Hiking
Via Alpina
Stage 8, Engelberg–Engstlenalp
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Via Alpina
Stage 8, Engelberg–Engstlenalp
The trail leads over two rises to the scenic Trübsee lake at the foot of the Titlis and on over the Jochpass into the Bernese Oberland. The goal is Engstlenalp, an idyllic hotspot with lake, nostalgic hotel and thousands of Alpine roses.
The first part of this stage packs a punch: a strenuous and steep ascent to the Trübsee lake. Fortunately, the route runs mainly through the forest, which will help hikers keep cool. If that’s not enough, they can try taking a plunge in the turquoise mountain lake. At just nine metres deep, it warms to a comfortable bathing temperature in summer.
The next ascent soon follows: on the way to the Joch Pass at 2,222 m above sea level, chamois, marmots and even ibexes are quite a common sight. Also in view is the Titlis, Engelberg’s local mountain. Its summit region is covered by a glacier, one of the smaller examples in the Alps at 1.7km². Like most Alpine glaciers, the Titlis glacier is severely affected by shrinkage due to global warming.
At the Joch Pass, the route crosses the border into the canton of Bern. The day’s destination can already be seen from up here: Engstlenalp, a place of power with countless Alpine roses and a nostalgic hotel by the lake. After following the natural path on the right-hand side of the mountain, we descend along a former mule track to the clear mountain lake and see the peaks around Engstlenalp reflected in its surface. The lake lies at the foot of the glaciated Titlis, surrounded by diverse flora and ancient Swiss stone pines that populate the north shore amid the hilly moraine landscape. Because of its location, the site was declared a nature conservation area in 1973.
The next ascent soon follows: on the way to the Joch Pass at 2,222 m above sea level, chamois, marmots and even ibexes are quite a common sight. Also in view is the Titlis, Engelberg’s local mountain. Its summit region is covered by a glacier, one of the smaller examples in the Alps at 1.7km². Like most Alpine glaciers, the Titlis glacier is severely affected by shrinkage due to global warming.
At the Joch Pass, the route crosses the border into the canton of Bern. The day’s destination can already be seen from up here: Engstlenalp, a place of power with countless Alpine roses and a nostalgic hotel by the lake. After following the natural path on the right-hand side of the mountain, we descend along a former mule track to the clear mountain lake and see the peaks around Engstlenalp reflected in its surface. The lake lies at the foot of the glaciated Titlis, surrounded by diverse flora and ancient Swiss stone pines that populate the north shore amid the hilly moraine landscape. Because of its location, the site was declared a nature conservation area in 1973.
The trail leads over two rises to the scenic Trübsee lake at the foot of the Titlis and on over the Jochpass into the Bernese Oberland. The goal is Engstlenalp, an idyllic hotspot with lake, nostalgic hotel and thousands of Alpine roses.
The first part of this stage packs a punch: a strenuous and steep ascent to the Trübsee lake. Fortunately, the route runs mainly through the forest, which will help hikers keep cool. If that’s not enough, they can try taking a plunge in the turquoise mountain lake. At just nine metres deep, it warms to a comfortable bathing temperature in summer.
The next ascent soon follows: on the way to the Joch Pass at 2,222 m above sea level, chamois, marmots and even ibexes are quite a common sight. Also in view is the Titlis, Engelberg’s local mountain. Its summit region is covered by a glacier, one of the smaller examples in the Alps at 1.7km². Like most Alpine glaciers, the Titlis glacier is severely affected by shrinkage due to global warming.
At the Joch Pass, the route crosses the border into the canton of Bern. The day’s destination can already be seen from up here: Engstlenalp, a place of power with countless Alpine roses and a nostalgic hotel by the lake. After following the natural path on the right-hand side of the mountain, we descend along a former mule track to the clear mountain lake and see the peaks around Engstlenalp reflected in its surface. The lake lies at the foot of the glaciated Titlis, surrounded by diverse flora and ancient Swiss stone pines that populate the north shore amid the hilly moraine landscape. Because of its location, the site was declared a nature conservation area in 1973.
The next ascent soon follows: on the way to the Joch Pass at 2,222 m above sea level, chamois, marmots and even ibexes are quite a common sight. Also in view is the Titlis, Engelberg’s local mountain. Its summit region is covered by a glacier, one of the smaller examples in the Alps at 1.7km². Like most Alpine glaciers, the Titlis glacier is severely affected by shrinkage due to global warming.
At the Joch Pass, the route crosses the border into the canton of Bern. The day’s destination can already be seen from up here: Engstlenalp, a place of power with countless Alpine roses and a nostalgic hotel by the lake. After following the natural path on the right-hand side of the mountain, we descend along a former mule track to the clear mountain lake and see the peaks around Engstlenalp reflected in its surface. The lake lies at the foot of the glaciated Titlis, surrounded by diverse flora and ancient Swiss stone pines that populate the north shore amid the hilly moraine landscape. Because of its location, the site was declared a nature conservation area in 1973.
Length
12 km
Ascent | Descent
1300 m | 440 m
Hiking time
5 h 00 min
Grade | Fitness level
medium
(mountain hiking trail)
|
difficult
Arrival | return travel
Season
Season
Beware: snowfields possible into summer months on high-level sections
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Saving metres in altitude
There is an aerial cableway between Engelberg (Talstation Titlis) and Trübsee that saves about 800 metres in altitude.
Saving metres in altitude
There is a chair lift between Trübsee (Jochpass) and Jochpass that saves about 450 metres in altitude.
Saving metres in altitude
There is a chair lift between Jochpass and Engstlensee that saves about 300 metres in altitude.
Hints
Arrival | return travel
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Via Alpina hiking pass
With the Via Alpina hiking passbook, you collect 38 stamps with memories to cherish. The stamp stations are located at each stage start and finish. More information about the hiking passbook.
Overview map of all stamp stations
Contact
Gestione della segnaletica
Signposting is managed by the cantonal hiking trail organisation on behalf of the communities.
Schweizer Wanderwege
Monbijoustrasse 61
3000 Bern 23
