Rigidalstockwand Via Ferrata | Via ferrata | Swiss Alpine Club SAC
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Rigidalstockwand Via Ferrata Rigidalstock 2593 m

  • Difficulty
    K3-4
  • Ascent
    1:30 h, 180 m
  • Mountain Experience
    2 / 4
  • Power
    2 / 4
  • Endurance
    2 / 4
  • Psyche
    2 / 4

There are many more famous, and much higher mountains in the Engelberg region than the Rigidalstock, with its modest 2593 m. Thus, until the turn of the century, the Rigidalstock was perceived as more of a satellite peak, when compared to the Engelberger Rotstock (2818 m) or the Wissigstock (2887 m) for example. That changed after Albin Amstutz and his colleagues gave the mountain its shiny iron skirt; the via ferrata. After an earlier attempt at an 'iron way' on Titlis - which was rather unsuccessful and ended with being dismantled - this via ferrata can be described as an absolute success; it is an ideal route for beginners, only moderately exposed and is well equipped. Since the summer of 2014, there has also been a second via ferrata on Rigidalstock. This "Rigidalstockwand" runs through the southwest face of the summit and is a bit more challenging (K3) than the original route. The two can be combined to form a delightful circular tour.

Route description

Rigidalstockwand Via Ferrata
Here the routes branch off from one another (the Rigidalstockwand and Rigidalstockgrat via ferratas, blue signs). Head left over grass and scree past a rocky bulwark then start diagonally up to the start (at about 2380 m, sign). Gentle foreplay takes you up a few rock steps topped with grass cushions, warming you up before the real stuff begins. The following wall offers enjoyable climbing on natural foot- and handholds; where they are missing, the odd iron pin has been placed; the continuous steel cable ensures safety. At the "Gemssprung" (ledge), the route traverses briefly leftwards, before leading steeply up again. On a small terrace above, the creators have kindly placed a (well-anchored) wooden bench for tired "ferratistis" feeling the strain. A good place to take a swig from the bottle. Then comes a unique surprise: the cable leads into the mountain! You pass the small "Adleraugenhöhle" (Eagle-eye Cave), giving the highest pot-holing adventure in the canton of Obwalden (about 2505 m). A few last, beautiful rock passages take you on up to the "Eagle's Nest" and the summit cross of the Rigidalstock (2593 m).
Descent
Descent via the Rigidalstockgrat via ferrata.

Additional information

Character

Moderately challenging but very attractive tour, well equipped. Great views from the summit. Can also be combined with the ferratas at Brunnistöckli or Zittergrat.

Time

Total time: 41/2 hrs.

Ascent: 2¾ hrs.

Descent: 1¾ hrs

Signalisation

Weiss-blau-weiss

Descent

Only descent option from the summit is the Rigidalstockgrat via ferrata (K2).

Author

Eugen Hüsler

Eugen E. Hüsler is a Zurich born author and photographer. He has written around 70 via ferrata, hiking and cycling guides and illustrated books. His many publications on via ferrata have led to the nickname “Klettersteig-Papst“ (Via Ferrata Pope).

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