View of the Härzlisee in Brunni with a snow-covered mountain and reflecting water surface.

Brunni Engelberg

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Also in winter Brunni is very popular with 8.5 km of ski slopes and 3.5 km of ski routes already because of the sun.

9 Highlights at Brunni Engelberg

  • The Brunni Härzlisee is by far the most popular excursion destination at the Brunni.
  • 500 km of hiking trails between 10 min and 8.5 hours hiking time are very popular not only in summer on the Brunni.
  • Thirteen mountain peaks and elevations on Brunni reach heights between 2030 and 2887 m above sea level.
  • Yetipark is a children's adventure park on Ristis near the Berglodge in winter.
  • Globis Winterland at Klostermatte includes a children's ski school, ski rental and restaurant.
  • 660 m long is the summer toboggan run at Ristis. Children from the age of 8 are allowed to ride unaccompanied.
  • The 3000 m2 alpine playground includes 3 slides, 3 seesaws, a climbing carousel and 2 other carousels.
  • 3 take-off points for paragliding are available at Brunni, one of which is located at Lake Härzli.
  • 3 fixed rope routes, 2 climbing gardens and a climbing learning path make Brunni a very popular climbing area. Equipment and accessories can be rented at several places on Brunni.

Lake Härzli and other sights at Brunni Engelberg

At Brunni, the landscape is in the foreground. Lake Härzli is by far the most popular destination for a family outing at Brunni. Hikers and mountain bikers like to visit the individual peaks and hills.

Sights at Brunni:

  • Brunni Härzlisee with tickle trail
  • Bannalpsee
  • Mountain tops and heights at Brunni

Brunni Härzlisee with tickle trail

Lake Härzli at Brunni lies at an altitude of 1,861 meters. Its shape is reminiscent of a heart and thus gave the lake its name. The Härzlisee is very idyllic. The whole family loves to walk around it, with the panorama of the mountains of Central Switzerland forming a magnificent backdrop.

At the small mountain lake there is a so-called tickle trail. It is a barefoot path, which is 220 meters long. Means of different materials such as pebbles, wood chips, sand and water massage the feet. It is open from June to October. Starting and ending point is the herbal hut (Chruiter Hüttli). The new Barfusswanderweg was created on the stretch between the Härzlisee and the Hüttismatt above Ristis. It contains eleven places that have been set up for barefoot walking. The walking time is 30-45 minutes

The Chrüseli trough offers a kind of Kneipp cure for the arms, which are alternately dipped into warm and cold water. The bubble pot, on the other hand, is good for the legs.

Around the lake there are five fireplaces with various seating options. If you don't want to grill yourself, you can find something to eat at the Brunnihüttli or the Chruiter Hüttli. Both huts are located directly at the lake.

From Engelberg the cable car goes to Ristis. Here you have to change to the chairlift up to the Brunnihütte. The lake starts right next to the mountain station. It is also accessible as a hiking destination, both from Engelberg and from Ristis. The Härzli lake was artificially created to serve as a water reservoir. It is used in the Brunni area for snowmaking on the ski slopes.

Brunni Engelberg Härzlisee  SprudeltopfHärzlisee Sprudeltopf (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)
Brunni Engelberg Globi Schatzsuche Härzlisee Kitzelpfad Kitzelpfad Härzlisee (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)

Bannalpsee

Lake Bannalp lies in the north of the mountain range, within a side valley of the Engelberger Valley. It is reached on hiking routes such as the Walenpfad, which connect Brunni and Bannalp.

The mountain route via Rot Grätli and Rugghubelhütte to Engelberg (or vice versa) also passes Bannalpsee.

Lake Bannalp is a reservoir located at an altitude of 1,586 meters. The reservoir was created between 1935 and 1937, when the Oberrickenbach power station was built. The Bannalp is situated at 1600 - 2800 meters above sea level near Oberrickenbach - Wolfenschiessen. The pre-Alpine high valley is rather quiet and an insider tip for those seeking relaxation in summer and winter.

Mountain peaks and heights at Brunni Engelberg

The area around Brunni has many elevations. The following peaks can be seen at Brunni:

  • Brunnistöckli (2,030 m)
  • Bettlerstock (2,099 m)
  • Rigidalstock (2.593 m)
  • Gross Walenstock (2.573 m)
  • Small Walenstock (2.348 m)
  • Tschudi (2.511 m)
  • Great Saddleback (2.637 m)
  • Small Sättelistock (2.416 m)
  • Ruchstock (2.813 m)
  • Engelberger Rotstock (2.818 m)
  • Wissigstock (2.887 m)
  • Spitzmann (2.577 m)
  • Scheyeggstock (2.567 m)

Not all mountain peaks are suitable to be hiked or climbed by recreational athletes. Some peaks are reserved exclusively for very experienced climbers and climbing professionals. In addition, however, there are some peaks that have been prepared for mountain hikes and as climbing practice routes.

