Apres Ski in Engelberg
Just big enough to feel like a town, Engelberg is a quiet mix of grand Belle Époque hotels from the early days of tourism and less imposing 20th-century architecture, including newer hotels and apartments, as well as a good selection of shops and restaurants. However, there are limited opportunities for vibrant après-ski and nightlife, so it’s not a party town.
The Town of Engelberg
One of the defining features of Engelberg is its architecture: grand Belle Époque hotels from the early days of tourism, and unexpected details, such as the tiny funicular that runs from the edge of town to the ‘terrace’, a sunny, level strolling area with views over the town.
Engelberg Monastery and Town in Winter © Ultimate-Ski.com
Another defining feature and more historic presence is the monastery founded in 1120, which is well worth visiting for a guided tour. Also, unexpected details like the tiny funicular from the edge of town to the ‘terrace’, a sunny, level strolling area with views of the town and surrounding mountains.
The railway station is close to the centre of town, so it’s conveniently close to most hotels. By car or on foot, it’s an easy place to navigate, with little traffic. You can explore the town in a horse-drawn carriage with a sheepskin over your knees or wander through the cobbled pedestrian streets in the town centre.
Opposite the station, the Freeride HQ and Okay shop is the place to buy telemark and snowboarding gear, along with backcountry equipment or to get your skis tuned by Dani Friedl. This is where the ‘real’ freeriders hang out.
Engelberg Town in Winter © Ultimate-Ski.com
The town centre features an interesting selection of shops, offering all the essentials, including sports shops for ski rentals, as well as a variety of bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. A good choice of restaurants covers all bases, with menus featuring Italian, Chinese, Thai, and Mexican cuisine, as well as traditional Swiss options, and half a dozen restaurants offering à la carte menus.
The large Co-op and Migro supermarkets in the centre are also helpful for stocking up on provisions if you are self-catering. The Co-op has an excellent self-service restaurant, open only until early evening. Still, it is undoubtedly an unexpected attraction in Engelberg, offering quality, range, and price that are hard to beat.
With the monks up the road and a small number of visitors during the week, Engelberg is no party town, though there are exceptions to the rule.
Engelberg Hotel Hoheneck and Alpenclub Restaurant © Ultimate-Ski.com
Best Apres-Ski Bars in Engelberg
Ski Hutte Stand (2,428m)
At the Stand (2,428m) in the Engelberg-Titlis ski area, the Ski Hutte Stand is a popular après-ski venue for experienced skiers. With DJs or live music on weekends and a lively crowd, it’s a fun spot to enjoy apres-ski at high altitude. Ideal for late afternoon apres-ski. After enjoying the music and atmosphere at Sternbar, confident skiers can ski the 1,000 m descent to the valley for more après-ski at the Chalet Bar at the Titlis base station. Opening hours: daily throughout winter afternoons until about 16:30 or 17:00, or until the lifts close.
The Chalet Bar (beside Titlis base station)
Located beside the Titlis valley station, the Chalet Bar can be a fun place for a relaxing drink from mid‑afternoon onwards. Its open‑air terrace and cosy chalet interior have made it a popular après‑ski venue since 2010. From Friday to Saturday (mid‑December through mid‑April), the bar kicks into high gear with free DJ parties starting at 14:00, streaming live music outdoors until around 20:00, then continuing indoors until 23:00. On other weekdays, it opens daily from 14:00, offering fondue, raclette, and scenic views for a more chilled vibe.
Ski Lodge Bar (by the station)
Engelberg Apres-Ski The Ski Lodge Bar © Ultimate-Ski.com
Located on Erlenweg (near the train station), the Ski Lodge Bar has been a beloved après‑ski hub since Hotel Ski Lodge was redesigned and beautifully furnished by its Swedish founders in 2008. Inspired by Nordic warmth and global mountain culture, it quickly became the go‑to bar for ski enthusiasts—particularly popular with guests from Scandinavia, who helped shape its cosy, community‑driven vibe. From around 15:00 each winter afternoon, creative cocktails, local beers, DJ sets or live acts draw a lively crowd to the bar and outdoor terrace, and the atmosphere is buzzing until the bar closes. Ideal for skiers seeking warm Scandinavian hospitality, great music, and relaxed drinks in a stylish alpine bar, along with a good restaurant. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 16:00–23:00, Saturday and Sunday 15:00–23:00
Yucatan Bar (Hotel Bellevue Terminus)
Engelberg Apres-Ski Yucatan Bar © Ultimate-Ski.com
Located on the ground floor of the Bellevue Hotel on Dorfstrasse (in the centre of town), the Yucatan Bar offers a happy hour from 5 to 6 pm and a lively atmosphere. It is alleged to sell more beer than any other bar in the whole of central Switzerland, which may tell you something about the bar, or possibly more about central Switzerland. There’s also Tex-Mex food and live music into the small hours. Opening hours in winter: daily 15:00, until 01:00 Sunday to Thursday and 02:00 or 03:00 Friday and Saturday.
