Hiking to Bannalp

Previous weekend we were blessed with sunny summer weather – a perfect weather for trip to the mountains. My husband and I decided to explore the area we haven’t yet visited – the Bannalp.

Lake Bannalp (Bannalpsee) at Bannalp

The Bannalp is a hidden gem of the Central Switzerland. It is situated in the Engelberg Valley, high above the villages Oberrickenbach and Wolfenschiessen. It can be reached by foot or by public transport – via two cable cars from Fell: Fell-Chrüzhütte and Fellboden-Bannalpsee. Because my husband and I were up for a challenge, we decided to hike from Oberrickenbach – Fell all the way up to Bannalpsee.

Horses at Bannalp

Two hiking trails lead to from Obberickenbach to Bannalp. We’ve chosen the one via Haghütte. This 5 km long trail is well marked. It ascents from the altitude of 903 m to the altitude of 1713 m. With the total ascent of 810 m is quite steep and demanding. It definitely wasn’t the easiest hike I have ever done, but the beautiful landscape and the will to see what is waiting me at the top, kept me going.

The trail we took is on the map marked with number 2

After a little less than three hours we’ve reached the Bannalp. Tired, but happy we’ve completed the hike and arrived to our destination, we’ve stopped by the Chrüzhütte mountain hut where we’ve refilled our batteries and had delicious lunch.

My lunch

Rested and with our bellies full, we walked to Bannalp’s main attraction –  Lake Bannalp (Bannalpsee), an artificial lake at 1587 meters altitude. The lake covers an area of 16 hectares (40 acres) and is surrounded by the majestic mountains. It is truly breathtaking place well worth all the effort of hiking there.

Beautiful Bannalpsee

Even though we’ve reached the lake in the afternoon was the water still calm enough to reflect the surrounding mountains.

We’ve rested by the lake for a while and as none of us fancy a walk back down to the valley, we decided to take the cable car. We’ve chosen the Fellboden-Bannalpsee cable car which was closer to the lake. We bought out tickets and waited to be called for our ride. Because it was quite busy day at Bannalp and the cable car can only fit up to 8 people, we had to wait for app. 40 minutes to get back to the valley.

One way tickets to the valley

We’ve reached the valley exhausted but happy and grateful we’ve been able to experience another amazing hiking trip to amazing place.

Bannalpsee

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

HOW TO GET TO Bannalp?

By public transport:
By train & bus: Take the train  from Lucerne to Wolfenschiessen, there change for bus in direction of Oberrickenbach – Fell.

By car:
Follow the A2 motorway in the direction of Gotthard. Take the exit at Stans-Süd and drive in direction of Engleberg. When you reach the village Wolfenschiessen turn left in direction Oberrickenbach. When you reach Oberrickenbach you’ll find the free parking spaces by the cable car stations Fell and Fellboden.

Till next time Bannalp!