The most popular are:

Brunnistöckli

The summit of Brunnistöckli is located 2030 meters above sea level. The Brunnistöckli can be reached via an easy and well-secured via ferrata in about 1.5 hours from the top station of the chairlift.

Bettlerstock

The 2,099 meter high Bettlerstock has been prepared for a climbing garden. It can be climbed from the south and from the west. The south side should be used only by experienced climbers. It is about 30 minutes away from the Brunni hut.

Rigidalstock

Rigidalstock is 2,593 meters above sea level. It is located north of the Brunnistöckli and is climbed via a partly difficult via ferrata. A combination of the via ferrata Brunnistöckli and Rigidalstock is therefore possible and is used by experienced via ferrata climbers.

Gross Walenstock

There are no official hiking trails leading to the Gross Walenstock at 2573 meters above sea level. For mountaineers and scramblers it is worthwhile to climb down via Bannalp. Overnight accommodation is available in the mountain restaurants Urnerstaffel and Bannalp (directly at the lake).

Brunni Engelberg Walenstöcke Umrundung Walenstöcke (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg BannalpseeBannalpsee (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Mountain railroads and ski lifts at Brunni Engelberg

At Brunni, a cabin aerial tramway and a chairlift lead to the top. Bicycles can be transported in the cable car. In winter there are three ski lifts.

Overview of mountain railroads and lifts at Brunni Engelberg

lift type valley station altitude (m a.s.l.) mountain station altitude (m a.s.l.) distance (m)
Cableway Engelberg Klostermatte 1016 Ristis 1605 1694
chairlift Ristis 1600 Brunnhüttli 1867 890
Skilift Schonegg 1868 Schonegg 2040 450
Skilift 1 Klostermatte 1013 Klostermatte 1121 610
Skilift 2 Klostermatte 1013 Klostermatte 1128 630

Engelberg-Ristis aerial cableway

The aerial cableway is a 65-passenger gondola lift. The bottom station is located in Engelberg next to the ski bus stop and the Klostermatte ski practice area. Built in 2008, the cable car takes 3 minutes and ten seconds to reach Ristis. It covers 589 meters in altitude. The cable car carries 677 passengers per hour.

Ristis-Brunni chairlift

The 3-seater chairlift built in 1993 is fixed-grip and transports people from Ristis to Brunnhüttli on Lake Härzli in 16 minutes at a speed of one meter per second. The chairlift runs all year round (except maintenance periods). It can carry 1200 people per hour.

Ski lift Schonegg

With an average gradient of 48% (or 26°), the Schonegg ski lift is the steepest surface lift in Switzerland. It is a T-bar/anchor type surface lift. It takes a total of four minutes and ten seconds to cover the distance.

Two ski lifts Klostermatte

There are two ski tows on the Klostermatte area, dating from 1963 and 1970. Both are T-bar/anchor type ski tows.

Brunni Engelberg Bergbahn WinterBergbahn Winter (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg SesselbahnSesselbahn (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Overview of mountain railroads and lifts at Bannalp

Lift type Valley station Height (m above sea level) Mountain station Height (m above sea level) Stretch (m)
15-cabin aerial tramway (blue streetcar) Fell 901 Bannalp 1717 1945
8-cabin aerial tramway (red streetcar) Fellboden 910 Bannalpsee 1586 1600
Skilift Chrüzhütte 1720 Nätschboden 1788 382
Skilift Urnerstaffel 1663 Nätschboden 1788 425

Bannalp: Fell-Chrüzhütte-Bannalp aerial cableway

The aerial cableway runs from Bannalp down to Fell. Dating from 1970, the 15-passenger cable car travels at a speed of six meters per second and takes a total of six minutes. "S`blaiä Bähnli" runs summer and winter about every half hour and brings up to 130 people per hour to the top. In November, the operation is discontinued.

At the middle station is the Chrüzhütte alpine inn, where a vacation apartment for up to ten people can be rented.

Bannalp: Fellboden - Bannalpsee aerial cableway

This small aerial cableway was originally built in the 1930s as a material railroad and now also runs for tourists in summer. It is also used for supplies for various alps and guesthouses. Even cattle are transported on it. The little train complements the larger aerial cableway. "S`rotä Bähnli" takes about eight minutes and is in operation from the second week of May until the third week of October. It runs about every hour.

Bannalp: Chrüzhütte-Nätschboden

The ski lift is a T-bar/anchor drag lift built in 1950. It connects the middle station of the Bannalp aerial cableway with Nätschboden. The ride takes 2.5 minutes.

Bannalp: Urnerstaffel-Nätschboden

The T-bar/anchor tow lift dates from 1986 and connects Urnerstaffel with Nätschboden. With a speed of 2.8 meters per second, it takes 2.5 minutes.

Brunni Engelberg Bannalp Bahn blauBannalp Bahn blau (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)
Brunni Engelberg Bannalp BahnBannalp Bahn (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Activities at Brunni Engelberg

In the summer, Brunni offers a variety of hiking trails. Some of them are very easy to walk, while others require experience in mountain hiking. For the more active, there are several via ferratas. For families with small children, activities around Härzlisee, at the playground, and on the treasure hunt trail between Ristis and Brunni are recommended. Summer activities are generally available from June to October. Some hikes and paragliding can be done year-round.