Zum Hoheneck (in the town centre)
Engelberg Apres-Ski Zum Hoheneck Bar © Ultimate-Ski.com
Located at Dorfstrasse 4, Engelberg, Zum Hoheneck (the bar at Hotel Hoheneck) has become Engelberg’s premier après‑ski and live‑music venue over the past 15+ years. This cosy Scandinavian‑run bar thrives on a mix of live bands, DJs, and a welcoming crowd that blends local villagers, ski visitors, and regulars. From around 16:00 during the winter season, the bar fills with skiers unwinding after their day on the slopes. Live acts and DJ sets typically run from Wednesday through Sunday, often continuing until midnight or shortly after—vibrant après-ski with an informal Scandinavian charm. A favourite finishing point for a ski day in Engelberg, the bar combines convivial Alpine ambience with regular live entertainment—making it a must-visit for nightlife and après‑ski fans in town. The venue also features a small outdoor beer garden and an upstairs lounge that stays open late, serving snacks, craft beers, and cocktails. Opening hours in winter: from around 16:00 until 24:00; the lounge stays open later.
Best Cafés in Engelberg
Engelberg Apres-Ski The Roastery serves the best coffee © Ultimate-Ski.com
The artisan Roastery combines a cafe with a bookstore and is the go-to destination for freshly roasted coffee, tea, and chocolate. You can browse for books and stationery while waiting for your carefully brewed coffee – it’s worth the wait. Keen skiers and freeriders, especially, should look out for a copy of the Outdoor Guide Engelberg. This excellent, illustrated book is rich in information about the ski touring and freeriding itineraries around Engelberg. The Tearoom is also recommended for enjoying freshly baked cakes with tea or coffee, or for purchasing chocolate treats. Both of these are situated on Dorfstrasse in the centre of the town.
Best Restaurants in Engelberg
Whether you’re looking for a restaurant that offers delicious food with a cosy alpine atmosphere, for lunch on the mountain or for a relaxing evening meal, Engelberg provides plenty of great places to eat.
The Engelberg tourism website lists 79 establishments for dining (or a light bite with drinks), including nearly 20 on-mountain restaurants and a diverse selection of restaurants in and around the town. We recommend booking in advance, especially at peak periods and at weekends.
Here’s our guide to a selection of the best restaurants in the town, including budget-friendly, mid-range and high-end price options:
Alpenclub Restaurant
Engelberg Apres-Ski Alpenclub Restaurant © Ultimate-Ski.com
The Alpenclub, located near the monastery, offers traditional Swiss and international cuisine in a historic building dating back to 1780. Starting as a simple inn in 1875, it has become one of the most popular restaurants in Engelberg. Today, this iconic venue blends alpine charm with modern flair, offering multiple cosy dining spaces oozing with alpine charm. Its elegant wooden interior provides a welcoming atmosphere and the seasonally refreshed à la carte menu rooted in locally sourced ingredients. For example, beef and tuna tartare, grilled mains (fillet of beef, Central Swiss entrecôte, lamb loin, corn-fed chicken, and veal paillard), creative vegetarian options, and the often most-raved-about dish—is the beef fillet on a hot stone, offering tableside sizzle, choice of sides, and herb butter or companion sauces— and a well-curated selection of wines and local beers. Alpenclub offers a memorable Swiss Alpine dining experience, impeccable service and mid-range prices. Address: Dorfstrasse 5, 6390 Engelberg. Tel: +41 41 637 12 43. Web: www.alpenclub.ch
Bierlialp Restaurant
Engelberg Apres-Ski Restaurant Bierlialp © Ultimate-Ski.com
Set in a cosy, rustic-chic setting, Restaurant Bierlialp delivers hearty, flavour-rich experiences — from sizzling steaks to wood-fired Italian-style pizzas and European classics. Patrons repeatedly praise the wood-oven pizzas, spare ribs, chicken dishes, and Châteaubriand, paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list. Many reviews highlight the friendly service, cosy ambience, and excellent and flavourful food. A good option for relaxed, flavour-driven à la carte dining—whether you’re craving steakhouse richness or crispy, authentic pizza, it combines approachable comfort with quality execution and mid-range prices. Opening hours: daily from 11:30 to 14:00 for lunch and 17:30 to 22:00 for dinner. Address: Dorfstrasse 21, 6390 Engelberg. Tel: +41 41 637 17 17. Web: www.restaurant-bierlialp.ch
Brasserie Konrad at The Ski Lodge
Engelberg Apres-Ski Brasserie-Konrad Restaurant © Ultimate-Ski.com
Named after Engelberg’s founder, Konrad von Sellenbüren, Brasserie Konrad combines Swiss Alpine, Nordic, and Italian flavours, highlighting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable cooking practices. Signature offerings include the daily changing three-course “Skier’s Dinner” menu, beloved by regulars for its inventive flair. Star dishes range from beef tartare with fermented asparagus and juniper emulsion to the excellent beef burger with fries, as well as elegant mains like lamb with goat cheese, lemon, and red wine sauce. Reviews highlight the atmosphere—cosy, lit by candlelight, and decorated with personal touches like vintage photos and a well-loved bookcase—creating a homey, intimate dining experience and mid-range prices. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 16:00, Saturday and Sunday from 15:00, until 23:00. Address: Erlenweg 36, 6390 Engelberg. Tel: +41 78 675 33 66 for reservations from 16:00. Web: www.skilodgeengelberg.com
