Rigidalstock via ferrata – 2593 m above sea level.
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The interesting high-flyer
The via ferrata up the Rigidalstock is one of the most popular via ferrata routes around Engelberg. No wonder: the route combines a longer approach with varied climbing and a true summit destination at 2,593 m above sea level.
Two options are available for the ascent: the easier Rigidalstockgrat is well suited for beginners, whereas the steeper Rigidalstockwand is significantly more challenging and better suited for advanced mountaineers.
Tour information
Difficulty: K3–K4
Time: approx. 5 hours
Season: June – October
Elevation difference: approx. 730 metres of elevation gain
Start Brunnihütte, approx. 1,875 metres above sea level.
Summit Rigidalstock, 2593 m a.s.l.
Exposition: South
Character: Long mountain walk with via ferrata
Route description
From the Brunnihütte, the approach takes around 75 minutes towards the Rigidalstock. Above the Bettlerstock, the route splits.
Rigidal Stock Ridge – K2
The eastern Rigidalstock ridge is the easier route and is also suitable for beginners to via ferrata. The via ferrata follows the ridge up to the summit of the Rigidalstock at 2,593 metres above sea level.
Rigidal stick wall – K4
The western route through the Rigidalstockwand is considerably more challenging. It is steeper and more difficult, and is more suitable for experienced via ferrata climbers.
Both routes lead to the same summit.
Descent
From the summit, the descent follows the easier route. According to the map, the descent from the via ferrata takes around 45 minutes. You then follow the approach path back to the Brunnihütte.
A proper via ferrata mountain hike
Unlike the short Brunnistöckli and Zittergrat, the Rigidalstock is a longer undertaking. The approach, via ferrata, summit and descent together make for a mountain tour of approximately five hours.
This makes the Rigidalstock particularly appealing if you’re not just looking for a short via ferrata, but a full tour that includes a summit experience.
Good to know
✓ Two via ferrata routes to the same summit
✓ Rigidalstockgrat as a simpler variant
✓ Rigid pile wall as a more sophisticated variant
✓ Summit at 2,593 m above sea level.
✓ Around 730 vertical metres
✓ Long mountain tour – allow plenty of time
✓ Can be tackled next after Brunnistöckli or Zittergrat
Similar via ferratas
- Brunnistöckli – a short and easy K2 via ferrata for beginners.
- Zittergrat – a short but significantly steeper and more exposed K4 variant on the Brunni.
- Rigidalstockgrat – the simpler version on the Rigidal pole.
- Rigid pile wall – the more challenging option for advanced learners.
Questions
Is the Rigidalstock via ferrata suitable for beginners?
Yes, but only via the Rigidalstockgrat. This is the simpler option with K3 and is expressly recommended by the Brunni-Bahnen for beginners too. The Rigidalstockwand, graded K3–K4, is more challenging and not intended for beginners.
What is the difference between Rigidalstockgrat and Rigidalstockwand?
The Rigidalstockgrat (K3) is the simpler option and can be walked in both the ascent and the descent. The rigid pile wall (K3–K4) is steeper and more demanding, and is only done on the ascent. Particularly nice: ascend via the face and descend via the ridge.
How long does the via ferrata tour to the Rigidalstock take?
From the Brunni hut you should roughly 4½ to 5 hours plan for the entire tour. The approach to the via ferrata alone takes about 1½ hours. This makes the Rigidalstock much more than just a short via ferrata – it is a proper mountain tour with a summit at 2593 m.
Can I combine Brunnistöckli and Rigidalstock?
Yes. Instead of using the normal access route, you can already via the Brunnistöckli or the Zittergrat ascend and then continue towards Rigidalstock. This allows the tour to be extended into a long and varied via ferrata day.
Where can I hire via ferrata equipment?
A complete via ferrata set can be hired at the Herb hut at Lake Härzlisee be rented. The Brunni-Bahnen recommend making a reservation.