Brunni is particularly popular as a winter sports area due to its southern slope.

Two herbal paths showcase medicinal herbs in their natural surroundings. The Silberdistelweg can be found above the chairlift. The Baldrianweg consists of several garden patches around Härzlisee.

Popular activities include:

  • Hiking
  • Mountain hiking
  • Via ferratas
  • Climbing parks (Bettlerstock year-round)
  • Paragliding (year-round)
  • Mountain biking
  • Summer toboggan run with alpine playground
  • Sledding
  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • Globis Winterland Klostermatte
  • Yetipark
  • Snowshoeing and winter hiking
  • Cross-country skiing
Brunni Engelberg WandernWandern (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg SeilparkSeilpark (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Activities at Brunni Engelberg

In summer there are a lot of hiking trails at Brunni. Some of them are very easy to walk, others require experience in mountain hiking. For the very active there are several via ferratas. With small children, activities around the Härzli lake, at the children's playground and on the treasure hunt trail between Ristis and Brunni are recommended. Summer activities can usually be done between June and October. Some hikes and the paragliding flights take place all year round.

The Brunni is a particularly popular winter sports area because of its southern slope.

Two medicinal herb paths show medicinal herbs in their natural environment. The silver thistle trail can be found above the chair lift. The valerian path consists of several lakeside gardens around the Härzli lake.

The most popular activities include:

  • Hikes
  • Mountain hikes
  • Via ferrata
  • Climbing gardens (Bettlerstock all year round)
  • Paragliding (all year round)
  • Mountain biking
  • Summer toboggan run with alpine playground
  • Sledging
  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • Globis Winterland Klostermatte
  • Yetipark
  • Snowshoeing and winter hiking
  • Cross-country skiing

At Brunni there are a total of eight fireplaces for barbecuing with picnic areas:

  1. Globis alpine playground
  2. Forest fireplace Ristis
  3. Ruchweg - 5 minutes from Ristis in the direction of Rigidalalp
  4. Schletterenwald - on the way Ristis - Ried - Horbis - Engelberg
  5. Härzlisee
  6. Rickwald - on the Brunni path below the alp Rosenbold
  7. Spiesboden - in the half of the hiking trail Ristis - Schwand
  8. Walenalp - in the half of the Walen trail

There is enough firewood everywhere.

Brunni Engelberg Globi WasserspieleGlobi Wasserspiele (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg Schaukel BankSchaukel Bank (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Hikes at Brunni

With only 270 meters of ascent over a distance of six kilometers, the hike from the Ristis mountain station to the Brunni hut at Lake Härzli is an easy hike. It can even be undertaken with a baby carriage. Also the skirting of the small Härzlisee is doable for the whole family even without physical condition.

From Ristis via Rigidalalp to Brunnihütte

To Ristis the cable car takes you. Here you can first visit the children's playground and then take the path to the Härzlisee. On the way you have a good view of the Titlis and the Hahnen. If you shy away from the easy climb, it's best to take the chairlift to the top and walk down. A ride on the summer toboggan run crowns the excursion.

The Globi's treasure hunt theme trail also leads along here. You can get the treasure map and the accompanying questionnaire at the Ristis mountain restaurant, at the herb hut or at the Globi kiosk.

  • 6.3 km
  • 2 hrs.
  • 268 meters of ascent and descent

From Ristis over the Schwand to Engelberg

The hike from Ristis to Engelberg is a leisurely walk over a length of four kilometers. On the way, the Schwand inn is touched upon. The trail takes about 2 hours and fifteen minutes downhill, and half an hour more uphill. 600 meters of altitude are overcome. The hike can be ideally combined with a gondola ride. The path is asphalted and suitable for baby carriages. Caution: mountain bikers like to use this road in summer.

From Ristis over the Bergli to Engelberg

This trail is a bit shorter than the trail via Schwand. About one and three quarters hour is needed downhill. If you want to take the path uphill, you have to plan 2.5 hours for 600 meters in altitude and four kilometers in length. Downhill it is a leisurely hike. At Spiessboden, the path is not taken to Berghaus Schwand, but in the direction of Bergli.

From Ristis via Flühmatt to Engelberg

This trail takes about 1.5 hours on a narrow hiking path with some stairs through the forest and ends at the monastery in Engelberg.

Offers at Swiss Activities:

Brunni Engelberg Härzlisee WandernHärzlisee (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)
Brunni Engelberg BannalpBannalp (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Mountain hikes at Brunni

Mountain hikes are not walks. They absolutely require tread-proof mountain boots and weatherproof clothing (which may well disappear in the backpack on the way). In the mountains, the weather often changes quickly and unexpectedly. Sunscreen and drinks should also not be forgotten.

