Choose Engelberg for an all-round winter break
Engelberg in Switzerland is the perfect option for luxury winter breaks that deliver a complete package. As well as exhilarating sports, the region promises plenty of culture, history and fine dining to keep everyone happy during a holiday here.
Engelberg: in the heart of a winter playground
While you might think it's a bit late to be planning a skiing holiday in Switzerland, the snow season lasts until around May in Engelberg and the surrounding valleys, so you've still got enough time to make the most of the last of this year's powder. The town is located in the centre of the nation and is ideally placed to give you access to the country's highest glacier - the Titlis.
The region is renowned for its off-piste skiing and, as such, is the perfect choice if you're looking for a destination that can put your skills on the slopes to the test. Snowboarders and skiers alike will find plenty to keep them busy, as there is a freestyle park in addition to the numerous runs down the mountain.
If you're on a break to enjoy family skiing in Switzerland, you'll quickly discover Engelberg is home to a raft of attractions suitable for children and adults alike. If you fancy a day or two off your skis, you can go sledding, try your hand at racing on a snowXbike or head off on a winter walking excursion.
Cultural attractions in Engelberg
Engelberg is not all about winter sports, though. The town has a rich and illustrious history dating back centuries. At the heart of the community is the Benedictine monastery that was founded in around 1120. Monks still live and work in the sanctuary today, making this a fascinating place to explore during your trip.
Don't miss the stunning baroque church, which is at the centre of the monastery's activity. The altar is covered in beautiful artwork, while the building also houses the largest pipe organ in Switzerland - certainly a sight worth seeing!
Another place to visit if you and your kids want to learn more about the region's history is the Talmuseum - also known as the Folk Museum of Engelberg. At this facility, you can wander around an 18th-century farmhouse, which has been decorated and furnished to show how people from the valley lived during this period, with items such as leaf-filled mattresses and wooden shoes among those on display.
Eating in Engelberg
Everyone loves a good meal during their holiday and, if you stay in Engelberg, you won't be disappointed by the cuisine on offer. Cheese is one of the most important products in the region, so take the opportunity to learn about how the local versions of this delicacy are made at one of the cheese dairies. The Stafeli Cheese Dairy and the Show Cheese Factory both run regular tours and tasting sessions.
With cheese in mind, you have to make sure you sample one of Switzerland's national dishes during your stay - Alplermagronen. This is very similar to macaroni and cheese, with the pasta covered in a rich sauce made from the dairy product and topped off with caramelised onions and pureed apple sauce.
For a delicious meal, pay a visit to Central, situated in the heart of Engelberg. Here, you can choose between traditional Swiss cuisine and dishes with a distinctly Indian flavour, ensuring there should be something on the menu to suit all palettes.
If you're looking for a restaurant with a view, you won't find anywhere better than Alpstubli, which overlooks the Titlis Mountain and Lake Trubsee. There's a great children's play area to keep little ones entertained too, while parents can relax, soak up the stunning scenery and enjoy their food. The restaurant has recently opened a new dining area that specialises in all things cheese, with fondue just one of the options, while its main menu features Swiss dishes made from seasonal produce.
