We have found an amazing family climbing place at Klewenalp in Canton Nidwalden.
If you are a family that loves climbing and are seeking a place which is safe to climb but also ideal for the kids to hang around when it is not their turn, then here it is.
The climbing pinnacles at the Ergglen area of Klewenalp are everything you are looking for in a family friendly climbing area. In addition to being a great climbing rock, the location and panorama are incredible.
How to get to the Klewenalp Rock Climbing Area
From Beckenried take the Klewenalp cable car. The ride takes around 10 minutes and there is a large car park (payable) right at the cable car station.
During the summer season the cable car runs daily and every 20 minutes between 08:05 and 17:25, from the end of May through to the end of October.
For the time table and exact dates check with Klewenalp Bergbahnen direct.
Good to know: On Friday & Saturday during the summer season there are additional cable car descents from Klewenalp to Beckenried at 19:15 / 20:15 hrs.
Once at Klewenalp, follow the yellow hiking signs “Stockhütte – Emmetten”
The path passes the pretty Klewenalp chapel and then heads uphill.
At the top of the hill you will find a sign post saying Klettersteig (Climbing wall – Via ferrata).
Continue on to the trail to your left which carries on a little longer uphill, passing a farm. When you have reached the forest, you will once more get to a junction. Clearly indicated with “Klettersteig” is a narrow path to the left going once more slightly up hill.
The red-white-red hiking trail to the right will lead to Stockhütte and is part of the Goldi Safari Tour from Klewenalp
To hike from Klewenalp to the Ergglen rock climbing wall and BBQ area will take about 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you have your E-Bikes with you it will only take about 10 minutes.
At the Klewenalp Rock Climbing Area
Quickly you will realise that the Klewenalp climbing area is a great place where every level of climbing ability will be able to enjoy a route.
In addition there is a very well set up BBQ place with table and benches, shade, and wood to use. What more could you wish for on a family climbing day in the mountains? There is even a toilet!
Since 2016 there have been a handful of new routes up to 7a established. This gives Ergglen (also called ÄRGGLEN) 18 climbing which will keep advanced climbers in the family happy.
And thanks to the good bolts, youngsters and beginners can also practice lead climbing on one or two routes.
Note: Klewenalp Rock-Climbing and Via Ferrata area is not supervised and you must bring your own climbing equipment. The use of the climbing garden is at your own risk. Any liability is declined.
Equipment needed to climb at the Klewenalp Rock Climbing Garden
You need to bring your own gear whether you are there for rock climbing or the Via Ferrata.
Bring at least a 40 metre rope and 9 quickdraws, this will be enough to climb all routes.
Some routes are suitable to practice abseiling and some it is possible to walk off the top.
The Rocks
The excellent and very well secured Schrattenkalk allows for good handholds and foot positions. The rock is not slippery and ideal to progress your rock climbing skills. The rocks are south-west to south-east facing.
In total the Klewenalp Rock climbing area has 18 routes on offer, ranging as follows:
- 8 x 3a to 4c
- 5 x 5a to 5c
- 4 x 6a to 6c
- 1 x 7a
Klewenalp Climbing Sector, A
These two rocks have a height of 15 metres. The kids can easily be around the base of the rocks where you have a good overview of the whole situation.
The wider rock has the more easier climbing routes raging from 4a to 4c. Whereas the rock on the left starts with 5c.
Picture from SAC team
- 1 Chälen 5c+
- 2 Schwalmis Wand 5c
- 3 Schwalmis Kante 5c
- 4 Junior 4a
- 5 Ergglen 4b
- 6 Aengi 4c
- 7 Stock 4c
- 8 Klewen 4c
Klewenalp Sector B – Back Side
On the side of the larger rock you find sector B, with more advanced routes ranging from 6a to 7a.
Klewenalp Via ferrata
In the same area as the rock-climbing garden you will also find a Via Ferrata.
To negotiate the Via Ferrata takes about 20 minutes on ladders, steps and iron pass ways. The views here are magnificent.
Whilst climbing, you can see Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains including the Queen of the Mountains – The Rigi range.
Alternative activities at Klewenalp
Maybe you have non-climbers in your group but would like to spend the day at Klewenalp? No problem, some suggestions would be;
- Hike to Stockhütte and enjoy the playground. A good hour’s downhill hike from the climbing area.
- Stay a bit longer at Klewenalp at the Woodplay Area, with a zip line, climbing wall and other great obstacles.
- If you bring your bikes, the non-climbing group could discover some of the surrounding trails.
- Hike the small loop from Klewenalp and discover some nice alpine flowers. Partially pushchair friendly
If you are staying in the Lake Lucerne region you may want to check out our 6 Day Trips from Lucerne
Where best to stay around Klewenalp
A very special experience is for sure to stay at Klewenalp for the night. Not only will this give you easier access to the rock climbing garden, but also when the day tourists have left Klewenalp, the place is yours.
The Klewenalp Stube 1600 right next to the cable car would be one solution. Family rooms with private bathroom are available. Alternatively they have multi-bed rooms with shared bathroom. And as mentioned, it is simple.
I would not book with half board as not far from the hotel, up a small hill you will find a BBQ station overlooking Lake Lucerne. A great place to finish an amazing climbing day in the Swiss mountains. Alternatively at the Ergglen climbing area is another great BBQ place. Both provide wood.
We strongly suggest before booking a room with Klewenstube 1600, to check with Klewenalp Bergbahnen what the situation is. There where some minor issues on the organisational front with the hotel when we visited during the beginning of June 2022.
The Hotel Klewenstock Restaurant & Hotel is closer to the rock climbing wall and maybe a good alternative to the Klewenstube 1600.
Staying at Lake Lucerne
A wider choice of accommodation is by Lake Lucerne. Here are a few options in Beckenried.
Superior Hotel Nidwaldnerhof
Located right on the shore of Lake Lucerne, Superior Hotel Nidwaldnerhof features a lake-view terrace. A plus point is the free garage parking.
Seerausch Swiss Quality Hotel
Right on the shore of Lake Lucerne, Hotel Seerausch in Beckenried offers panoramic lake and mountain views.
You may also like these activities in the Lake Lucerne Region
- Klewenalp – Lake Lucerne. THINGS TO DO
- 6 day trips from Lucerne ( All year round)
- Visit the Hammetschwand Lift from Lucerne
- Visit Mount Pilatus on the Golden Round Trip from Lucerne
- Lucerne in Winter – 3 Day getaway Itinerary city to peak
- LILU – Light festival in Lucerne ( January only)
- Lucerne – Self-Guided City Tour (ideal for families)
I hope that the information about Klewenalp Rock Climbing provided here will prove itself useful when planning your trip.
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below.
Thank you & Never Forget to Explore
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