Tours • Brisen • Engelberg Valley • Multi-Pitch Climbing • Niederrickenbach • Summer

15 September 2026

Multi-pitch climbing · Brisen area

Schinberg SW wall – climbing at the Brisenhaus

Short alpine rock climbs in steep, broken limestone: The Schinberg SW face offers three routes, each four pitches long. Der Schwierige Kamin is the classic route above the Brisenhaus.

The wall is a quieter climbing destination in the Brisen area. Alongside the multi-pitch routes, there is a separate crag near the hut. For the SW face, the approach and descent via grassy terrain are part of the tour.

Difficulty: 6a to 6b / A0
Length: 4 of each SL
boarding: From the Brisenhaus approx. 45 mins
Hedging: bollard; renovated
Wall area: approx. 1900 m
Season: May–November
Exhibition: South-west
Curfew: 15.12.–30.04.

To get started

Access description

To the Brisenhaus

The Brisenhaus can be reached via the Klewenalp or Niederrickenbach mountain railways. The walk to the hut must be added to the approach time to the wall. Brisenhaus: Getting there, hut operations and booking ↗

From the Brisenhaus to the SW face

From the Brisenhaus to the base of the wall on the south-west side of the Schinberg. The map distinguishes between the nearby climbing garden and the further away SW face. Allow up to about 45 minutes from the hut for the approach to the multi-pitch wall.

Choosing the right introduction

The drawn line in the topo shows the difficult chimney. Chuchi-Wändli and the direct variant are listed with their route data; their exact routing is not fully shown on this sheet.

All details for the respective route

Routes and topos

Multi-pitch · Schinberg

kitchen wall unit

6a / A0

Length: 4 SL
Compulsory.: Not specified separately
Material: 2 × 50 m; personal climbing equipment
First ascent: J. Amstad, F. Berlinger et al., 1975; renovated

Short alpine route on the southwest face. The grading includes artificial aid at A0. Descent on foot; the grassy sections are tricky when wet.

Insurance Equipped with expansion bolts.

The shared sheet contains the route data. The drawn main line shows the difficult chimney, not the complete route of the Chuchi-Wändli.

Open Topo Chuchi-Wändli

Schinberg: Topo difficult chimney with route data for the SW face and the climbing crag

Multi-pitch · Schinberg

Difficult fireplace

Length: 4 SL
Compulsory.: Not specified separately
Material: 2 × 50 m; personal climbing equipment
First ascent: E. Gander, E. Käslin, 1960; renovated

The classic on the Schinberg: steep, well-graded high-mountain limestone with four pitches. From the top out, the walk back is on foot.

Insurance Equipped with expansion bolts.

Topo: opening a difficult chimney

Multi-pitch · Schinberg

Difficult fireplace directly

6b / A0

Length: 4 SL
Compulsory.: Not specified separately
Material: 2 × 50 m; personal climbing equipment
First ascent: F. Stalder, N. Würsch, 1967; renovated

Direct variant to the difficult chimney. The grading includes A0; the descent requires surefootedness, just like the classic route.

Insurance Equipped with expansion bolts.

The direct variant is listed on the shared sheet with its key data. Obtain additional route knowledge for its exact routing.

Topo: Directly tackle the difficult chimney

Short routes

Climbing garden near the Brisenhaus

For shorter climbs, there is a separate climbing garden close to the Brisenhaus. The following lines are listed on the shared topo sheet:

Abigsunne · 5c
Amadeus-like · 6b
Bisiwätter · 7a
Brisehuis · 5c
Brisehus Leo · 5b
D’Winziger · 6a
Newdi's dream · 6c
Pewzig · 6b / A0
R2 · 5b
Var. 1 · 6a+
Option 2 · 6a+
Vreni's Run · 6b

Plan the tour right to the end

Descent and return journey

The three described multi-pitch routes are left via a descent on foot. From the exit across the alpine terrain to the base of the wall or back to the Brisenhaus. The grassy flanks can be very slippery when wet. Clarify the descent line before starting; the shared topo only marks the descent on foot schematically.

This is what you bring to the table

Requirements and character

You need secure climbing in alpine limestone and a sure foot for the approach and descent. The notations A0 at Chuchi-Wändli and Schwieriger Kamin directly indicate technical assistance at protection points. A separate mandatory free-climbing grade is not specified for these lines.

For climbing route and return path

Equipment

The route-specific equipment is in every route box. In addition, the personal equipment includes:

2 × 50 m rope; quickdraws and slings to suit the route
helmet, climbing harness, climbing shoes and grippy shoes for the approach and descent
belay device, self-belay and locking carabiner
Weather protection, water, provisions, first aid and map

Additional knowledge

Frequently asked questions

Is there a seasonal closure on the Schinberg?

For this tour, the climbing ban from 15 December to 30 April must be observed. The winter season of the Brisenhaus does not mean that the climbing routes are open.

Do the climbing crag and the SW face have the same start?

No. The climbing garden is closer to the Brisenhaus, and the multi-pitch routes are located on the SW face. Both areas are marked on the approach map.

What does A0 mean?

A0 means that protection points are used for progression. It is not an additional free-climbing grade. The rating must not be equated with a separately stated mandatory free-climbing grade.

Can I stay overnight at the Brisenhaus?

The Brisenhaus offers online booking. Bring a hut sleeping bag for your overnight stay. In April and November the hut is closed; the shelter then offers no cooking or sleeping facilities. Brisenhaus: Getting there, hut operations and booking ↗

How do I get to the area by public transport?

Via Stans and Beckenried to the Klewenalp cable car or via the Zentralbahn stop Niederrickenbach Station to the aerial cableway to Niederrickenbach. The stop is a request stop. Brisenhaus: Getting there, hut operations and booking ↗

Dani Perret · IFMGA Mountain Guide

Schinberg SW wall with mountain guide

Do you want to plan an alpine climbing tour? Write to me which routes you have already climbed and what you feel capable of. Together we will figure out which objective matches your experience and the conditions.