Via Alpina (Middle Section): Engelberg to Griesalp
The middle section of the Via Alpina from Engelberg to Griesalp.
Wild Camping View from Gimmelwald
Technical Summary:
Day 1: Engelberg to Meiringen
Stats: 24.3km (112m ascent/1852m descent)
Trail Conditions: The whole trail was typical dirt/rock mountain trail. The technical difficulty increases towards the top where there is an amazing ridge hike. The descent goes through some grassy patches, which can be difficult to manage once your legs are fatigued from going down. I slipped a few times even with poles!
Good to Know: There is a gondola GB 2534 that brings you up to Trübsee. There are a few different gondola options going down from Planplatten area. The first closes early around 16:00, so if you arrive later in the day like I did you may have to hike down or catch one of the smaller gondolas below. I ended up catching one of the lowest gondolas PB2480 at Hasliberg Reuti to Meiringen. The 1800+ meters of descent will have catch up with you so the gondola was much needed by that point.
Day 2: Meiringen to Gimmelwald
Stats: 19.7km (1144m ascent/1385m descent) & 5.6km (462m ascent/49m descent)
Trail Conditions: On the first section around Meiringen/Grindelwald were a lot of paved road throughout the way as well some rocky roads. The second part I intentionally started from Mürren to start back on normal dirt/rock mountain trails.
Good to Know: This section I found the most annoying. There was a lot of transportation options, which I ended up using some (buses B164 & B128 from Meiringen to Schwarzwaldalp to Grindelwald; gondola PB2461 from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp & train R66 to Mürren). I happened to arrive on the day of a bike race and got instantly annoyed trying to share the streets the paths were on and within Grindelwald there were tons of tourists and traffic. Honestly, my least favorite section of the trail.
Day 3: Gimmelwald to Griesalp
Stats: 12.3km (634m ascent/1280m descent)
Trail Conditions: The trail starts off as the same typical mountain trail as the day before, but becomes rocky and steep after Hundshubel. It remains that way until it reaches a rocky road. The road was very rocky and I slipped quite a few times (also due to my lack of hydration and nutrition).
Good to Know: There is one hut (Rotstockhütte) right by the start here where there is a water fountain nearby, but after that there is nothing until close to Griesalp. I was dehydrated and hungry most of this day and wished I had stocked up better in Mürren the day before.
Daily Blog:
Day 1 - Engelberg to Meiringen
Trübsee
The first day from Engelberg was very hot so I immediately opted for the gondola to Trübsee. After the quick ascent from there to Engstlensee, the cows there at the top even looked exhausted from the heat.
Exhausted cow and I in the heat
Right at the top, there was one of the stamp stations.
Stamp Station
Then a short descent to Engstlensee, which was really gorgeous. This part of the path was like a dirt road with plenty of places to stop for lunch. I opted for under a pine tree.
Engstlensee
Then there was a short but really beautiful ascent to Tannensee.
Near Tannensee
Around the lakes, there were cute goats. The trail became like road again and there were more tourists including a little tourist “train”, which was linked little cars that looked like a child’s train.
Goats next to the Via Alpina sign
Tannensee
There was another ascent from Tannensee to the start of the ridge hike. The ridge hike was very stunning and started the most technical segment of the hike. From this point, I didn’t see any more people - just sheep!
Start of ridge hike
At one point, I found two marmots. See if you can see them in the video below.
….and then the sheep!
The rest of the way down. I was very focused on my footing due to the amount of grass. I slipped a couple of times before taking the gondola from Hasliberg-Reuti down to Meiringen, where I camped for the night. The camping spot there was on a playground in AlpenCamping and the lady at reception was very kind. I had no reservation and she even ordered me bread for the morning. I met a British man and Dutch couple were doing a cycling tour and camping next to me. We had a lovely chat over dinner. Meeting people at the camping spots is a real perk. It’s so nice to meet fellow outdoor-loving people and exchange recommendations of adventures to do.
Altitude description and map of trail
Day 2 - Meiringen to Gimmelwald
Schwarzwaldalp
The morning started off very relaxed with the delivery of the fresh bread and gipfelis. After saying goodbye to my new friends, I went to Coop and get some supplies for the next couple of days. The next part of the route was right along a bus line to Schwarzwaldalp. At the top there was connecting bus down to Grindelwald. Around Schwarzwaldalp there was a lovely view from the base of Wetterhorn as I waited for the connecting bus, which I was glad I did because the trail ran along the road and there were a couple of different biking races going on at the time. One on the road for race bikes and one on the trails for mountain bikes. It felt good to avoid all the bikers - however, I would soon learn in Grindelwald the races would continue from there again following along the trail. Grindelwald felt very overwhelming with the heat coming off the pavement and the tourists everywhere. I started to continue the trail to Wengen.
