Atmospheric ridge climbing on the Rigidalstock

K3 Car-free possible

Brunnihütte, top station, OW

Klettersteig Rigidalstockgrat

The Rigidalstockgrat is a K3-rated via ferrata on the modest but scenic Rigidalstock (2593 m) above Engelberg.

Image: Eugen E. und Hildegard Hüsler

Difficulty

Difficult via ferrata

Current status

Seasonally open

Today falls within the published opening season

Checked 2 h ago

Total time

4 h 30 min

Approach + via ferrata + descent

Route description The Rigidalstockgrat is a K3-rated via ferrata on the modest but scenic Rigidalstock (2593 m) above Engelberg, offering a moderately challenging yet well-equipped climb with fine summit views. It complements an easier K2 route on the same peak, allowing the two to be combined into a rewarding circular tour.

The Rigidalstockgrat is a K3-rated via ferrata on the modest but scenic Rigidalstock (2593 m) above Engelberg, offering a moderately challenging yet well-equipped climb with fine summit views. It complements an easier K2 route on the same peak, allowing the two to be combined into a rewarding circular tour.

Route map

Download GPX

Annotated route info/map available from sac-cas.ch.

Route Info/Map

Start: 46.84116, 8.41164
Finish: 46.85045, 8.41865
Parking: -

Approach / VF / Descent

Segment timings and vertical stats from the current VFOS dataset.

Total: 4 h 30 min

Approach

Access

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Distance: 1.9 km
Ascent: 540 m
Descent: -
Elevation: -

From the Brunnihütte chairlift station, follow the white-blue-white marked trail up a stony slope into the hollow beneath the Schonegg. Turn right (southeast) to reach the grassy ridge, continue over the rise of Uf den Stucklenen (2188 m), then cross scree and boulders to the loose slabs below Rigidalstock's south ridge (about 2360 m), where the via ferrata begins.

Via ferrata

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Distance: 261 m
Ascent: 180 m
Descent: -
Elevation: 2,593 m

From a narrow ledge, follow the cable up a steep groove—the technical crux—to reach the ridge. Continue along the easier ridge to the base of the summit wall, then climb steeper compact slabs aided by iron rungs. Traverse left across loose scree, negotiate a series of zigzags, and finish along the summit ridge to the cross on Rigidalstock (2593 m).

Descent

Exit

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Distance: 1.9 km
Ascent: 540 m
Descent: -
Elevation: -

Return down the via ferrata and retrace the approach route back to the Brunnihütte chairlift station.

Total duration: 4 h 30 min
Total distance: 2.2 km
Total ascent: 720 m
Total descent: -

Escape points

No escape point details are recorded yet.

Opening season

Typical published season

Source

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Weather-dependent approximate dates.

Transport

Plan around the trailhead, parking, and public transport links.

Last lift down

Check operator

SBB to Brunni (Engelberg) SBB from Brunni (Engelberg) Navigate to start point

Cable car

Brunni (Engelberg)

For further information about the operating times of the cable car Engelberg–Ristis–Brunnihütte: http://www.brunni.ch/en/current-information/operating-times/

Coordinates: 46.84125, 8.41147

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Route feel

VFOS editorial ratings on a 1-5 scale.

Ratings -

Variety

How much the route changes in movement and terrain.

- -

Complexity

Route-finding and technical problem-solving beyond pure grade.

- -

Beauty

Scenery, setting, and overall aesthetic quality.

- -

Exposure

Airiness and exposure independent of technical difficulty.

- -

Sustained effort

How continuous or relentless the physical effort feels.

- -

Crux tags

No crux tags are recorded yet.

SAC-CAS route profile

Source ratings on the SAC-CAS 1-4 scale.

Official source

Mountain experience: 2/4
Power: 2/4
Endurance: 2/4
Psyche: 2/4

Photos

9 source photos

At the start, view over to the via ferrata Rigidalstockwand.© Fabian Lippuner

At the start, right to the Rigidalstockgrat, left to the via ferrata Rigidalstockwand.© Fabian Lippuner

Take a break on the Rigidalstockgrat via ferrata.© Fabian Lippuner

Moderate terrain on the Rigidalstockgrat via ferrata.© Fabian Lippuner

Looking back shortly before the summit.© Fabian Lippuner

Done: on the Rigidalstock.© Fabian Lippuner

Overview Brunni via ferratas.© Fabian Lippuner

Approach: keep left here.© Fabian Lippuner

Safety notes

Check current local information before setting off.

Rega 1414

Emergency

In Switzerland, call Rega on 1414 for mountain rescue. European emergency number: 112.

Mobile signal

Cell coverage can be patchy in gorges, valleys, and behind ridges. Download route notes and tell someone your plan.

Storms

Avoid thunderstorms and wet rock. Via ferrata cables can become hazardous quickly in poor weather.

Sources & data Attribution, source priority, and field-review status for this route.

Referenced sources

Opening season · Engelberg Mountain Guide
https://www.engelbergmountainguide.ch/en/summer/via-ferrata/opening-times/

Official

Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Opening-season source retained for status provenance.
SAC-CAS approach
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/rigidalstock-1499/berg-und-alpinwandern/zustieg-klettersteige-rigidalstock-1040/

Official

Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
SAC-CAS return
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/rigidalstock-1499/berg-und-alpinwandern/zustieg-klettersteige-rigidalstock-1040/

Official

Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
SAC-CAS via ferrata
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/rigidalstock-1499/klettersteig/klettersteig-rigidalstockgrat-741/

Official

Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.

Field review

No contested fields are currently flagged.

At a glance

Location: Brunnihütte, top station, OW
Elevation range: 2,593 m
Car-free possible: Yes

Weather