Engelberg Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Engelberg

Engelberg is situated in central Switzerland (20 mls S of Lucerne and its lake, 50 mls NE of Interlaken, 100 mls SE of Berne, 75 mls S of Zurich airport). It is positioned at the top of a dead-end valley, with opposing N- and S-facing slopes far enough back to allow in ample sunshine on clear days; heavily wooded lower elevations.

Engelberg is a traditional Alpine village, only marginally spoilt by recent developments. It sits in remove from the big resorts and doesn't attract many foreign visitors, in spite of being only 100km from Zurich.

Engelberg offers 82km of marked pistes and possesses one of the biggest vertical descents in the world at 2000m. This is due to its central mountain, Titlis, being one of the highest in central Switzerland (over 3000m). The skiing is somewhat fragmented, existing in 2 parts, while beginners don't really have much to play with. On piste, it is mostly intermediate, but advanced skiers are spoilt with fantastic off-piste. In particular the 'Laub' fulfils these requirements, plunging 1000m off Titlis. The snow is excellent, especially at the top, with some drags left open until June. The village itself is at 1050m, so resort snow can vary.

Engelberg's biggest disadvantage is its isolation, offering no links to any other resorts. It can also experience weekend queues. Off-snow there are plenty of good hotels, restaurants and non-skiing activities to amuse everyone. The nightlife, whilst limited, is great fun, culminating in weekend revelry.

Overall, if you are looking for some challenging skiing and an essentially Swiss skiing environment, Engelberg is a fine choice. Off the beaten track, but with some great attractions.

Ski Information:

Highest lift: 3020m (9908ft), Lowest lift: 1050m (3445ft), Vertical drop: 1970m (6463ft), Number of lifts: 27, Number of slopes: 28, Beginner: 20%, Intermediate: 60%, Expert: 20%, Total piste length: 82km, Snowboard parks: 1, Cross country: 41km

Engelberg is best suited for intermediate skiers who will enjoy the numerous red runs and one very steep black run on the Titlis. Popular with older Germans and Dutch, as well as younger locals. Range of activities for nonskiers. A popular walking base in summer.

Accommodation is generally 3-star, with a few 4-star family-run properties, many featuring fine turn-of-the-century buildings. Increasing numbers of concrete self-catering apartments and traditional-style chalets can be found on the outskirts. The bulk of accommodation is concentrated along the main street with a couple in elevated positions above the pedestrianised zone on the N side of the village.

Shopping here consists of generally pricey boutiques, sportswear outlets and jewellers; a couple of supermarkets.

Activities on offer are: a range of winter activities including snowboarding (snow park with half pipe), ice-skating, sleigh rides, tobogganing, snow-shoeing and 24 mls of winter walking trails; 2 indoor sports centres offering tennis, curling and indoor/outdoor pools; paragliding; small village museum. In summer, hiking and mountaineering; ride up Titlis on Rotair revolving cable car.

Nightlife is fairly informal, unsophisticated and low key, centred in the major hotels; a few apres-ski bar/restaurants; small casino offering live entertainment and dancing; night-time skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding.

There are a wide choice of hotel restaurants and cafes offering traditional fondues and raclette as well as international fare.

Getting around is fairly easy with six regular ski-bus routes (all free) including ¼-hourly service between Titlis ski-station and the village, stopping off at points in between; in summer, this drops to 1 bus route running between Titlis and Furenalp via the village. Regular trains to Lucerne (1 hr).

Lucerne's historic sights and shopping are recommended for an excursion.

Suggest a change to the Engelberg Things to do section (click to dropdown)

Population: 7.489.400
Languages: German 64%, French 20%, Italian 7% (all official);
Currency: Swiss franc
Currency code: CHF
Local Times:
Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Z�rich

Country Dialling Code: +41
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes are certainly vast and varied. With the towering Alps, fairytale castles, forested hills, shimmering lakes, renaissance cathedrals, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's no surprise to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past 200 years.

Switzerland's peak season starts in November with the launch parties of the various ski resorts with visitors flocking into the resorts throughout the winter and Christmas season before finally hanging up the ski boots with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, the ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most of the resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Despite being most popular as a Ski destination, Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers mountain trails and spa resorts and in the sunny southern region of Ticino, visitors enjoy palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a variety of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 30,000 miles of forest and mountain trails throughout the country.

Switzerland's main cities include:

Zurich - Switzerland's biggest city and a major center of banking also has a thriving nightlife.
Geneva - This center of arts and culture, the second-largest city in Switzerland, is by far the international capital-- home to around 200 governmental and non-governmental organizations. Geneva was the home of John Calvin during the Reformation, elevating the city to the rank of "Protestant Rome," the effects of which drive Geneva today.
Berne - The Swiss capital features an amazingly well preserved old-town with arcades along almost every street. Great restaurants abound, as do bars and clubs. Check out the Einstein sites as well.
Basel - Slightly smaller than Geneva, Switzerland's third city is the traveler's gateway to the German Rhineland and Alsace.
Lausanne - While Geneva is busy being the international capital, Lausanne fills the role in most of the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Scenery, dining, dancing, boating and the Swiss wine-country are the draws.
Lugano - Italian-speaking Switzerland's top destination, with a gorgeous old-town and a pretty lake. The food is simply amazing.
Lucerne - Central Switzerland's main city with direct water links to all of the early Swiss historic sights. It's pretty too, and though it is heavily touristed the views and museums make putting up with the crowds well worthwhile.

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Engelberg Travel Guide

Engelberg Suitability Profile