Engelberg is a genuine year round destination, unlike so many resorts which are quiet and sometimes even closed outside of the Winter ski season. There are a number of reasons why Engelberg is exceptional in this regard.

First, there was a farming and religious community in Engelberg some 700 years before the village became known as a tourist resort. Consequently, the village does not exist just for tourism - there are approximately 4000 people living in the village all through the year. Furthermore, such a healthy permanent population requires proper amenities and facilities, which can then be used by tourists as well as locals throughout the year.

Secondly, Engelberg’s elevation at 1050 metres means that it has a mild climate, with four distinct seasons, making it perfect for year-round activities. The village itself is below the tree-line giving it a beautiful green setting, set amongst towering and often snow-covered mountain peaks – a fantastic contrast.

Spring

Spring arrives in Engelberg in late April/early May, and by mid May there is fresh grass in the meadows, and an abundance of Spring flowers. In May the dairy cows, which have spent the Winter down in the valley below Engelberg, are taken up the mountain for grazing on the lush alpine meadows. Spring is perfect for a peaceful and tranquil holiday with mild temperatures (usually around 15 degrees Celsius) and very few crowds, even in Luzern.

Hiking is possible around the village and usually up to about 1800 metres, while the higher alpine walking areas above 2000 metres will still have plenty of snow for more adventurous hiking or snow-shoeing trips. The fresh green scenery around Engelberg, set against the backdrop of the still snowy mountains makes Spring an especially beautiful and spectacular time to visit.

Summer

Summer in Engelberg arrives in June and continues well into September. This is the season for lush green fields and trees, unlimited access to the mountains and a varied programme of events and activities to be enjoyed in Engelberg village, and nearby Luzern. At this time of the year the farmers are busy turning the milk from their cows and goats into tasty mountain cheese for which Switzerland is famous. There are small farms all around Engelberg and you can buy fresh milk, cheese and even milkshakes direct from the farmers.

Despite the popularity of the Summer, there is still plenty of peace and quiet, and undisturbed countryside to be enjoyed, even during the school holidays in August, and at weekends when the Swiss come to Engelberg from all around.

Hiking, walking and cycling are the most popular activities in the Summer, although the warmer temperatures (often 20 degrees Celsius or more) mean that Engelberg’s swimming pools (and the various lidos dotted around the shore of Lake Luzern) become an added attraction.

Autumn

In Autumn, which usually arrives at the end of September or early October, the pace of life in Engelberg begins to slow down again. A major event in late September is the “Abzug”. This is the special day when the farmers walk their herds of dairy cows back down to Engelberg from the high mountain pastures and parade them through the village. Central Switzerland has a rich farming heritage, and the Abzug has been celebrated for many centuries. Farmers wear traditional clothing and their cows are dressed in huge cowbells and head-dresses made of flowers.

A particular attraction for visitors to Engelberg at this time of the year is the beautiful colour of the leaves on the trees. Autumn is a perfect time for hiking. There are very few crowds and temperatures are mild, not cold. The snow does not usually arrive on the mountains until early November, which means that all of Engelberg’s walking and hiking routes are usually open in the Autumn, and you are more likely to see wildlife on the mountain than in the middle of the Summer.

As we pass into November and towards December, the day-time temperatures drop to single figures and the snow arrives, first high on the mountain sides above Engelberg, and slowly lower until it eventually arrives in the village, often around the middle of November. By this time Engelberg is getting ready for another busy Winter ski season.