Brisen Peak and Haligrat Ridge: Nidwalden, Central Switzerland
This route is epic and dramatic and one-of-a-kind, and the whole area feels like a hidden local gem.
This one was a challenge. Physically demanding, yes. Tough, absolutely. But I wasn’t expecting it to be so mentally taxing. This required more courage, confidence and (for me) nerves of steel than any other hike we’ve embarked on so far.
The trail starts from the Niederrickenbach village, a tiny and quintessentially Swiss town in the Engelberergtal valley, with a Benedictine monastery and lots of cows for cheese for Musenalp cheese. The first half, from Niederrickenbach to Steinalper Jochli, is a standard though demanding 1000 m ascent through alpine pastures and boulders. But after Steinalper Jochil, the path transforms into nothing more than a narrow ribbon on a steep stony hillside, passing around the northern side of a large wedge-shaped outcrop. On the way to Brisen peak, we needed to traverse a steep, icy snowfield on the way. The path through the snow was well-trodden, but only wide enough for one foot in front of the other. It was long and tricky and in the moment, quite scary. The snowfield was passable, but I wouldn’t recommend trying it without crampons (and poles). The last few meters to the summit were steep and relatively safe, although I willed myself not to look down on the precipitous drops to the sides. Make sure to sign your name in the book at the top - you deserve it!
And once you summit Brisen Peak (2404 m), there is the next challenge: descending down the crest of Haldigrat ridge. I don’t get vertigo, but I can get scared of heights, and much of this trail is narrow, airy and exposed. However, the ridge isn’t too long (50 minutes, although it took us nearly 2 hours), and the views are extraordinary: the sights extend from the Säntis to the Bernese Alps and practically the entire central Swiss Alps region. I felt pushed to my edge in a good way, in a way that left me feeling both accomplished and humbled. Raunaq considers it one of the best hikes in Switzerland.
So, am I recommending this hike? A resounding YES. This route is epic and dramatic and one-of-a-kind, and the whole area feels like a hidden local gem. But should EVERYONE do this hike? Probably not. I’d only recommend to those who are sure-footed and have a head for heights! Will I do it again? Ask me next summer!
Start: Niederrickenbach (this train stop is “by request only,” so make sure to push the button). Take the Dallenwil-Niederrickenbach cablecar to the village.
End: Haldigrat. From Haldigrat, take the chair lift to Alpboden, and walk 2km back to Niederrickenbach.
Basic Route: Niederrickenbach - Brändlisboden - Brisenhaus - Steinalper Joch - Brisen Peak - Zickzackweg - Haldigrat
Length and Rating: Difficult. I’d only recommend this for those who are sure-footed and have a head for heights. 6 hours (it took us an additional hour to descent the ridge), 10km.