Walenpfad - 2 day hike

This mountain hike starts at the top station of the cable car in Ristis. The spectacular mountain trail has been developed and secured as such. In 2012, Switzerland Tourism and SWW named it one of the twelve most beautiful hiking trails in Switzerland. The actual Walenpfad begins at Spissegg. Soon you can see the Bannalpsee and the descent begins at the Ziegenalp Oberfeld.

Here the hike can be broken off. Two cable cars lead down to the valley and the post bus takes you to the stop of the Zentralbahn.

For an overnight stay the mountain huts Urnerstaffel and Bannalp (directly at the lake) are suitable.

On the 2nd day, you descend to the Haghütte before climbing up to Schonegg in 1.5 hours. The descent leads through the Sulztal to Gitschenen. From here an aerial cableway and the post bus lead down to the valley.

  • 18.6 km
  • 7:30 hrs.
  • 1200 vertical meters ascent
  • 1300 meters of altitude descent

Rugghubelhütte access from Ristis

The two to two and a half hour hike of medium difficulty covers about 500 meters in altitude. It starts in Ristis and leads via Rigidal and Planggenalp to the Ruggihubel hut. The sunny ascent offers a beautiful view. The probability of being able to observe game on the way is very high.

Instead of Walenpfad and Benediktusweg

The hike takes four hours. Since there is little more than 300 meters of elevation gain, it is a moderately difficult hike. However, the almost 1400 meters of descent should be noted if you have knee problems (hiking poles).

  • 11.1 km
  • 4 hrs.
  • 326 vertical meters ascent
  • 1353 meters of descent

Wissigstock from Ristis

Almost ten kilometers in length and 1,300 meters of ascent make this mountain tour a difficult hike. But you will be compensated by the wonderful panorama. The route runs via Ristis - Alp Rigidalstafel - Rugghubelhütte - Engelbergerlücke - Wissigstock. The path is well developed and marked first red-white, later blue-white.

  • 9,8 km
  • 4:15 hrs.
  • 1300 vertical meters ascent
  • 15 meters of descent

Offers at Swiss Activities:

Brunni Engelberg Rosenbold Rosenbold (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)
Brunni Engelberg WandernWandern (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)

Via ferrata at Brunni

To use the via ferrata at Brunni, a mountain guide can be booked in case of uncertainty or for inexperienced climbers. Mountain guides can also be found on site at Engelberg Mountain Guide in the center of Engelberg.

It is always to be noted:

  • Alpine equipment is absolutely necessary: good shoes, a via ferrata set and a helmet.
  • Children under 40 kg should be additionally secured, because with lighter people the fall brake is not triggered.
  • Suspension ropes, hooks and anchorages could also be damaged once. Therefore, please be careful and report defective equipment to the Brunni cableways.
  • Via ferrata sets can be rented from the Brunni lifts and from Ski und Sport Achermann in Engelberg.

Via ferrata Brunnistöckli

The via ferrata Brunnistöckli is very easy to walk. It is suitable for children who are free from giddiness and sure-footed, from about eight years of age. The trail takes about 1.5 hours and climbs just under 200 meters in altitude. The via ferrata contains two moving rope bridges, but is secured throughout with a steel rope. There are no strength-sapping or overhanging sections.

The approach is via the hiking trail "Brunnipfad", which starts at the top station of the chairlift and leads in the direction of the Rugghubelhütte SAC. At the Brunnipfad sign is a path passage that leads uphill on the left to the entrance.

From Schonegg the descent is back to the Brunnihütte on the marked hiking trail.

  • 1,1 km
  • 1:30 hrs.
  • 175 meters of ascent and descent

The Zittergrat at Brunnistöckli

The Zittergrat has been prepared as a short and difficult practice via ferrata so that climbing enthusiasts can gain their first experience in difficult ascents.

It is largely oriented to the south and requires a lot of strength and stamina. The entry point is in the vertical and then the route leads to a cross-band above a roof. Shortly before the end of the climb there is a slightly overhanging passage. After that, you can move on to the easy via ferrata Brunnistöckli.

For the approach, take fifty meters of the trail that leads to the Rigidalstock via ferrata. Then turn right up to the rock face.

The descent is via Schonegg back to the Brunnihütte.

  • 0,9 km
  • 1:30 hrs.
  • 173 vertical meters ascent
  • 171 vertical meters descent

Via ferrata Rigidalstock

Two via ferratas lead to the Rigidalstock. One via ferrata is called Rigidalstockwand, the other is called Rigidalstockgrat. Depending on the route taken.

The via ferrata Rigidalstockgrat (east): It has the difficulty K3 and is also suitable for beginners accompanied. Unlike the Rigidalstockwand via ferrata, it can be taken both in ascent and descent.

The via ferrata Rigidalstockwand (west): At difficulty level K4, this via ferrata should be taken exclusively by experienced climbers. It is only possible in the ascent.

This tour shows the ascent over the Rigidalstockwand and the descent over the Rigidalstockgrat. The route is marked as "Rigidal via ferrata" from the Brunni hut.

