Brunnistock

Brunnistock is a 2,952 m peak above the Isenthal valley in the canton of Uri, central Switzerland. It belongs to the Urner Alps and is the highest summit of the group lying north of the Surenen Pass. The summit sits at roughly 46.85° N, 8.55° E.

Where is Brunnistock?

The mountain rises on the eastern side of the Surenen Pass, close to Engelberg and the Uri–Nidwalden border. A glacier, the Blüemlisalpfirn, descends its north-western flank. Don't confuse it with the Brunnenstock in the Bernese Alps: this one belongs only to the Urner Alps.

How do you get near the summit?

The nearest village is Isenthal, and climbs usually start around St. Jakob at the head of the valley. A route listed on Bergwelten is a ski tour of about 10.4 km with around 1,980 m of ascent and about 7 hours of travel. It follows the valley floor past Chimiboden and Steinhüttli, then crosses Firnbäch to the glacier moraine, where the unstaffed Gitschenhörelihütte stands at 2,325 m. Crampons and an ice axe are required, so this is high-mountain terrain for experienced climbers.

The sources show no standard summer hiking trail to the top. Walkers can head for the Surenen Pass (2,292 m) instead, which gives a clear view of the massif.

What can you see and do nearby?

A popular trail crosses the Surenen Pass between Brüsti above Attinghausen and Engelberg. The Brüsti – Surenenpass – Fürenalp variant covers about 14 km and takes roughly 5.5 hours on foot. Rockfall from the slopes of Brunnistock above the pass is a real hazard, and guides advise against lingering under the walls.

When should you go?

Walkers use the pass trail in summer, once the snow has gone. In winter and spring the area belongs to ski tourers. Each year the Surenenwanderung mass hike also runs from Engelberg over the pass to Brüsti; registration for the 43rd edition closed on 14 August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Brunnistock? 2,952 m above sea level, the highest peak of the range north of the Surenen Pass.

Which canton is it in? Uri, near the Nidwalden border, in the Urner Alps.

Can you climb it without technical gear? The known approach from Isenthal is described as a ski tour needing crampons and an ice axe. For a walk, the Surenen Pass trail is the better choice.

Where do you start? From Isenthal and the St. Jakob area in the valley, or on the pass trail from Brüsti or Engelberg.