I WOULD LIKE YOU TO EVER WAKE UP FROSTY FROM MORNING, LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND FEEL THE MAGIC OF THIS WINTER?
The majestic snow-white peaks of the surrounding mountains, flying away to heaven, are cast in silver under the rays of the awakening winter sun. Trees fascinate with mother-of-pearl icy branches, and fluffy snowdrifts and reminiscent of the same feather bed from a fairy tale. Peace, tranquility and ringing silence ... It is especially pleasant to leisurely enjoy strong aromatic coffee in a warm cozy dining room, looking at the lace frost on the window and watching the first early skiers. Cheered up? It's time to go to get acquainted with this paradise called Engelberg.
Mount of Angels
The first mention of Engelberg was found in the ancient scriptures of 1122, when one of the most beautiful and oldest monasteries in Europe was built. According to legend, a monk once saw an angel on a mountain and decided to build a temple in this valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. Thus began the construction of the Benedictine Monastery. From here came the name of the settlement Engelberg itself, in translation meaning "Mountain of Angels."
The village, and it is difficult to name a city with a population of only 4,000 people, is located at an altitude of 1020 meters above sea level, in the depths of Switzerland and the Central Alps, not far from amazing Lucerne (30 minutes by car and about 50 minutes by train) and Zurich ( 1.5 hours by car and about 2 hours by train).
Since 1850, Engelberg has become one of the most popular resort destinations, thanks not only to its majestic mountains, one of which, under the name Titlis, rises 3239 meters above sea level, but also to the infrastructure itself. There are all conditions for a good rest for every taste, age and interest. Do you want to ski? Please, at your service 25 different lifts, 82 kilometers of ski slopes. For example, the 12-kilometer ski slope from Titlis to Engelberg is the longest and has a difference of 2000 meters. Are you new to skiing?
Then you are on the sunny and more gentle mountain of Engelberg - Brunni, with a height of 1600-1900 m. Do you want to leave your traces in the deep "virgin" snow? Go to Fuerenalp, which has joined the majestic Mount Hahnen. You can explore this whole picturesque valley on foot, on skis, on a sleigh with horses harnessed to them, and even on local free buses, the routes of which are laid between all tourist destinations in Engelberg - it may sound not very romantic, but it’s very practical.
To the monastery!
Tired of skiing, snowboarding and sledding? It is worth showing interest in local culture. Just going to the cheese factory at the local monastery will make you fall in love with the delicacies produced in this hospitable village. You will not only be able to observe the creation of various types of cheese, but also immediately taste what they taste like, and at the same time buy gifts for your loved ones. The choice is very difficult to make, from a variety of eyes run up, everything is so delicious! Well, of course, be sure to visit the monastery itself, from where you will take an unforgettable experience, especially if you are lucky enough to hear the game of one of the largest organs in Europe.
Waking fairy tale
Evening in the mountains in winter comes early, which is not bad after an active vacation in the fresh air ... And the moment comes when you can completely succumb to the temptation and enjoy the cuisine of local restaurants and cafes. Especially popular is the restaurant "Banklialp", located at the foot of Mount Titlis, from whose windows an amazing panorama of the whole night Engelberg opens. This place is unique even not with its traditional dishes of local cuisine, but with a folklore program, which is visited not so much by tourists as knowledgeable, loving and respecting their culture regulars from local residents.
And do not forget to cheer up the fun with magnificent local wine - in such a paradise on earth, where angels live, wines are also especially delicious! Welcome to Engelberg - a waking winter fairy tale!
