Engelberg - Introduction
Situated at the southern end of the valley road and rail line from Stans in an enclave of Canton Obwalden. Engleberg is a picturesque, delightful village situated at the head of the valley which leads up into the mountains from Lake Lucerne. The Centre of Engleberg is traffic free enabling visitors to enjoy the many pavement cafes and shopping area. The village has a relaxed atmosphere and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and snow-capped peaks. Dominating the skyline is the 10,000' glacier clad peak of Mt. Titlis which is accessible via a series of lifts including a unique revolving cable car.The skiing is plentiful for all type of skiers and is split between two mountains. For advanced and intermediate skiers the Titlis area is ideal with steep pisted runs and excellent off-piste on the Laub. The mountain has spectacular views, glacier skiing at the summit and a 2000 metre vertical drop. For beginners and families Brünni, on the other side of the valley, is ideal with some gentle runs.
Skiing
There are over 82km of piste at Engelberg, providing skiing for all abilities. Visitors to the resort will find that there are 2 resorts really within Engelberg, the ski paradise of Titlis, which offers superb runs and spectacular views with lots of varied runs for every level of skier, as well as the longest ski run of the resort (Engelberg-Titlis), and the sunnier Brunni, on the southern side; ideal for beginners, families, children skiing for the first time and groups. More advanced skiers can enjoy the Laub descent, whilst the glacier offers a challenging 2000m descent, or easier red runs offering intermediate skiers great views. Off piste skiing is great for free-riders, though it is strongly advised that a licensed mountain guide accompanies them. Night skiing is also available for those seeking a different challenge.
Snowboarding
Boarders are well catered for in Engelberg. Free-riders should definitely hire a local guide and check out the off-piste side of the resort. Alpstublii and Laub offer powder and great terrain whilst up at Jochpass there is a Boardpark and Quarter-pipe.
Ski Schools
There are 3 ski schools and 2 snowboard schools in Engelberg, with many years of experience and good reputation; the Yeti Park is especially suited for children. For more experienced skiers, avalanche courses are also available for those wishing to venture off piste. SkiExtras recommends the Schweizer Ski Schule Engelberg due to their friendly and personal service.
Eating Out
Eating out at Engelberg is wide and varied, with over 50 restaurants, whilst on the Mountain, restaurants are also plentiful and offer good value food to help you refuel on the slopes. Pizza and fondues are popular, starting at about €16 each. The Alpenclub is popular for its great atmosphere and food, whilst the Axels offers great variety.
Bars and clubs
Apres-ski is vibrant at Engelberg, with bars offering excellent atmosphere and live music, with favourites including the lethal Yucatan Music Bar (open dusk ‘til dawn) the Eden Bar and the Terasse.
Off the slopes
The surrounding area has lots to see and do. The historic city of Lucerne is only an hour away by train, and offers an interesting cultural diversion, whilst the Benedictine monastery offers guided tours, along with the museum. Guests can also watch cheese-making, visit an Ice grotto, or relax with swimming at Sonnenberg, beauty treatments at the Einwaldli pool and sauna, enjoy a salt-water pool at Hotel Waldegg. The romantically inclined can build an igloo and spend the night, take a horse drawn sleigh ride or romantic candle-light dinner. The more active meanwhile enjoy sports off the slopes at the Sporting Park Engelberg or hiking, Nordic walking snowshoe tours, paragliding, airboarding and ice-climbing.