Approach to the Spannorthütte
Contents
The Spannorthütte SAC is one of the most beautiful mountain huts around Engelberg. Nestled between Gross Spannort, Chli Spannort and Schlossberg, it lies in an impressive high-alpine landscape and is the starting point for numerous mountaineering tours, climbs and hikes. The hut is the starting point for the high-altitude tour up the Gross Spannort
The classic approach leads from the Fürenalp via Stäfeli to the hut. After a leisurely start, the path becomes increasingly alpine. The final metres in altitude require a sure foot and a head for heights, but reward you with a spectacular view of the Titlis, the Spannort group and the Engelberg valley.
Tour information
Region: Engelberg, Fürenalp
Category: Mountain hike
Difficulty: T3
Season: May – October
Ascent: 900 hm
Distance: 6 km
Start Fürenalp cable car valley station (1084 m above sea level) or Bründler
Goal: Spannorthütte SAC (1,956 m above sea level)
Exposition: West
Highlights: Spectacular mountain scenery, cosy alpine inns, a short, secured rock section and one of the most beautiful SAC huts in Central Switzerland.
Route description
From the valley station of the Fürenalpbahn or the Bründler car park, the path leads gently past the Alpenrösli restaurant to the Stäfeli mountain restaurant.
At Stäfeli, you cross the stream. After that, the path becomes considerably steeper and leads through scree slopes and over rocky terrain towards the Spannorthütte. Two short crossings through scree slopes and a rocky section secured with steel cables require sure-footedness and caution.
After around 2½ to 3½ hours, you reach the beautifully situated Spannorthütte SAC at the foot of the Spannort Group.
Map of the classic route to the Spannorthütte via Stäfeli.
My tip:
Take an e-bike from Engelberg for a comfortable and easy ride to the signpost for the «Spannorthütte» (approx. 35 mins) above Stäfeli. The paths are all well-maintained gravel tracks. From there, it’s a steep but efficient 40-minute walk to the hut. That leaves you plenty of time to enjoy a delicious plate of Spätzli.
Highlights
- One of the most beautiful SAC huts in Central Switzerland
- Stunning views of Titlis and Spannort
- A cosy stop for a bite to eat at the Stäfeli restaurant
- An exciting final climb in the Alps
- The perfect starting point for high-altitude hikes and climbing trips
Requirements
The walk is suitable for experienced hill walkers who are sure-footed.
You should:
- wear good walking boots
- be sure-footed on narrow mountain paths
- You must have a head for heights
- be in reasonably good physical condition for a climb of around 900 metres in altitude
For younger children, it is advisable to use the rope for safety on the short rocky section.
Hazards
From Stäfeli onwards, the route is signposted as a T3 mountain walk. Old snowfields can make the ascent difficult, particularly in early summer. There is a short «scrambling section» with steel rungs and a chain to hold on to just before the hut.
In summer, there are numerous sheep grazing along the route. This can cause rocks to come loose in places. You should therefore take extra care on the steep final climb.
FAQ
Is the route to the Spannorthütte difficult?
As far as Stäfeli it is an easy mountain path. The final ascent is classified as T3 and requires sure-footedness and a head for heights.
Can I hike to the Spannorthütte with children?
Yes. Children who are used to the mountains can manage the steep path. For smaller children, using a rope for safety is recommended at the short, secured rocky section.
May I park overnight at the Bründler car park?
Yes, if you are staying overnight at the Spannorthütte. Leave a visible note with the message «Spannort Hut» behind the windscreen. If the car park is full, you can also park at the Fürenalp cable car valley station.
Are there places to stop for refreshments along the way?
Yes. The Alperösli and Stäfeli mountain restaurant is located directly on the route and is ideal for a break before the steeper final climb.
Can I also reach the Spannorthütte from the Surenen Pass?
Yes. The ascent via Stäuber and Ortflue is possible, significantly more alpine and is rewarded with T3 to T4 rated. Very steep path!
Similar tours
- Hike to the Rugghubel Hut
- Hike to the Sustli Hut
- Hike to the Sidelen Hut
- Gross Spannort
- Klein Spannort
- Schlossberg