  • 4 km
  • 4:30 hrs.
  • 732 meters of ascent and descent
Brunni Engelberg Klettersteig Rock SafetyKlettersteig Rock Safety (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg Klettersteig  Rock SafetyKlettersteig Rock Safety (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Climbing gardens at Brunni

In the Brunni area, two climbing gardens and a climbing path have been set up for practice purposes. They can all be reached via the Brunni chairlift and are secured with drilled or glued hooks. The climbing garden Brunnihütte is also suitable for children and for beginners. Mountain guides can be found at Engelberg Mountain Guide in the center of Engelberg.

Climbing Garden Brunnihütte

The Brunnihütte climbing garden is located at 1895 meters above sea level near the children's playground at Härzlisee. The routes with good grip are very well secured and are therefore suitable for absolute beginners. The via ferrata Brunnistöckli and Zittergrat are only a few steps away. The access to the climbing garden is marked. The necessary equipment - 40 meters of rope and ten express sets - can be rented at the Brunnihütte.

An express set consists of two carabiners. They are connected to each other by a sewn tape sling. The main use of an express set is to create a flexible connection between the rope and a fixed point. Most often, this is an intermediate belay.

The climbing garden is open from April to November.

Bettlerstock climbing garden south and west

The Bettlerstock climbing garden is located at an altitude of just under 2100 meters and can be reached from the top station of the Brunni chairlift in about 30 minutes via the white-blue marked hiking trail.

There are two routes in this climbing garden: a very difficult south route and an easier west route. The Bettlerstock shows itself with a 70 meters high pillar made of rough limestone. The west route is 20 to 25 meters high, the south route 70 meters.

The climbing routes on the Bettlerstock are open from January to December. Especially the south route warms up quickly even in winter when the sun is shining.

Climbing learning path Brunni and Mungg

At about 2040 meters above sea level, the Brunni and Mungg learning paths are located. They serve for practicing for multi-pitch beginners and already experienced families with children. Every one to two meters there is a piton.

The approach is from the Brunni hut in the direction of Walenpfad after about 45 minutes. At Rosenbold, the path branches off and leads in the direction of Gras-Grat to the east. At the "block with practice stands" follow the cairns in northeast direction. Here is the second block with two pitons. An inconspicuous turret shows the approach. The route leads on the northwest side over three towers to the summit of Bettlerstock. All ascents are manageable on the learning paths. The length is four pitches.

Both learning paths run parallel and can be climbed simultaneously by two rope teams. The necessary equipment (50 meters of rope and eight expresses) can be rented at the Brunni Hut.

Brunni Engelberg Klettersteig Rock SafetyRock Safety (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg Klettersteig Rock SafetyRock Safety (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Paragliding at Brunni (all year round)

The Brunni has three take-off points for paragliding. They can be reached via the aerial cableway and the chairlift. Information about the Engelberg flying area is provided by the Brunni cable cars. The Engelberg valley is protected from the wind by the Titlis massif. Therefore, there are also very good conditions for beginners.

Weather and flying conditions are excellent on an above-average number of days.

Tandem flights from Brunni offer for example:

  • Engelberg Flight School
  • Freeminds
  • Flugrausch Wolfenschiessen
  • Paragliding school Emmetten&Titlis
  • Paraworld Lucerne

Please bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen and warm clothing.

Launch site Härzlisee

Only about four minutes from the top station of the chairlift, the launch site is located at 1,870 meters above sea level. A flat lay-out area is sufficient for about three gliders. The slope is moderately sloping as a meadow.

  • Exposure: West
  • Coordinates: 46.84250, 8.41040

Tümpfeli takeoff site

At an altitude of 1,800 meters lies the launch site Tümpfeli, which has a lay-out for ten paragliders on meadow terrain. The slope here is slightly sloping. The take-off point is reached by cable car and chair lift. About ten minutes of walking downhill are necessary to reach the southern place.

  • Exposure: south to southeast
  • Coordinates: 46.83800, 8.41200

Schonegg launch site

The launch site is located at 2,000 meters above sea level and can be reached from the top station of the Brunni chairlift in about 20 minutes (ascent). In winter you can reach it almost completely by the Schonegg ski lift. The lay-out area on the moderately sloping meadow is sufficient for ten paragliders.

  • Exposure: south

Landing site Engelberg

Engelberg is the official landing site for paragliders in the Brunni area. It can be found at an altitude of 1,015 meters on the meadow between the Sportingpark in Engelberg and the Wyden sports field. It is essential to observe the stopping and parking ban along the Bänklialpweg and at the surrounding properties.

  • Coordinates: 46.8170, 8.4078
Brunni Engelberg Härzlisee Gleitschirmfliegen Paragliting Gleitschirmfliegen Härzlisee (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)
Brunni Engelberg GleitschirmfliegenGleitschirmfliegen (Foto: Titlis Engelberg Tourismus)

Mountain biking / cycling at Brunni

At Brunni, several tours are possible by mountain bike, bicycle or e-bike. The asphalt road from Engelberg leads to Ristis and on to Rigidalalp. From here it continues on a gravel road and the last part before the Brunni hut becomes very steep. The gondola lift also transports folded bikes, the chairlift does not.