Grindelwald
The trail towards Wengen was mostly on the road with lots of cyclists from the race. It was not ideal and un-motivating to continue.
Cute sign for goat cheese. There were white Saanen goats (native to Kanton Bern)
I stopped part way to Wengen and took the train to Lauterbrunnen as the combination of the heat, roads, and cyclists were all wearing on my enthusiasm and energy to continue. At Lauterbrunnen, I took the gondola up and then took the tiny mountain train to Mürren. I have done the trail from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren many times, so I did not feel the urge to repeat it along it is a very nice trail.
In Mürren, I purchased some snacks, which I enjoyed while gazing at the magical views from the village. I would end up regretting not purchasing more snacks or drinks for the next day (as I would run out of food and water).
View from Mürren
The hike out of Mürren towards Gimmelwald was beautiful. After the road, there was the classic dirt mountain trail (my favorite type of trail).
And then I stumbled upon more Saanen goats at a little farm before the first true ascent.
Saanen goats
The sun was getting lower in the sky and this part felt really refreshing and my enthusiasm was high as I made my ascent.
View from the ascent in Gimmelwald
After the ascent, the trail was easy with breathtaking views!
It was shortly after this point that I found what may be the most beautiful wild camping spot that I have camped at.
The sunset there was gorgeous!
Happy camper!
Sunset from wild camping spot
Map and Elevation Profile (Grindelwald to Wengen)
Map and Altitude Profile (Mürren to Gimmelwald)
Via Alpina: Vaduz to Montreux
The most scenic route across Switzerland
I have been obsessed with the Via Alpina Green trail since I discovered the starting point at Montreux on a random day trip. After looking it up, I mapped it out and read multiple articles about the trail. This trail was a dream to me — a chance to cross Switzerland through its most scenic mountain passes.
Here’s a link to a GPX file for the entire tour from Vaduz to Montreux: Via Alpina - GPX Link
For further information about the first section please read my article about my journey from Vaduz to Engelberg here: Eastern Via Alpina Section Link
For information about my journey on the western part of the Via Alpina read my article here: Western Via Alpina Section Link
In order to prep for my Via Alpina journey, I packed all the items pictured below (total weight around 17 kilos without water):
This includes food (dried fruit, nuts, canned tuna, granola bars, rice cakes, and carrots), toiletries and sealed trash bag, quick dry towel, hiking clothes including a swimsuit, hat, packable raincoat and light down coat, headbands, and buff, inflatable mattress and pillow, sleeping bag, tent, hiking sticks, first aid kit (with emergency blanket), sunglasses, electronics case with portable and wall chargers, and whistle.
Via Alpina (East Section): Vaduz to Engelberg
Vaduz to Engelberg: the eastern section of the Via Alpina
Selfie at Surenenpass
On my Via Alpina adventure, I ended up hiking the trail on two different trips for various practical reasons. The first section I did took around 6 days to complete and spanned from Gaflei, Klink bus stop in Liechtenstein to Engelberg station in canton Obwalden. To be honest, I have a couple of cheating rules that I live by that meant not all of the Via Alpina trail were hiked from point to point. I optimize for time on the “real mountain trails” and strongly avoid trails that are in the city/streets or that can be covered by public transport. I did not fully optimize for this as well as I could have, but I will insert some tips if this is also your target.
Below you will find both a short technical summary as well as a longer daily blog with additional information including maps with GPX links.
Start of the Via Alpina trail in Liechtenstein
Technical Summary:
Day 1: Gaflei to Weisstannen
Stats: 8.2 km (1032m descent) & 6.4 km (374m ascent/69m descent)
Trail Conditions: Technically easy with lots of dirt/gravel trails/roads
Good to Know: Many drinking points and shops/bathrooms around Vaduz and Weisstannen
Weisstannen to wild camping spot near Foo Pass - GPX Link
Day 2: Weisstannen to Elm (Foospass)
Stats: 14.9km (992m ascent/1258m descent)
Trail Conditions: More technically challenging, but still fairly easy/moderate mountain trail with narrower grassy/dirt hiking trails with some rocky trail areas on the first part of the ascent. Last part of descent is mainly road (transitions from dirt to paved)
Good to Know: Drinking fountain is available near a waterfall at the beginning of the ascent and a second one is available near a farming building near the top of the ascent. After the first part of the descent there is a farm providing refreshments before the last road down. Please note that the land is protected during the descent, so camping is only possible at the campsite in Elm! There is limited cellular reception for most of Foospass.
