Engelberg (Switzerland)

Engelberg Reviews

Engelberg Photos

Property Rentals in Switzerland

Engelberg Information

Overview

Things to do

Country Info (Switzerland)

Slideshow of Photos

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

Suggest a change to the Engelberg Overview section (click to dropdown)

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 snow-capped Alps, forested hills, fairytale castles, Renaissance cathedrals, shimmering lakes, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's easy to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past two centuries.

It's the country that fashioned tourism, so it's no surprise that Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers lakeside chalets, mountain trails and spa resorts. In the sunny southern region of Ticino, near the Italian border, visitors will find palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a host of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 31,000 miles (50,000km) of mountain and forest trails throughout the country.

In November the country's ski resorts begin opening, and visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season and until the snow begins to melt with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, Switzerland's ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most 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.

Switzerland's cities are pristine and beautifully laid out with famous Swiss precision. Zurich is widely held to be the intellectual and artistic centre of the country, sporting incredible architecture and more than a thousand fountains, with many museums and galleries. Geneva is the principal city for the international community, and is home to hundreds of world organisations. Its setting on the shores of Lake Geneva give it a romantic atmosphere, and the city has an exciting, if rather expensive, nightlife.

Mostly German in Central and Eastern parts. French in the West; some Italian in the South. Raeto-Romansch is spoken in the Southeast by 1%. English is spoken by many.

Climate varies throughout Switzerland. In the Alpine regions the temperatures tend to be low. The lower land of the Northern areas has higher temperatures and warmer summers.

This is a very law abiding nation. Dropping litter can cause offence. Don't give Chrysanthemums or white Asters to a host as they are considered to be funeral flowers. Many cultures overlap in Switzerland.