I propose a new walk in Engelberg on the river Aa (with two A’s) that will last around 2 and a half hours and starts from the top at 1000 m near Lake Eugensee from where we will descend to Obermatt (road marked on the map) and then to Grafenfort train station. Let’s call Aa the road between two lakes :). The name of the river Aa has perhaps 2 connotations, one of amazement at how beautiful the valley is where it passes and another, God forbid, if you fall into the valley below and hit yourself (ha-ha). We have two roads that we can go down, the one described here and the bicycle road. The bike path starts from Lake Eugen and runs parallel to the Aa river on the left bank, and joins our path somewhere, further down after 500 m.

 

We start our travel on a temporary trail under the main street , as the other side is being repaired. The riverbank has eroded due to the rains and the increased volume of the river.

Notice the carved rock forming a short tunnel inside.

We will also cross several metal bridges. There are a few places where we can enter the river. During periods of heavy rain, the road is not passable because torrents can appear that greatly increase the height of the water.

We will also pass by an artificial waterfall made by the water treatment center. They thought of making a micro-hydroelectric plant which I found out has a payback time of 50 years. The height of the waterfall is 53 m. The power plant can be visited. The water in the waterfall is clean.

We will pass by the playground, where you can eat, read, and admire the beauty of nature at Tony’s place (Tonis Balm), carefully created by Tonis Balm, a retired resident of Engelberg. There, Tony has set up some small water mills and channels that bring water not from the river, but from a nearby spring.

There is also a swing for children, and you can also try to repair the metal mills on the canals as a shared activity.

 

As already mentioned, the water comes from a spring on the other side of the metal bridge.

 

We will cross several bridges, one of which has the Swiss flag downstream, which is a long suspension bridge.

Then another long bridge, of two pieces, with a foot in the middle.

 

During the season, you can pick a variety of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Additionally, you can also find and taste wild garlic nearby.

 

You will also come across reddish stones with iron oxides, and stacks of overlapping stones, created by travelers who have tested their sense of balance by building the tallest possible structures.

A wooden bench under the rock invites you to rest and meditate. The place has a unique energy perhaps, especially suitable for yoga and meditation, as I have encountered several young people sitting in lotus position and meditating here on multiple occasions.

 

If you look back from where we came, you will see the peak of Titlis in the distance.

As you stand there, take a moment to look behind you. In the distance, you’ll spot the majestic head of a giant, gazing up at the sky. This is the peak of Bärengruebenköpfli, reaching a height of 2887 meters. It’s as if the mountain itself is watching over the world with an air of serene grandeur, adding a touch of enchantment to the landscape. Like a mountain Sphinx in Engelberg,.

To your left, behold the magnificent waterfalls cascading down, while at your feet, delicate spring flowers bloom in a colorful tapestry (during the appropriate season).

Along the way, you’ll encounter several picturesque grill spots. First, there’s one before the natural stone bridge, or should I better say rock tunnel with a bench and rabbit sculptures, followed by the one at Toni’s, another at the reddish stones, and then a delightful one at the stone table. Later, after passing the Obermat lake, there’s yet another spot that has some technical enhancements. As you near the end of the journey, just before reaching the reservoir, take a brief pause at the round stone table adorned with wooden chairs and symbols. Here, you may even encounter friendly, smiling locals, adding a touch of warmth to your adventure.

We will then cross Arne’s stone bridge over the Aa.

By the river near the reservoir, you’ll often find fishermen arriving in their cars and parking in the nearby lot. If you’ve been patient and diligent enough to reach this point, you’ll discover footpath signs guiding you from the top of Engelberg. Additionally, these signs at the intersections will also direct you to alternative routes, ensuring you can explore the area with ease and confidence.

By the reservoir, a spacious clearing unfolds, dotted with several houses alongside the imposing hydropower plant. It’s a serene yet industrious scene, where the energy of the water is harnessed while human habitation quietly thrives.

We will also encounter two cable cars that ferry passengers from the base to the summit of a cliff. As for what awaits at the top of the rock, it remains a mystery to me.

And well guarded by a wolf, probably the only one in the area.

Everywhere you look, vibrant greenery envelops you, even gracing the quaint small bridges, ensuring nature’s presence is felt at every step of your journey.

If you’re running short on time and can’t continue, you can make your way back up on a neighboring trail to the left of the hydro plant as you ascend. As you follow this path, it will eventually lead you to the Grünenwald guesthouse after a rather steep climb.

It’s a winding path through the forest, secluded and quite steep, yet it’s a place where you may encounter even elderly travelers, as I did, and I found it to be quite a fitness challenge, because its challenging terrain.

From the guesthouse, we have two options to return. One is a road downhill, adjacent to the one we came down, and the other is uphill, known as the students’ road. The student path leads us back to Lake Eugen (Eugensee), or we can continue up the mountain. This road offers stunning scenic views. If you continue further, the waterfalls will accompany you every step of the way.

The road continues to Grafenfort, from where you can take the train back to Engelberg. The ticket costs around 5 francs per person. But let’s explore what else we can admire on the way, such as wooden sculptures and a bustling intersection with many direction signs :).

A farm with friendly cows and heifers, all ready and willing to pose for a photo session.

Event house Herrenhaus Grafenfort.

Grafenfort Chapel.

Then you can take the train back to Engelberg.

But the fun doesn’t end there. You can opt to board the Globi train, a special SBB transportation service designed for children. For more details, you can use the following link.