Unveiling the Origins of Engelberg
Konrad's Vision Gives Birth to Engelberg Monastery
In antiquity, one way that the Swiss aristocracy guaranteed passage to heaven was by building a monastery. In 1120, Count Konrad of Sellenbüeren, a nobleman and warrior of Switzerland, sought to secure his path to heaven by constructing a monastery.
However, the initial location chosen for Engelberg Abbey by the wonderful lake of Lucerne was not deemed suitable, and the building was unable to survive. It was through a visionary experience that Count Konrad was guided to the correct site. A divine spirit appeared to him, instructing him to follow an ox.
When the ox halted at the eastern edge of Engelberg Valley, Count Konrad witnessed a remarkable sight - cherubs adorning the summit of Hahnen Mountain. Inspired by this celestial vision, he named the area "Angel Mountain," or "Engelberg," giving birth to a new mountain town and sealing his divine connection.
How Engelberg Monastery Fostered the Growth of a Vibrant Village
There’s another story about why the ox stopped at the head of the valley. There isn’t anywhere else to go. Some of the tallest mountains in central Switzerland, many above 10,000 feet, crowd the valley: Hahnen, Spannort, Reissend Nollen.
After the abbey was built, the Holy See ruled Engelberg for 600 years. It became a center of learning in Switzerland and a hub of trade. Soft cheese crafted by the monks in the abbey was renowned in the region and traders carried it over Jochpass to Italy to exchange for leather and other goods. The monastery even raised its own army to protect trade routes and was considered its own nation until 1798, when it joined the Swiss Federation.
Engelberg Mountains
Engelberg Mountains are Enriching the Village with Picturesque Landscapes, Flora, and Fauna
Engelberg has a deep-rooted connection with its mountains, which have played a significant role in shaping the village's history and development. In the mid-19th century, the arrival of English visitors brought prosperity to the region.
Seeking wellness and rejuvenation, these visitors were drawn to the mountains' therapeutic qualities prescribed by European doctors, who believed in the healing power of high altitudes and the pristine air free from coal soot.
Engelberg emerged as a pioneer in alpine tourism, mountaineering, and skiing, alongside renowned destinations like St. Moritz and Davos. The prestigious Hotel Titlis, a five-star establishment, was established in 1865, attracting prominent guests such as Queen Victoria, who stayed in the valley in 1869.
In 1883, Eugene Hess-Waser constructed the Hotel Trübsee, catering to mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts. Notably, he also brought electricity to the valley in 1888, even before the electrification of Zurich.
Ten years later, Engelberg welcomed the longest electric mountain railway in the world, connecting the village to the surrounding areas. In 1926, Hess-Waser's final achievement was the introduction of Switzerland's first licensed aerial cableway, which operated from Gerschnialp to Trübsee, serving skiers until 1984.
These milestones in transportation and hospitality solidified Engelberg's reputation as a premier mountain resort. The mountains provided breathtaking landscapes and facilitated the growth of tourism and outdoor activities, making Engelberg a cherished destination for both locals and international visitors alike.
List of Outdoor activities in Engelberg
A few photos from Skiing in Engelberg
Engelberg Village
Cultural Events in Engelberg
The Benedictiner Monastery in Engelberg offers: https://www.kloster-engelberg.ch/
- Gottesdienste (Church Services)
Öffentliche Klosterführungen (Public Monastery Tours) – Public monastery tours are conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 4:00 PM.
Benediktinische Gastfreundschaft (Benedictine Hospitality)
The Talmuseum or Folk Museum of Engelberg is located at the center of the village. The historical building in which the exhibit is housed is a farmhouse built in 1786/87. The front of the house bears several coats of arms representing the local families that have lived in the valley for centuries. Inside, museum visitors can see several rooms furnished in the style and manner of the 18th century, so that one gets a good idea of how the people in and around Engelberg lived back then.
Hiking trails Available on Engelberger site
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