Foo Pass to Elm Campground - GPX Link
Day 3: Elm to Richetlipass
Stats: 3.1km (66m ascent/92m descent) & 8.9km (810m ascent/217m descent)
Trail Conditions: The first hike from the campsite to the gondola is on a paved road whereas the second hike is on a dirt mountain trail.
Good to Know: A short cut can be taken by taking the bus 545 from Elm to Obererbs Skihütte instead of taking the gondola at Elm Sportsbahnen like I did. There are fountains and restaurants around Elm and Emphächli as well as a restaurant at Obererbs Skihütte. The restaurant at Obererbs Skihütte is the last place to get water before Linthal! There are limited streams where you can use a life-straw during the descent to Linthal.
Elm Campsite to Elm Gondola GPX
Empächli to Richetlipass wild camping spot
Day 4: Richetlipass to Klausenpass
Stats: 11.7km (229m ascent/1655m descent) & 8.5 km (12m ascent, 965m descent)
Trail Conditions: Very rocky/steep conditions around Richetlipass with risks of falling rocks. After inital descent, the trail becomes a dirt road before turning into a dirt trail through the forest.
Good to Know: Short cut available by taking the bus 405 from Linthal to Klausen Passhöhe. Linthal offers stores and water fountains as well as bus/train connections. On Klausenpass, there is a campsite in Unterschächen that is worth deviating from the Via Alpina trail for since it has showers.
Day 5: Klausenpass to Surenenpass
Stats: 6km (846m ascent/120m descent)
Trail Conditions: Moderate dirt/rocky mountain hiking trail with increased exposure to rockslides and unstable rocks towards the top of the ascent to Surenenpass.
Good to Know: Short cut from Unterschächen via bus 408 from Unterschächen to Attinghausen Seilbahn and then taking the gondola at Attinghausen Seilbahn to Brüstli. There are restaurants and water fountains available at Brüstli. This is the last place for water before the farm during the descent to Engelberg (which was the next day for me)!
Day 6: Surenepass to Engelberg
Stats: 10.8km (22m ascent/1198m descent)
Trail Conditions: Normal, dirt mountain trail until after the farm when the trail becomes a dirt road until the forest at the end where it is a gentle dirt walking path.
Good to Know: No water at the refuge hut or anywhere nearby until about an hour into descent where there is a farm that has a fountain and open restrooms. There are streams before the farm, if you have a life-straw.
Daily Blog:
Day 1 - Gaflei to Weisstannen
This day was one of the most transport heavy days for me. I started off by traveling from Munich with the Deutschland ticket to Lindau-Reutin and then purchasing a short train ticket from there to Feldkirch in Austria. (Please note that international tickets are not sold on the SBB app but only on their website.) From there I had to take three buses to get to Gaflei, Klink (via Vaduz, Post and Triesenberg, Dorfzentrum). I arrived at the trail head shortly before noon. The trail descended gently down through a forest into Vaduz. There were some good places to stop on a bench to look across the valley into the mountains of Switzerland. The end of the trail was mostly gravel or pavement road, which is not a type of trail that I am a fan of. By the time I reached Vaduz, It was half past 2pm and quite hot. Therefore, I took the opportunity to indulge in the last of civilization by using the public toilets and stopping in a cafe for a “Käsewähe” for a late lunch bite. Using my strategy of optimizing for mountain passes, I took three buses from Vaduz, Post to Sargans, Bahnhof and then to Mels, Verrucano and finally to Weisstannen, Oberdorf. By that time, it was early evening so I planned to continue my hike until I could find a suitable camping spot. I saw a sign for a camping site 600 meters from Oberdorf yet I was unable to find it once I was on the trail. The trail gently ascended through a forest along the river. There were some gorgeous outlooks into the mountains and of towering waterfalls. Once I crossed a farm, the trail became a gravel road that winded up the hillside into the next forest. Along the road, I saw a couple picking mushrooms, but I was more interested in picking the bountiful raspberries and blackberries in the brush. Around 7:30pm, the trail separated from the road and went up into the forest. Here I found a little grassy hill to set up camp on. As a general rule, I do not like to camp near gravel roads, especially because farmers tend to drive on them first thing in the morning. This proved to be a lovely little camping spot, but the only problem was the plethora of slugs on my soggy tent the next morning.
