Engelberg, located in central Switzerland, is an idyllic alpine town that offers a wide range of winter activities and attractions, making it an excellent travel destination for Singaporeans seeking a winter getaway.
Known for its stunning scenery and world-class skiing, Engelberg is a popular destination for not just international visitors, but also domestic tourists from other parts of Switzerland, looking to experience the beauty and adventure of the Swiss Alps. It is just a short distance from Zurich and makes for an excellent day tour or to stay for a few days.
From Engelberg, you can easily get to the top of Mount Titlis on the world’s first revolving cable car to enjoy the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and engage in some fun winter sports and activities.
Getting to Engelberg from Zurich
Getting to Engelberg from Zurich is relatively easy, and there are several options available. One of the most convenient ways is to take a train from Zurich to Engelberg, which takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. The train ride itself is incredibly scenic, taking you through the Swiss countryside and past snow-capped mountains. Alternatively, you can also rent a car and drive to Engelberg, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
I recently did a 10-day winter trip in Switzerland, traveling from Zurich to Interlaken to Jungfrau Top of Europe to Murren to Engelberg and back to Zurich, using just the Swiss Travel Pass.
I would highly recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass if you intend to commute quite a fair bit in Switzerland for cost-savings. The Swiss Travel Pass is a comprehensive travel pass that allows visitors to travel around Switzerland using the country’s extensive public transportation system. The pass is available for purchase in various durations, ranging from three to fifteen days, and can be used on trains, buses, boats, cable cars and even some mountain railways. Prices start from around $330+ for the three days pass up to around $900+ for the fifteen days pass.
Things to Do in Engelberg
Once you arrive in Engelberg, there are plenty of attractions to explore. One of the most popular is the ski resorts, which offer a range of slopes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. The ski resorts are well-maintained and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making it a memorable experience for anyone who loves winter sports.
Apart from skiing, there are other winter activities available in Engelberg. You can go snowshoeing, take a scenic winter hike, or even try your hand at ice climbing. For a more relaxed experience, you can take a ride on the cable car and soak in the stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
In addition to the winter activities, Engelberg is also home to several charming restaurants and cafes that offer traditional Swiss cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include cheese fondue, raclette, and rosti. You can also enjoy a hot cup of Swiss hot chocolate or mulled wine to warm you up after a long day in the snow.
If you’re looking to take home some souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones, there are several shops in Engelberg that offer a range of unique and traditional Swiss products. You can shop for Swiss chocolate, cheese, and other culinary delights.
Things to Do on Mount Titlius
From Engelberg, take the Titlis Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car, to get to the summit of Mount Titlis. The temperature can get extremely cold up there, so do bring more layers of warm wear!
Once you are up on Mount Titlis, you can visit the Glacier Cave which offers visitors the chance to explore a frozen world of ice and snow. The cave is accessed by a short walk through a tunnel and features ice sculptures, frozen waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
For those who are into winter sports, Mount Titlis is home to several ski runs and snowboarding areas, catering to both beginners and experienced skiers. The ski season typically runs from November to May, and there are plenty of opportunities for off-piste skiing and snowboarding as well.
For amateurs like me, I stuck to sledding as the safer, easier option:
For those who like motorsports, you can rent an electric snowmobile at TITLIS SnowXpark to race around the circuit. The longest circuit is around 1 km and you can have 6 snowmobiles on the track at once.
A must-try experience would be the Cliff Walk, a suspension bridge located on Mount Titlis, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The bridge is 100 meters long and 3,000 meters above sea level, making it a thrilling experience as you walk.
For the more adventurous, try out the Ice Flyer, a chairlift that takes you over the glacier, offering views of the ice and snow below. The chairlift is equipped with special padding to keep visitors warm and comfortable during the ride. This attraction was closed due to the weather condition when I was there, a pity.
Where to Stay in Engelberg
Engelberg offers a variety of accommodation options for tourists, ranging from cozy guesthouses to luxury hotels. During my trip, I stayed at Hotel Terrace, a charming, family-run hotel located in the heart of Engelberg, with a great view of the whole village. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a cosy restaurant, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The room I stayed in was simple, clean and offered a view of the surounding mountains and village:
We also had dinner and toured the Kempinski Palace Engelberg hotel, a five-star heritage hotel with a rich history. It has been recently refurbished over the last five years and would be an ideal hotel to stay at if you prefer a more luxurious experience.
The hotel offers 129 rooms and suites, a spa and recreation floor, a sprawling hall that can host weddings and events, as well as several in-house restaurants and bars.
We enjoyed a traditional Swiss Fondue dinner at the rustic Chalet Ruinart. The chalet is furnished with wooden tables and benches, as well as cosy furs to make you feel at home. A lovely experience to round up our experience in Engelberg.
Can’t get enough of Switzerland after a visit to Engelberg?
Check out our travel recommendations for Interlaken and Jungfrau, Top of Europe; and Murren and Schilthorn as well.