Tour suggestions:

Engelberg - Bergli - Ristis

The route is 9.2 kilometers long. There are 620 vertical meters up and thirty vertical meters down on an asphalt road. This trail is shorter than the trail over Schwand, but has a few steeper sections.

Engelberg - Schwand - Ristis

The route is 10.5 kilometers long. The trail covers 640 vertical meters uphill and eighty vertical meters downhill. This trail is a bit longer than the trail over the Bergli, but can be ridden more evenly.

Ristis - Rigidalalp - Brunnihütte SAC

Less than three kilometers of gravel road separate Ristis from Brunnihütte. Up to Rigidalalp the road is very well passable. The road becomes very steep just before the Brunnihütte. In total, there are 270 meters of altitude to climb up and ten meters to descend.

Biketrail Flühmatt

This tour starts and ends in Engelberg. It leads along the Schwandstrasse-Fellenrüti. First you reach the restaurant Flühmatt. Below the terrace the trail starts on the left. From Klostermatte this tour leads over a meadow.

  • 7,5 km
  • 1 hr.
  • 362 vertical meters ascent and descent
Brunni Engelberg Velo Bike MountainbikeBiketour (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg Velo Bike MountainbikeBiketour (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Summer toboggan run with alpine playground

The summer toboggan run in Ristis is 660 meters long and is open daily on dry days from spring to fall. It starts at the Berglodge Restaurant Ristis and circles the Alpine playground. Children eight years and older may ride alone; younger children need an escort at least 12 years old Globi's Alpine Playground stands on an area of 3,000 m2. It is located within the summer toboggan run

There are the following playground equipment for the children, in addition to other play elements:

  • a small rope park with various climbing elements
  • a Murmeli tunnel slide and two other slides
  • two large animal spring seesaws and the Gigampfi seesaw
  • an alpine hut
  • Globi's wild water world with pumps and tilts
  • two carousels and a climbing carousel
  • a climbing wall
  • a trampoline
  • three swings
  • a chime
  • a milking cow
  • a large climbing and balancing area

Within the playground there are three fireplaces with ten seats each. Wood is available.

Brunni Engelberg Sommer RodelnRodeln Sommer (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg Globi WasserspieleGlobi Wasserspiele (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Tobogganing at the Brunni

The best place to start sledding on Brunni is directly at the Brunni Hut. Two toboggan runs lead from here down to the Ristis. In the Yeti children's park, classic toboggans, skigibles and airboards including pads and helmets can be rented. Toboggans can also be rented at the top station of the chairlift at the Brunni hut.

Rinderbüel

Via Rinderbüel to Ristis the toboggan run is about 2.5 kilometers long and easy to ride. This toboggan run can also be done with a skigibel or an airboard. It is suitable for inexperienced sledders and older children.

Zigerboden

The route over Zigerboden is also 2.5 kilometers long and not suitable for children. Because of several steep passages this is a rather demanding sledding tour.

For small children there are toboggan runs in Yeti Park on Ristis or on Klostermatte in Engelberg.

Brunni Engelberg SchlittelnSchlitteln (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)
Brunni Engelberg SchlittelnSchlitteln (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)

Skiing and snowboarding at Brunni

The slopes for skiing and snowboarding at Brunni are a total of 8.5 kilometers long. The winter sports area ranges from 2,040 meters above sea level at the Schonegg ski lift down to 1,050 meters above sea level.

The slopes are covered with snow exclusively from pure mountain spring water using solar energy.

**The Klostermatte is the leading ski practice area in Central Switzerland

There are the following ski slopes:

  • 2 km blue (easy): Brunnihütte - Ristis and Klostermatte
  • 4,6 km red (medium): Schonegg - Brunnihütte and Brunnihütte - Ristis
  • 1.9 km black (difficult): Schonegg
  • In addition, there are 3.5 km of yellow downhill route (not groomed) from Ristis to Waldegg.

Night skiing Klostermatte

Every Friday and Saturday, as well as every day during the winter vacations, night skiing takes place on Klostermatte from 6 to 9 pm. The slope is the first in Switzerland with LED lighting.

Local ski and snowboard schools

The following ski or snowboard schools are available locally

  • Ski school Engelberg
  • Ski school Prime
  • Snowboard school Boardlocal

Globis Winterland Klostermatte

Globis Winterland at Klostermatte is accessible by car. A large parking lot is available at the valley station of the cable car. For the little ones there is a ski school with a ski school office and an optimal practice area. The clearly arranged and flat skiing area is ideal for children and beginners. You can go skiing, snowboarding or sledding. In addition, a ski rental, a ski depot and the family restaurant OX are available on the Klostermatte.