Blackberry on the road to the forest after the farm
My cozy camping spot in Weisstannen
Map from Gaflei bus stop to Vaduz
Map to wild camping spot from Weisstannen bus stop
Day 2 - Weisstannen to Elm
Honestly, this was one of the toughest days for me despite the trail not being that physically or technically challenging. I had a migraine this day and there was absolutely no shade after exiting the forest first thing in the morning. I ended up sleeping for a couple of hours in a blueberry bush surrounded by cows under the heat of the sun. The path up to the cow pasture was rocky and beautiful brimming with rushing waterfalls and wildlife. There was a chamois running across the valley when I was crossing and I also saw a hunter carrying one on his shoulders.
The top of Foo Pass revealed a beautiful mountain landscape stretching as far as I could see. Shortly after crossing down Foo Pass, I ran into a friendly farmer who offered me a drink and some helpful advice on where to camp for the night. A lot of the forest below Foo Pass was protected, so no camping was allowed, but 2 hours down hill near Elm there was a small campsite for tents in a forest. This campsite cost only a few francs and offered a small bathroom (with a charging port by the sink) as well as a picnic table and campfire spot. It was very cozy here so I took advantage of this to sleep in a little and recover well before my next day of exploring.
Passing over the top of Foo Pass
Descending Foo Pass
Views of waterfalls at sunset from the forest road
Cozy little campsite in the forest of Elm
Map of trail from Foopass to Elm Campsite
Day 3 - Elm to Richetlipass (near Linthal)
My first stop of the morning was only minutes away from the campsite, but so worthwhile. There was an adorable train car cafe that offered coffee, drinks, and little cakes (including my favorite Biberlis). The lady there advised me about a bus that left near there that went directly to Elm, Obererbs Skihütte; however, since the bus was infrequent I decided to walk to the gondola instead to start from Empächli. The trail there started from a little ski resort where there were restaurants and amusements for children.
Train car cafe in Elm
The trail began as a road presenting gorgeous views of the mountains across the valley, including Martin’s Hole. These mountains are uniquely carved in sharp points like cat teeth. Nestled along the path were old, traditional huts.
The path wound through the forest gently up on a gravel road, similar to the road from last night. The gravel road from the day before had already tired my feet and this road multiplied this ache, so I took a moment to bathe my feet in the flowing, icy river.
View from my icy foot bath
Once I crossed the river, I was greeted by some gentle shade from lush raspberry bushes. The trail then wound through some light woods, including a charming picnic and fire pit. Once through the forest, there was an opening where cows were casually munching in the meadow. Both in the forest and meadow there were some warnings of unstable areas were staying for too long should be avoided. The trail however was very gentle and well-maintained. The cows of this herd were especially friendly and were eager to follow my lead along the trail. I found this very sweet and funny. At the end of the cow pasture, there was the road and the bus stop for Obererbs, Skihütte. There was a cute little hut there that served nice little cakes and drinks. I throughly enjoyed my “rüeblitorte” and my conversation with the waitress. She was very kind and inquired about my travel plans. After a delightful break, I ventured up through the blueberry bushes and gentle grassy hillside towards the first outlook over Richetlipass.
Soon I reached the overlook that revealed a small grassy dip in the mountain more the final rocky ascent to Richetlipass. Originally, I confused this small dip for the pass itself and I set up camp there for the night. As I first enter this little meadow it looked like the perfect paradise for camping, but in reality it was quite the opposite.
The meadow was bumpy and the ground so uneven and wet that find a place to pitch a tent was difficult. More concerning was the rocks that started to fall from the mountain ridge above. At one point my original camping spot was so close to a rock slide that I had to grab my fully deployed tent by the top and run with it across to a nearby hill. I settled on the top of this hill where I could find the only few feet of flat space. The hill went straight down into a rocky cliff right at the edge of my tent. Honestly, I felt a bit nervous to be so close, so I slept on the side away from the cliff. There was also a small wire fence on the edge, so I felt somewhat protected.
