Above Engelberg

I have hiked this described route times and despite the repetitions, I cannot get tired of doing this hike again.

The Ristis is a top destination in the mountains above Engelberg, as it is high enough to enjoy a clear view of the valley. This is the reason why the place is often quite crowded, especially since a cable car makes it effortless to reach it. But it is interesting to walk up there. Then, there are several variants. The most direct is to go first to Flühmatt before continuing through the pastures until the arrival of the cable car. It is also the busiest route. It is worth detouring a bit to Bord before reaching Ristis.

By choosing this variant, you start by crossing the Ochsematt where it can be very hot. But it doesn’t take long to climb into the forest of the small Dürrbach gorge. The refreshing shade then makes it possible to better stand the effort.

At the exit of the woods, it does not take long to arrive at the houses of the Bord (literally, the embankment). One will not fail to notice a plastered house decorated with frescoes. It is a former refreshment bar, the Alpenrose, a role which explains the presence of a cellar entrance behind the house.

The trail then continues to climb, becoming steeper and steeper along the edge of the forest. Steps have been placed along this section, but their height does not make the progression more pleasant. It is only when approaching the Ried mountain pasture that the slope decreases and this more so as it is not long before you set foot on a motorable path which leads directly to Ristis.

From the arrival of the gondola, one can then follow a pleasant path leading to Rinderbüel and, after making a few switchbacks, to Sädelegg. I was amazed to find that on the topographic maps the name of the chalet near the ridge had recently been changed. It now bears the name of Brunni. For me, this chalet has always been called Rosenbold, which is probably the correct toponym. I can say that because my grandmother’s family had mountain pasture rights up there.

From Sädelegg a wide path leads to Zimmerblätz and Spissegg. This path was completely (and artificially) built in the early 2000s. Historically, there was no path along this route. The only path leading to Spissegg is the one, still well marked on the ground, which climbs through the slope to reach the foot of the rock walls of the Kleiner Walenstock. Anyway, the new trail is nice, although often very busy.

From Zimmerblätz, I had returned to the village via the Wand pasture and further on, passing near Bäch’s house.

Route: Engelberg – Ochsematt – Bord – Ristis – Sädelegg – Zimmerblätz – Wand – Schwand – Bäch – Engelberg
Distance: 15Km
Altitude gain: 950m
Duration: 5h30