Facilities include:

  • An ironing lift (600 m long)
  • A platter lift as a self-ironer (600 m long)
  • Three conveyor belts (30 m, 140 m and 100 m)
  • Gate poles, wave trough tracks, small jumps, etc.
Brunni Engelberg Klostermatte Ski Schule KinderKlostermatte (Foto: Brunni Bergbahnen Engelberg)
Brunni Engelberg KlostermatteKlostermatte (Foto: Brunni Bergbahnen Engelberg)

Yetipark

The Yetipark is open daily from 9:00 to 16:00 in the winter season. The children's adventure park is located on Ristis near the Berglodge. The practice area for children is optimal for sledding and skiing. In a snack hut there are hot dogs, pizzas, soups of the day and hot and cold drinks. There are also deckchairs on the sun terrace. Toboggans, skigibles, airboards and snowshoes are available for rent.

Facilities include:

  • A conveyor belt (60 m long)
  • A rope lift
  • Gate poles, wave trough tracks, small jumps, etc.

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

These two signalized paths for snowshoeing are secured against avalanches. The official winter hiking trails are also regularly groomed.

Schönenboden trail Brunni

The Schönenboden snowshoe trail starts at the Berglodge Ristis and takes about two hours (3.5 km). The trail heads west and comes along the valley station of the chairlift. It follows the winter hiking trail to Schwand and later the Schneetandliweg to Ristis.

  • 3 km
  • 2 hrs.
  • 170 meters of ascent and descent

Riedalp Trail

The snowshoe hike starts in Ristis and leads east over the Ruchweg and the Riedalp back to Ristis. This tour is a bit easier to walk, as there are less meters of altitude to climb.

  • 2,9 km
  • 1:30 hrs.
  • 130 meters of ascent and descent

Panorama trail Rigidalalp

This short winter hike covers 265 meters of ascent. During the hike the Titlis and the Hahnen are always in view.

  • 3 km
  • 1 hr.
  • 265 meters of ascent

Schneetandliweg Brunni

The hiking trail starts at the Berglodge Ristis and leads along the pink winter hiking trail signs. Before the trail climbs, the hike goes left along the edge of the forest to Ried. Through the forest it leads back to the Ristis mountain station.

  • 2.4 km
  • 0:45 hrs.
  • 130 meters of ascent

The summer hiking trails between Ristis and Brunnihütte as well as Ristis and Engelberg can also be walked in winter.

Brunni Engelberg SkitourenSkitouren (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)
Brunni Engelberg YetiparkYetipark (Foto: Brunni Bahnen Engelberg)

Cross-country skiing

The following tour suggestions are particularly suitable for cross-country skiing.

Furggelenstock

This easy ski tour has about 570 meters of ascent through the Erlentobel. Avalanche danger is rather low here, but must be taken into account. The way back follows the same route.

  • 6,3 km
  • 3 hrs.
  • 570 meters of ascent and descent

Traversing the Furggelenstock

The tour leads over open and wide tracks constantly ascending up to the Furggelen. Up to the Furggelenstock it is also a very steep ascent. Below the Brünnelistock the trail leads over wide forest paths back to the starting point at Brunni.

  • 8.9 km
  • 3:30 hrs.
  • 600 meters of ascent and descent
Brunni Engelberg Fürenalp SchneeschuhwandernFürenalp Schneeschuhwandern (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg LanglaufLanglauf (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

The Brunnihüttli and other mountain huts and restaurants around the Brunni Engelberg

At the Brunni, the Brunnihüttli is particularly popular. In addition, there are quite a few other huts on the mountain.

Brunnihütte of the SAC (Brunnihüttli)

At the Brunnihüttli of the SAC you can not only get food and drink, you can also rent equipment for climbing or sledging. The Brunnihüttli belongs to the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and is located at 1830 m above sea level.

In winter the Brunnihüttli is the center of winter sports, a toboggan run starts directly at the hut. In the months when there is little snow, there is hiking and not far from the hut there is a starting point for paragliders, also in winter. High altitude trails and climbing tours, which are only accessible in summer in a few months, also start here. The Kneipp-Barfussweg starts next to the hut around the Härzlisee. Mountain bikers also reach the Brunnihüttli only in summer.

The Brunnihütte offers 32 sleeping places as well as a shelter with eight sleeping places. In summer, another 16 sleeping places are added in the Alphüttli. This is about three minutes from the hut. Overnight guests are also served dinner. The Brunnihüttli has a large outdoor terrace. It can also be booked by groups. It is closed during the overhaul periods of the Brunni lifts, but the shelter is always open.

Brunni Herb Hut at Lake Härzli

The herb hut is located at Lake Härzli and is open daily in summer from 08:30 to 17:00. The snack stand offers snacks and drinks (cold and hot). You can also buy sausage and bread for grilling.

In the herbal hut you can rent via ferrata sets. Here you can also get the treasure map for the Globi treasure hunt.

Brunni Älplerbeizli Rigidal

The Älplerbeizi Rigidal is located on the popular hiking trail between Ristis and Brunni Härzlisee. From Ristis it takes about thirty minutes. It opens all year round when the weather is nice and offers Engelberg specialties such as cheese slices or gingerbread. The mountain panorama can be enjoyed on a terrace. Inside there is a rustic coziness.

