Switzerland

Engelberg

Large valley ski resort with access to large ski area - best suited to off-piste skiers/boarders

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Engelberg resort guide - a general overview

Engelberg lies only 36km South of Lucerne and was one of Switzerland's original mountain resorts, having been founded by Benedictine monks in 1120. Later it was a popular destination with Victorians looking for a resort where they could take in the mountain airs. Many of the hotels from this era still stand and their faded grandeur lends atmosphere to this pretty resort town.

The resort has fantastic winter and summer facilities and English is widely spoken. For a long while the resort was something of a hidden gem, and a well-kept secret for mainly Swiss skiers. More recently, however, the resort has received a great deal of attention in the travel press, principally because of its incredible off-piste terrain. Despite this recent attention, the resort has retained its character and there is much to enjoy for all standards of skier. The resort's ski school has an excellent reputation.

The main lifts are on the edge of town and require a short bus ride. However, good skiers in particular will find this little hardship to access some of the best skiing in the Alps - the off-piste terrain from the Titlis at over 3,000 metres is legendary. Beginners have their own gentle ski area at Gerschni which is situated around the mid station of the gondola. The areas known as Brunni and Klostermatte are also recommended for families and beginners.

Ski holidays in Engelberg would suit both strong skiers as well as families looking for a typically Swiss experience. Engelberg is also a top spot for a ski weekend.

Photos courtesy of Engelberg Tourist Office, Oskar Enander, simon+kim, Oskar Enander, Rainer Eder, [email protected].

Resort stats

82km

1,050m - 3,020m

Level of skiing

Beginners
Intermediates
Experts
Snow sure
Off-piste
Ski area

Qualities

Charm factor
Non-skiers
Nightlife
Resort layout
Fine dining
Short transfer
Resort value

Airports

Zurich
1hr 30mins
Basel
1hr 45mins

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Short transfer time from Zurich Airport means it is good for a weekend break
  • Lots off-piste terrain for better skiers
  • Pretty, traditional village with numerous hotels
  • Modern lift system, that give you superb views over the valley and surrounding glaciers

Cons

  • The town is set away from the base of the mountain requiring bus rides to and from lifts
  • Lack of good beginners slopes and confidence building runs
  • Restaurants do get booked up over weekends, reservations are recommended

Restaurants

Engelberg Resort Restaurants

With more than 50 restaurants to choose from, Engelberg offers everything from traditional Swiss dining to lively international favourites.

Schweizerhaus is one of the best choices for Swiss and French gourmet cooking, while the ever-popular Alpenclub is a long-standing favourite for hearty traditional dishes and fondue. For something more contemporary, Hess by Braunerts is a highlight.

Other favourites in town include Spannort, which combines classic Swiss specialities with more inventive cooking, and Axels for lighter Mediterranean-style dishes. For pizza and pasta, Al Monastero is well worth trying, while the Schweizerhof is another reliable option for a Swiss fondue. Also worth tryin is the excellent Brasserie Konrad which mixes Swedish, Swiss and Italian influences in a more modern setting.

Engelberg Mountain Restaurants

A lot of people end up eating at Café Ritz in the Gasthof Gerschnialp as it is the first restaurant you reach at the bottom of the Laub, one of Engelberg’s signature off-piste runs. It is a fairly simple place, but the cheese dishes are excellent.

Other good mountain restaurants include Jochpass, a lovely rustic table-service restaurant with a sunny terrace, and Fürenalp, a homely mountain restaurant with spectacular views. There is also a panoramic restaurant at the top of the Klein Titlis lift station, while Restaurant Trübsee at 1,800m is a popular self-service option with beautiful lake views.

Halfway up the mountain, Ski Hut Stand has an open fire and even a separate picnic room for skiers bringing their own lunch.

Engelberg Apres Ski

Après ski in Engelberg is lively without being over the top. The Chalet, right at the bottom of the slopes beside the main lift station, is always a good place for a first drink before heading into town. Close to the railway station, Ski Lodge Engelberg has a strong Swedish following, making it one of the liveliest spots in resort.

Meanwhile Yucatan, part of the Hotel Bellevue-Terminus opposite the station, remains one of the best-known après ski bars in Engelberg, with regular live music. Hoheneck also offers live music and entertainment several nights a week.

Engelberg Nightlife

For later in the evening, Spindle Nightclub and CC Bar remain the best spots in town for dancing and late-night drinks.

Engelberg Resort Map

Key

  • Funicular
  • Cable Car
  • Gondola
  • Chair lift
  • Drag lift
  • Property