Located in the heart of Switzerland, Engelberg is one of those pretty, postcard-worthy towns you fantasize about. At the end of the rail line with only 4,000 inhabitants, it’s definitely not on the tourist trail, but that’s what makes it an ideal location for active families. Here’s a look at exploring Engelberg, Switzerland with kids.
Engelberg, Switzerland is an idyllic Alpine town for adventurous families (Photo credit: MySwitzerland.com)
Getting to Engelberg, Switzerland with Kids
Engelberg is easily accessible from anywhere in Switzerland. For me, it was a quick train trip from the Zurich airport with only one transfer in Lucerne. You’ll want to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for your journey, as it allows you to travel by rail, road and boat through the entire country. It’ll also give you major discounts on ski tickets, gondola rides and grant you free access to over 400 museums. Best is that children 16 years of age travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult. In summer the train operates special treasure hunts for children—simply snag an English map from the platform with the Lucerne to Engelberg express train.
Kids receive treasure boxes on the ride to Engelberg (Photo credit: Swiss Rail)
A Hotel for Families
The Terrace Hotel is one of those grand hotels, not dissimilar to the Grand Budapest Hotel, if you’ve seen the flick. Sitting prominently over the town, it boasts a lovely exterior and inside it’s a tidy three-star property. Guest rooms are on the small side, but it’s got charm and these amazingly thick duvets to curl up with. Many guests opt to have dinner and breakfast included in their stay and while the buffet isn’t five-star, it’s totally fine (this coming from a food snob).
The Terrace Hotel in Engelberg, Switzerland is tops for families on a budget (Photo credit: Titlis)
Where to Eat in Engelberg
In town, Bakerei Stockli Cafe has grab and go baked goods, sandwiches and hot items. Try the tart flambé (kind of like pizza) or a cheese quiche made with puff pastry (quite possibly the best quiche I've ever eaten!). On the mountain, Truebsee Alpine Lodge serves up hearty meals to tempt both skiers and those (like me) spending the day doing everything else on mountain. The buffet is impressive with something for everyone, or you can go across the mountain to Gasthaus Gerscnialp for a decadent cheese fondue.
Bread, apples and pineapple! all get dunked into Swiss cheese (Photo credit: Jody Robbins)
Adventure Course
Seilpark Engelberg is an awesome ropes course that operates all year. This adventure course in the woods allows you to zipline and maneuver yourself across ropes strung between trees. It’s a unique way to get a fresh perspective on the outdoors and the kids will love it.
Zip-lining at the Fixed Rope Park in Engelberg (Photo credit: MySwitzerland.com)
For the Love of Cheese
Since it’s reputed the Swiss eat 50 pounds of cheese each year (per person, yo!), you might as well see what all the fuss is about. The Show Cheese Factory located at the Engelberg Monastery is a great place to start. Call to reserve an English tour with Texan transplant Drew Crowly and make your own cheese within minutes. There’s also a souvenir shop and cafe on-site with cakes, bread and, of course, cheese plates. Bring your appetite and your wallet.
Tour the Show Cheese Factory at the Engelberg Monastery (Photo credit: MySwitzerland.com)
Glacier Exploration
Mount Titlis is not only the most impressive glacier in central Switzerland, but also it’s the area’s major ski hill. To categorize Titlis as merely a ski hill does it a disservice. There is so much more to Titlis than skiing. Here you’ll find electric snowmobiles, a glacier tunnel and snowshoeing. Daredevils can rush across Europe's highest suspension bridge or take a two-mile sledding ride down to the base of the village.
If you can, try to catch the selfie gondola up the mountain. It’s decked out with gingham curtains and a camera inside. After posing you can download your snaps from Pinterest.
Believe it or not, that is a type of sled and it is FAST!
A Hill for Family Fun
Mount Brunni is located in town and is truly a top notch family hill in its own right. I’d say ski hill, but a whooping 50% of guests that come here don’t ski. What are they doing? Everything else! There’s year-round hiking along wide, groomed trails. In winter there are tubing runs and in summer, you'll find four different via ferrata climbing courses. Did I mention there are several all-season outdoor playgrounds dotted throughout the resort? But if skiing’s what you’re after, expect to find lots of runs catering to beginners and affordable lift passes.
Engelberg's Mount Brunni (Photo credit: MySwitzerland.com)
There’s so much to do in Engelberg, Switzerland with kids all year long. Whether it's snowy or toasty during your visit, you’ll be able to tuck into that famous Swiss chocolate and cheese fondue. If that isn’t a recipe for a successful family holiday, I don’t know what is.
Would you like to visit Engelberg, Switzerland with kids? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from The Saucy Travel Mama: Thank you to Switzerland Tourism for hosting my stay in Engelberg. All opinions are mine, as always.
About Jody Robbins, The Saucy Travel Mama
