, we may be able to watch marmots and glimpse the occasional ibex or chamois in the distance. The trail follows the Stierenbach stream as it winds its way into the valley, until the Fürenalp cable car station. Our route to Engelberg railway station takes us past the Benedictine Monastery, founded in 1120.
While the first section was mostly tough, the route now becomes more exciting – and narrow. Following the ridge with its rich Alpine flora, we hike towards the Surenen Pass, which is almost always in sight. The passage through the Chräienhöreli rock formation is particularly spectacular. The terrain drops sharply and the shaly path gives way to a set of steps, ending on a grassy knoll. Thanks to chains and ropes, though, the descent is quite safe. The trail crosses Alpine meadows and a few small, perennial snow patches to reach the pass almost 2,300 metres above sea level. Here, another stunning mountain view awaits: the eye wanders over the Schächental Alps and the Titlis with its imposing limestone face.
With that peak in sight, we descend on a beautiful path across green meadows. The view from the Blackenalp basin includes the impressive, craggy rock formations of the Gritschenbänder. With a bit of luck, we may be able to watch marmots and glimpse the occasional ibex or chamois in the distance. The trail follows the Stierenbach stream as it winds its way into the valley, until the Fürenalp cable car station. Our route to Engelberg railway station takes us past the Benedictine Monastery, founded in 1120.
Length
29 km
Ascent | Descent
2100 m | 1500 m
Hiking time
10 h 45 min
Grade | Fitness level
medium
(mountain hiking trail)
|
difficult
Arrival | return travel
Season
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Saving metres in altitude
There is an aerial cableway between Attinghausen (Luftseilbahn) and Brüsti that saves about 1050 metres in altitude.
Saving metres in altitude
There is an aerial cableway between Fürenalp and Engelberg (Fürenalp Bahn) that saves about 550 metres in altitude.
Hints
Arrival | return travel
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Via Alpina hiking pass
With the Via Alpina hiking passbook, you collect 38 stamps with memories to cherish. The stamp stations are located at each stage start and finish. More information about the hiking passbook.
Overview map of all stamp stations
Contact
Gestione della segnaletica
Signposting is managed by the cantonal hiking trail organisation on behalf of the communities.
Schweizer Wanderwege
Monbijoustrasse 61
3000 Bern 23