Engelberg

Engelberg is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Obwalden and a small mountain tourist town. The municipality also include the communities of Grafenort, Oberberg, and Schwand in addition to Engelberg itself.

Engelberg’s municipality is an outlier of Obwalden, surrounded by Bern and Nidwalden and Uri cantons.

Engelberg, in central Switzerland, is a popular mountain getaway. Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine institution, gained renown in the Middle Ages for its commitment to education.

Engelberg gained prominence as a tourist destination around the world in the 19th century, and while the town still has some of its traditional Alpine charm, the sport of skiing has become a major draw for visitors. Engelberg is a popular summer and winter destination thanks to its mountain setting and cutting-edge snow and sports facilities. The closest major city is Lucerne.

Engelberg facts and figures

📍 Location

• Country: Switzerland

• Canton: Obwalden

• Region: Central Switzerland

• Altitude (Village): ~1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level

• Closest City: Lucerne (approx. 35 km / 22 miles away)

🏔️ Mountain & Resort Info

• Famous Peak: Mount Titlis (3,238 meters / 10,623 feet)

• Engelberg-Titlis Ski Area:

  • Vertical Drop: ~2,000 meters (6,560 feet)

  • Total Pistes: ~82 km (51 miles)

  • Highest Lift: 3,020 meters (9,908 feet)

  • Longest Run: 12 km (7.5 miles)

• Terrain Type: Mix of beginner to expert runs; renowned for off-piste and freeride skiing

• Lift System: Over 25 lifts, including gondolas and cable cars

🥾 Summer Activities

• Hiking Trails: 500+ km of marked trails

• Biking: E-bike and mountain bike routes

• Climbing & Via Ferrata: Multiple alpine routes

• Titlis Cliff Walk: Europe’s highest suspension bridge (3,041 meters)

• Lake Trübsee: Alpine lake accessible by cable car for hiking, picnicking, and paddleboarding

🚡 Access & Transport

• By Train: ~2 hours from Zurich via Lucerne

• By Car: ~1 hour from Lucerne

• Public Transport: Frequent connections with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)

• Cable Cars: Year-round access to Titlis and other peaks

❄️ Winter Season

• Ski Season: Typically October to May (thanks to glacier skiing on Titlis)

• Other Winter Sports:

  • Snowshoeing

  • Sledding

  • Cross-country skiing (35+ km of trails)

  • Ice skating and winter hiking

🏨 Village Life & Extras

• Population: ~4,300 residents

• Vibe: Alpine village with a mix of traditional Swiss charm and modern resort amenities

• Known For:

  • Historic Benedictine monastery (founded in 1120)

  • Family-friendly and international appeal

  • Reliable snow and long ski season

  • Wellness hotels and alpine spas