Map of trail from Elm campsite to Elm Gondola (bus can also be taken instead from Elm, Obererbs Skihütte to skip part of the trail from the top of the Elm Gondola at Empächli)
Map of trail from Empächli to Richetlipass (majority of this trail can be skipped by taking bus to Elm, Obererbs Skihütte)
Please note advises on Swiss topo such as this one present for a shooting range nearby
My final camping spot on the edge of the cliff
Day 4 - Richetlipass to Klausenpass
The next morning, I awoke to the loud howl of the wind followed by a cascade of rock falls across the valley. Even though my location was quite safe, since the rock falls were still at a far distance, I quickly started out on my hike of the day. Shortly after starting out, I realized that I had actually not reached the top of Richetlipass, but it was actually a short distance further up. The trail up to the top was scarred by rockslides and crumbly, flaky rocks. I quickly ascended to the top of the pass motivated by thirst as my water hadn’t been filled since the cake stop at the small ski restaurant as well as by fear of possible rock falls. The top of the pass was stunning, but the path down was a bit steep with small, unstable rocks. However, there was some flora to keep the trail in tact, including my absolute favorite lupines.
View down the pass
The trail down was long and winding with no shade from trees even the occasional bushes were too short to provide any protection. There was also no water sources; however, there was a stream nearby and once it got close enough to the trail I went down the river bank to use my life straw since I was parched by this point. The trail continued down through some cow pastures towards a rocky stream. I spotted a little marmot curiously fixated on me amongst the piles of rocks.
Find the marmot amongst the rocks. He blends in quite well with the rocks, but one hint is that he is facing towards the right of the image and is perched on one of the higher stones.
The rest of the trail was a stony road that intertwined with forests and farms yet was shockingly sunny. Further down there were little forest shortcuts from the main farm road. Amongst the trees there were raspberry bushes yet there were no drinking fountains. I used my life straw on numerous cow water tubs, but was still quite parched. The path down took longer than I had expected despite adding some little trail running spurts into my hike. The stream turned into a flowing river, which cascaded down in numerous waterfalls down to Linthal. I had expected to complete the hike down to Linthal before noon, but I only arrived to the town around 2pm. Linthal seemed like heaven, since a shady bench and fresh, cold water fountain greeted me along with a much needed garbage can to rid of my waste collection from my night of camping. After resting on the bench and drinking as much water as my heart desired, I ventured to the Volg where I restocked on some snacks and got some local cheese and bread and fresh fruits for lunch. I could not find an ATM in the town prior to the bus that I took towards Klausenpass despite there being listings of ATMs online and some advice from local people.
The sun was beating down and it was already late in the day, so I decided to skip the entry into Klausenpass by taking the bus. I felt very justified in this decision, since the path seemed to closely follow the road and I was uninterested in hiking so close to traffic.
The grassy path starting off from Klausen Passhöhe before I deviated to the trail towards the campsite.
I arrived at Klausen Passhöhe just after 4pm. This stop was ideal since it was deep into Klausenpass and had a free bathroom and water spout. The trail started down here, but at this point I was starting to feel the wear and tear of the numerous days of hiking in the sun and heat without a shower, so I started searching camping sites. I found one that was a bit off the Via Alpina trail, but offered a shower and bathroom with tent pitched sites. This was irresistible to me, so I deviated from the normal Via Alpina trail down to the town of Unterschächen, where the campsite was settled right next to the river and had all the facilities of the Langlaufzentrum available for use such as a small living room/kitchen, showers, and a toilet and sink. This stop helped me to refresh myself and charge my devices while I showered and used the other facilities. The facilities were very clean. The campsite was easily payable by cash or twint.
Point just before my deviation from the Via Alpina trail
Little family farm near the point where I deviated to the trail towards the campsite. The stoney cliff that I hiked under is all the way to the right of the image.
The trail towards the campsite from Klausen Passhöhe started off very steep and stoney. The stones slipped out from under my feet causing the descent to be quite stressful and taxing on my legs. The trail followed a cliff of rocks that looked potentially unstable with trails of loose stone beneath. There was a fence that I leaned on for support at some points.
Start of the slippery, stoney trail under the cliff towards the campsite.
After the steep and slippery start, the descent continued to be somewhat steep and slippery yet less exposed and rocky and more protected by brush and trees.
The trail took about two hours to complete and this first leg lasted no more than 45 minutes before the trail turned into a gentle, grassy paradise weaving in and out of small farming villages and forested areas. The first village greeted me with a wonderfully huge waterfall.
