Climb & Fly · Jochpass · Engelbergertal
Graustock via Nordwand – Climb & Fly
The Flugsau and Stei routes combine ice and rock climbing in the Graustock North Wall with the start at Schafberg. The avalanche situation, ice conditions and the remaining time for the flight determine the planning.
- Difficulty
- WI4, A0, S+
- Distance / Meter of altitude
- 3.5 km · ↑ 950 hm / ↓ 100 hm
- Time
- 5–7 h
- Starting background
- Snow or Firn
- Elevation information
- 1000 / 2600 m above sea level.
- Best time
- November–March
- Star exposure
- W–SW
- Material
Tour map · Graustock via Nordwand
Topos · Graustock via Nordwand
Starting point and entrance
The shared grey-stone map shows the access from the Trübsee to the north wall. The two marked ice and mixed-surface routes are called «Flugsau» and «Stei-Route».
Route description
The north wall combines climbing in ice and rock. The route lines and detailed topographic maps are directly available in the Factbox. WI4 indicates the difficulty of ice climbing; A0 indicates technical movement on safety points.
Takeoff, flight and landing
After the wall, you reach the starting point at Schafberg. A route is described that leads towards Engstlenalp and then back to the Engelberg Valley.
Safety and conditions
Be sure to take into account the avalanche risk. Ice and snow conditions, daylight hours, and starting points must all be factored into the planning. The tour is rated S+ as a difficult alpine activity.
Check the weather, wind, thermals, current airspace, and temporary restrictions before the tour. Ensure start and landing options as well as the return route in case you cannot fly. The maps show the route; local signs and current area information should be checked before the flight.
Briefly answered
Questions about the tour
Where does the Graustock tour via the north wall begin?
The shared grey-stone map shows the access from the Trübsee to the north wall. The two marked ice and mixed-surface routes are called «Flugsau» and «Stei-Route».
How long is the tour and how much time do I need?
The route is indicated as 3.5 km, 950 hm ascent, 100 hm descent and 5–7 h.
Where can I start and land?
After the wall, you reach the starting point at Schafberg. A route is described that leads towards Engstlenalp and then back to the Engelberg Valley.
What dangers are to be considered?
Be sure to take into account the avalanche risk. Ice and snow conditions, daylight hours, and starting points must all be factored into the planning. The tour is rated S+ as a difficult alpine activity.
Photos of the tour
Continue planning
Other Hike-and-Fly tours
Experience from the Engelberg Valley
The authors
Hike & Fly Guide Central Switzerland
From hiking ascents to alpine climb-and-fly routes: more hiking ideas from Julian Fürsinger, Jonas Käppeli and Dani Perret.
Daniel Perret
Daniel, usually called Dani, is a UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide in Engelberg. As a mountain guide, father of a family and mountain sports enthusiast, he is active in the Engelberg Valley and shares his hiking expertise here.
Jonas Käppeli
Since childhood, Jonas has been traveling in the mountains. Paragliding added another dimension: mountaineering and flying are intertwined for him. When the thermic forecast promises good conditions, he takes to the air.
Julian Fürsinger
Julian searches for secluded corners and terrain for new projects. The paraglider expands his horizons in the mountains – from rock climbing to evening flights. He prefers to travel off the beaten path.