Brunni Berglodge Restaurant Ristis

The Berglodge Ristis is directly accessible via the cable car from Engelberg. It has seven rooms for overnight guests: three four-bed rooms, two five-bed rooms, a 7-bed dormitory and an 11-bed dormitory. Two rooms have their own showers, the others have access to a large bathroom on the floor. The restaurant has a large terrace. The view goes directly to Titlis, Spannörter and Hahnen. Lunch can be combined with a visit to the Schaukäserei Brunni-Chäsli.

Brunni Family Restaurant OX Klostermatte

The OX family restaurant is located right next to Globi's Winterland on Klostermatte. It has room for 160 guests inside. A large terrace offers a view of the Klostermatte and additional seating. It is open during the winter season from December to March. Popular are the OX Burger Nights on the evenings of night skiing (Fridays and Saturdays and daily during the Christmas vacations).

Brunni Restaurant Flühmatt

The Flühmatt Restaurant is located at 1352 m above sea level. The Flühmatt can be reached on foot from Engelberg in about 40 minutes all year round. In summer you can take the gondola lift to Ristis. From Ristis the descent takes only about thirty minutes. The restaurant offers the famous "Engelberger Älplermagronen".

Brunni Rugghubelhütte SAC

The Rugghubelhütte is a hut of the Swiss Alpine Club SAC. It is reached from Ristis in a 2.5-hour hike and lies at 2,296 meters above sea level. The hut, which is managed from June to October, has room for 98 guests. During the unmanaged period, a winter room and a shelter with 20 beds are available.

Brunni Inn Schwand - Beitz with rooms

The Schwand Inn is located between Ristis and Engelberg and can be easily reached from Ristis in an hour and a half, even with a baby carriage or wheelchair. From Engelberg it can be reached by car in about twelve minutes. Overnight stays are possible in two- to four-bed rooms with shared bathrooms.

Brunni Engelberg BrunnhütteBrunnhütte (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg BrunnhütteBrunnhütte (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Bannalp mountain restaurant Urnerstaffel

The Urnerstaffel mountain restaurant is located on the Bannalp. It offers cheese slices or rösti and also overnight stays. The mountain inn lies on the route of several mountain hikes from Brunni, in particular the Walen Trail.

Bannalp mountain inn Bannalpsee

Slightly above the lake lies the Bannalpsee mountain inn, with the Bietstöck in the background. Up to 70 people can stay here overnight. The restaurant serves hot meals throughout the day, and there is a children's playground. The large sun terrace can be used until late evening. Specialties are: Bannalp coffee in chacheli, Älplerrösti, Älplermagronen (on request), meringues with cream.

Open from June (from mid-May on request) until mid-October. The mountain inn is only a few steps away from the mountain railway station Bannalpsee.

Brunni Engelberg Berggasthaus BannalpBerggasthaus Bannalp (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni Engelberg Berggasthaus UrnerstaffelBerggasthaus Urnerstaffel (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)

Climate and weather at Brunni Engelberg

Brunni is located at 1850 meters above sea level and is very popular because of its southern slopes. Both in summer and winter the sun often shines here.

In summer, average maximum temperatures of around 20°C are reached between June and August. At night, the average values during these months are around 8 to 10°C.

In winter, temperatures are hardly colder than -5°C at night on average, and 1-2°C during the day.

Location and approach to Brunni Engelberg

Located at 1850 meters above sea level, Brunni is a hiking and winter sports area north of Engelberg in central Switzerland. It can be reached from Engelberg by mountain railroad and chairlift.

Parking is available at the bottom station of the cable car. The parking fee is 5 CHF per day. There are other parking possibilities in Engelberg.

Arrival by car

By car you need about 1:10 hours from Zurich via Lucerne on the A4, A14 and A2. With the exit to Stans you leave the highway. The rest of the way to Engelberg is via cantonal road.

Arrival by train/bus/boat

The journey to Engelberg takes about 43 min with the Zentralbahn from Lucerne. From Zurich the journey by train takes between 1:45 h and 2:15 h. A nice variant is the combination of boat and bus or train.

From Lucerne, the boat goes to Beckenried. From there the bus 311 goes to Stans. From Stans, both the train and a bus run to the train station in Engelberg. The free shuttle bus Dorf-Express runs between Engelberg train station and Titlis valley station. The walk takes about 10 min.

Six other bus lines take passengers in Engelberg to the train station and to the valley stations of the mountain railroads free of charge.

Return journey from Bannalp

From the valley station of the Bannalpbahn in Fell - Oberrickenbach you take the post bus line 331 to Wolfenschiessen train station. For six stops the post bus needs 14 min. From the station Wolfenschiessen the central train goes to Engelberg via Grafenort. The train takes about twenty minutes. It usually runs every hour.

Brunni Engelberg GratisbusGratisbus Engelberg (Foto: Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)
Brunni EngelbergEngelberg (Foto: Simon Kim Engelberg Titlis Tourismus)