Engelberg: Mountain Trails, Monastery History and Cheese

Engelberg is a municipality in the canton of Obwalden in Switzerland. If you are looking for a hotel in Engelberg, you can plan your trip around the things that matter most for your stay: mountain railways and hiking trails, monastery history, cheese experiences, as well as cycling and cross-country skiing. Before booking, consider whether altitude, scenery, culture or activity should take priority during your travel dates.

Altitude and getting there

The municipality extends from 556 m at the Engelberger Aa near Grafenort to 3,238 m on the Titlis. The mountain railway journey is a separate matter: the TITLIS mountain railways take visitors from Engelberg to 3,020 m above sea level in around 30 minutes. The TITLIS Rotair is the world’s first revolving cable car. The Zentralbahn reaches Engelberg from Lucerne in 45 minutes. Timetables can change, so check the connection for your travel date; likewise, plan a mountain railway trip using the latest information.

Hiking trails, lakes and other activities

Engelberg has more than 500 km of hiking trails. The Four Lakes hike leads from Engelberg to the Melch Valley and passes four turquoise mountain lakes. Trübsee and Melchsee are the first and last lakes on the route; swimming is permitted in both, subject to local safety conditions. The Aaschlucht hike follows the river of the same name from Engelberg to Grafenort, or in the opposite direction. Another option is the Panorama circular hiking trail, a gently ascending nature trail from Ristis to Brunnihütte.

Cycling and climbing are also among the activities described. Engelberg has four trails reserved exclusively for mountain bikers. At Jochpass, three trails can be reached by chairlift and ridden as often as you like. The “Four Lakes Bike Tour” is designated as a mountain biking route in Engelberg. Cross-country skiers have 43 km of trails available. The Engelberg region also has five via ferratas and eight climbing gardens, as well as various bouldering areas and numerous alpine climbing routes.

Monastery history and the Tal Museum

Engelberg’s history is closely connected to Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1120. Public tours of the monastery cover cultural and historical aspects of its past and offer insights into the Benedictine daily routine; dates may vary. The Tal Museum Engelberg is located in the Wappenhaus, a farmhouse built in 1786/87. Its historic rooms offer a glimpse into everyday life in the Engelberg Valley in the late 18th century. The museum regularly offers public tours and events. Check the dates before your visit, as the programme may change.

Cheese from the Engelberg Valley

Chäs im Kloster offers regional cheeses and handmade farm products from the Engelberg Valley. Guests can enjoy cheese, wine or coffee in the adjoining bistro. The 47 km Alpine Cheese Trail connects seven alpine dairies; along the trail, you can sample mountain cheese right where it is made. These two cheese experiences offer different highlights: the bistro brings together regional products and a small selection of drinks, while the trail focuses on alpine dairies and tasting mountain cheese.

Discover more destinations: Giswil, Melchsee-Frutt, Kerns, Sachseln, Alpnach, Sarnen, Lungern

Go to the main travel overview: Obwalden.