Engelberg
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Logistics
Getting There
To reach Engelberg, you will likely need to first fly to Geneva or Zurich depending on your prior destination. From either city, you will then need to take transportation to reach the mountains. Zurich is definitely closer if trying to pick the Swiss hub with a shorter onward journey.
- Zurich: if you start in Zurich, the likely route will begin by taking a train from Zurich to Luzern (about 45 minutes) and then transferring to a train from Luzern to Engelberg (about 45 minutes) leaving your full journey time to be 1.5-2 hours.
- Geneva: If you start in Geneva, the route will likely require approx. 4 trains and approx 4.5 hours, where you begin by taking a train from Geneva to Renens VD (30 minutes). From Renens VD you’ll take a 2 hour train to Olten and then switch from Olten to Luzern. Luzern will be your final transfer point to then head to Engelberg (about 45 minutes). It’s recommended to use SBB to map out your train route depending on the day and time you will be traveling to pick the best option.
Getting Around
Download the SBB phone application as it helps you navigate the area a lot so you know which train connections to take and when to catch them.
Train
There are a variety of passes you should look into if you are traveling within Switzerland. The primary way you get around between towns and to different places on the mountains is by train and cable cars. With this in mind, you either can purchase tickets each time you use the train, or you can buy a multi day pass that covers most of your transportation.
Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Pass covers all travel on regular trains, buses and boats. It allows for unlimited travel by train, bus and boat during the valid days purchased. For the more scenic trains and cable cars, the Swiss Pass will cover a percentage of the cost, providing discounts on otherwise expensive journeys. It even includes free admission to many museums in case this is of interest and provides additional perks to purchasing.
Car
Another option is renting a car and using the car to drive from your beginning destination into the mountains. Keep in mind that some of the mountain towns are car free so if you opt to stay in one, you will leave your car at the base of the valley and travel up to the town via cable car or train.
Accommodations
The Swiss town of Engelberg is especially known for being a ski, and therefore winter, destination. That being said, it’s a gorgeous area to visit in the summer time with beautiful hiking trails and other activities to enjoy. The town of Engelberg is quite small; if you find accommodations fitting to your liking within the town or nearby, you’ll be in a good spot.
For those looking for a luxurious stay when visiting Engelberg, the Kempinski Palace in Engelberg will provide.
Kempinski Palace Engelberg – True to its name, this hotel feels like a Palace. This luxury hotel is a fancy spot to stay when visiting Engelberg. With an incredible breakfast spread, top tier spa facilities with views of the mountains from the pool, and beautiful rooms, you’ll feel like royalty staying here. There’s not doubt this hotel will come with a high price tag to stay.
Things to do and see
Engelberg
Renowned as a famous ski destination, this town is small and quieter in the summer. Where in the winter it can be packed with snow sport lovers, the summer tends to draw in less visitors. This can make for an enjoyable place to spend a few nights. Wander around the town and then get out and explore the surrounding area.
Hiking in Little Patagonia
Little Patagonia Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km
- Elevation change: 2800 feet / 850m
- Estimated time: 5 – 7 hours (including breaks)
- Rating: 8 / 10
- Type of trail: Loop
Directions:
- Base of Furenalp gondola to Berggasthaus Stäfeli to Alpkäserei Surenen to Bergrestaurant Furenalp to base
- Start ascending from the base of the Furenalp gondola, on a nice gradual incline. On a clear day, pretty quickly, you’ll see why this area is called Little Patagonia
- Once you reach Berggasthaus Stafeli, you’ll see a little gondola, which one actually has to make a call to activate. Choose to skip some of the ascent ahead by taking the gondola, or continue onward. You’ll eventually reach the point at the top of the gondola, which is a cheese farm (Alpkäserei Surenen) so your group can split if needed.
- After about 45 – 60 minutes of climbing, the path will bend and you’ll head left towards the cheese farm, Alpkäserei Surenen. This is where the little gondola meets the path again
- Continue past the cheese farm where you’ll be climbing significantly again, but this is the last part before it starts to flatten and you reach your lunch spot
- Lunch at Bergrestaurant Furenalp hut. As this is the top of the Furenalp gondola, it can be busier
- If you’re done hiking, take the Furenalp gondola down and skip the straight descent. But if you’re keen for more steps, take the trail down to the base. The route down will be much shorter in distance, but means the majority of the time you are descending so may feel this in your joints. It’s helpful to have hiking poles here!
Route map:
Food and Drinks
Fondue Stube Alpenclub
Dinner
Engelberg
Fondue restaurant
Bergrestaurant Furenalp
Lunch
Engelberg
Mountain hut at the top of the Furenalp gondola. You can take the gondola up and / or down to reach this spot, or choose to take a hike and plan a stop for lunch here.
Cattani Restaurant
Dinner
Engelberg
Restaurant inside the Kempinski Palace Hotel, with nice options for dinner
Roastery Engelberg
Cafe
Engelberg
Great spot to grab a good coffee in town
Other Notes
Duration
A long weekend in Engelberg is a great amount of time to visit. As Engelberg takes some time to get to from larger towns, it’s ideal to pair a stop here as part of a longer trip to Switzerland. There’s an immense amount to do and see in and around Engelberg, so it allows for a few days to see this area and then continue onward to other nearby lakes and mountain spots.
Time of year
Summertime in Switzerland is the best time to visit. For chances of the best weather, June through August are typically recommended, and even carrying into September. Going too early in May or sometimes even June (if it’s been a colder winter) can mean trails still have snow on them. July would be the most ideal time for chances of the best weather while also avoiding the big crowds which tend to come in August when a lot of Europe is on holiday. July can be higher temperatures, which can be tough especially as places do not have air conditioning, but being at higher altitude in the mountains can help ease the temperatures. September and even into October CAN be okay, but you’ll risk the weather a bit more so be prepared and check in advance.
Elevation
Consider allowing some time to adjust to elevation. Everyone adapts differently to changes in elevation, and you may find it challenging to do hike in the first 24-48 hours of your arrival. Hydrate, get enough sleep, and listen to your body. The distances or climbs may not look too challenging, but can always be tougher at elevation if your body is not used to the thinner air.
Weather
As you’re in the mountains, the weather can change quickly and be challenging to predict. Download the MeteoSwiss weather app to have a more accurate way of tracking weather in the area and forecasts for the day. Always pack layers and rain gear in case the weather does change drastically.
Language
Switzerland has four languages: German (often called Swiss German which is slightly different), French, Italian and Romansh (a more local language). German is spoken most widely across the country, but many living in Switzerland will be able to speak a few languages.
Currency
Switzerland is on the Swiss Franc, different than other countries in Europe. It’s helpful to have some cash incase you visit a spot which is cash-only.
Expenses
There’s no hiding it that Switzerland is an expensive country to visit. With this in mind, there are ways to help keep the trip more affordable for those who would not like to break the bank while traveling. If you’re not worried, you can stop reading here and enjoy the vacation with the expectation all things will cost you more than other trips.
To help keep your expenses down when visiting Switzerland, here are a few tips:
- Public transportation: plan to use the trains and buses to get around. They are reliable and enable you to avoid needing expensive taxis to get around
- Accommodations with breakfast: book a b&b which offers free breakfast in the price or a place with a kitchen where you can cook your own meals
- Grocery: buy groceries so you can pack your own lunch and snacks while out hiking