The waterfall was very impressive and made the challenging trek already feel worthwhile, especially with the sun slowly settling into the valley for the night.
The path from here was very easy, so I injected a few trail running sprints into it to get to the campsite quicker since the sun was setting. I reached the campsite just after sunset, and enjoyed all the facilities that the campsite had to offer.
Richetlipass to Linthal GPX Link
Map of first leg from Richetlipass to Linthal where the bus 408 can be taken to Klausen Passhöhe
Deviation from normal Via Alpina trail to go from Klausen Passhöhe to camping site at Raiffeisen Langlaufzentrum in Unterschächen
Day 5 - Surenenpass
In the morning, I took the opportunity to sleep in and air out my tent since it had accumulated some dew and dampness from the grassy campsite. I ended up only leaving after 10am and decided to take the bus down Altdorf and then take a gondola from Altdorf towards the next pass.
I started my hike at Brüstli, where I promptly found a nice alpine restaurant, Berggasthaus Alp Catrina, to have my first full meal in almost a week. The Älpermagronen that I had there was the best I had ever had. It was so creamy and delightful. I took this short break as an opportunity to journal for a few peaceful moments. After lunch, I found a fountain to refill my bottles and there were actually quite a few benches, fountains, and picnicking spots nearby. By this time of day, the sun was fully shining with scarcely a cloud to be seen. After the initial blueberry bushes and occasional tree, there was no more shade, which made the ascent very challenging.
Picnic spots near Brüstli
The views were incredible with incredible views of the mountains from all sides as well as a peak on the Vierwaldstättersee on the approach towards Langschnee. The path from here was relatively stable and easy until reaching Langschnee.
A view on Vierwaldstättersee and Langschnee
Path towards Langschnee
Upon reaching Langschnee, the trail began to become more rocky and steep with old rock slides marking the sides of the trail.
Entry into the Langschnee area
View into Langschnee
The trail began to become even more challenging and rocky as it twisted to the top of Surenenpass; however, the views were well worth it. There was a herd of sheep that made the trail seem more lighthearted.
A little sheep on the trail approaching Langschnee
After the breathtaking journey and views, the stunning top of Surenenpass presented even more spectacular views.
After crossing the top of the pass, the wind started to kick in and clouds soon flooded the sky. The weather started feel ominous. Thankfully, there was a small shelter hut close by that I stopped in to eat dinner while waiting to see how the weather developed. The thick blanket of clouds and strong wind continued after my dinner pause, so I decided to call it a night and sleep at the shelter hut.
The shelter hut
The shelter hut had the traditional Swiss hospitality in the form of wooden signs with a poem of the reasoning and rules on the hut as well as guest book where adventurers could leave little notes. It was nice to read through these during my little dinner.
View from inside the hut
The view was incredible with a couple of glaciers in sight from the long wooden dinner table and bench. Waking up to this view was magical. Wildlife was unaware of my presence, so I spotted sheep and marmots playing up close to the hut.
View on the hut in the morning after leaving
Brüstli to Surenenpass Refuge GPX Link
Map from Brüsti gondola to Surenenpass Refuge Hut
Day 6 - Surenenpass to Engelberg
One of the best views was actually looking back on the hut after leaving. The sun glowing on the rocky cliffs in the background was incredibly moving.
On the way down I spotted two little marmots in “meerkat” position in the grass. See if you can spot them in the center of the photo below.
For the majority of the Surenenpass and descent there was no water fountain, so on the way down I had to use my life straw in a stream until I reached a little farm close to a gorgeous little church. The farm also conveniently had bathrooms open even when the little restaurant was closed.
Little church near the farm with fountain
The descent became increasingly road-like; however, the views continued to be amazing as the path followed the river, which at points turned into waterfalls. The surrounding view was also spectacular with extremely tall waterfalls and glaciers in the distance.
In the video above, you can catch a glimpse of another marmot that I spotted during the final descent
The waterfalls can be seen here in the distance surrounding the valley. The descent lasted for a couple hours more until the trail entered a forested area just before arriving the bus stop.
This river crossing is one of the final mountain trail areas before entering the final section of gently forested trail. Based on the rain forest and overall fatigue from the journey thus far, I decided to take a pause in Engelberg and go home before continuing the trail. You can read about the second leg of my journey in the blog on Via Alpina West (Montreux-Adelboden).
Surenenpass to Engelberg GPX Link
Map from Surenenpass Refuge Hut to Engelberg