Cattani Restaurant at Kempinski Palace
Located at the 5-star Kempinksi Palace Hotel, the stylish Cattani Restaurant delivers seasonal à la carte menus rooted in local farm‑to‑table ingredients, including Alpine-sourced cheese, lamb from Lucerne, burrata from Entlebuch, trout, and local honeycomb. A standout signature is the reimagined “Cattani Älpler Pasta”—a lighter, playful twist on traditional Älplermagronen, topped with caramelised apple slices. The menu also features elegant dishes, such as lamb rack with a honey and herb crust, veal flank steak with asparagus in a Carbonara-style sauce, and seasonal grilled specialities from the roaring 800 °C grill. A good option for those seeking a refined à la carte cuisine— all plated beautifully within a luxurious modern setting with soaring ceiling interiors— and high-end prices. Address: Dorfstrasse 40, 6390 Engelberg. Opening hours: Daily from 18:00 to 21:45 for dinner. Tel: +41 41 639 75 75. Web: www.kempinsky.com
Restaurant Al Monastero
Engelberg Apres-Ski Al Monastero Restaurant © Ultimate-Ski.com
Located near the monastery, Ristorante Al Monastero offers a warm, Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine. The menu shines with wood-fired pizzas, fragrant homemade pastas, and hearty risottos crafted from high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients. It’s especially praised for its generous portions and a family-friendly atmosphere, yet it’s refined enough for discerning palates. A local favourite, Al Monastero delivers with charm and culinary flair. It also features an enoteca bar, making it ideal for a pre-dinner aperitivo with Italian wine or a post-meal digestif on the sun terrace, and budget-friendly prices. A takeaway service is also available. Opening hours: daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 09:00 to 22:00. Address: Dorfstrasse 2, Engelberg. Tel: +41 41 637 27 77.
Spannort Restaurant
Engelberg Apres-Ski Spannort Restaurant © Ultimate-Ski.com
Located in the pedestrian zone, Restaurant Spannort has been revitalised under the stewardship of André Keller, offering elegant Swiss dining rooted in seasonal regional ingredients. With 13 GaultMillau points and three wine glasses, it’s recognised for its refined interpretation of classic and contemporary Alpine cuisine. Signature dishes showcase meticulous technique and creativity—standouts include Vitello Tonnato, a hand-cut veal dish paired with silky tuna sauce and crispy capers; a layered asparagus, potato, and butter symphony featuring a perfectly cooked egg; and a tender sous-vide duck breast served with creamy polenta and a corn-cream topping. Desserts like the chocolate cake with caramelised banana peel conclude meals on a memorable note. Elegant, intimate, and seasonal, Restaurant Spannort offers a refined dining experience in Engelberg that balances tradition with modern culinary flair and mid-range to high-end prices. Opening hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 18:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday from 18:00 to midnight and Sunday from 15:00 to 21:00. Address: Dorfstrasse 28, 6390 Engelberg. Tel: +41 41 500 11 33. Web: www.spannort.ch
More Restaurants in Engelberg
Engelberg Apres-Ski Urchig Bistro & Bar © Ultimate-Ski.com
There are plenty more restaurant options in town, such as Hess’ Coffier for sophisticated French and Italian cuisine, and the adjacent Hess Asia, the Spice Bazaar, the Urchig Bistro at the H+ Hotel, the Tuifelsstei Restaurant at the Crystal Hotel and the Ambient Bistro.
Engelberg Apres-Ski Ambient-Bistro © Ultimate-Ski.com
Also, on the outskirts of Engelberg, the historic dining rooms at the 17th-century Restaurant Schweizerhaus (the oldest restaurant in Engelberg) and the Villa Hundert Boutique Mountainscape are celebrated for innovative cuisine and culinary flair.
For more budget-friendly and affordable eats, try the Kebab House & More and local Pizzerias. Additionally, the Co-op supermarket features an excellent self-service cafeteria-style eatery, offering significantly lower prices than other restaurants.
Nightclubs in Engelberg
For late nightlife at weekends, there is the option of the Gletscherspalte Bar & Music Club, open Friday and Saturday nights from 21:00 to 04:00, the Spindle Disco Bar late‑night dance club, often open until 02:00–04:00 at weekends, and the Bierlialp-Chäller nightclub, which is open in winter on Friday and Saturday from 22:00 until 03:30.
Bierlialp-Chäller Nightclub
Tucked beneath the well-loved Bierlialp Restaurant in Dorfstrasse, the Bierlialp-Chäller is Engelberg’s go-to late-night venue for dancing, drinks, and an après-ski atmosphere that often lasts into the early hours. With a lively mix of locals, seasonal workers, and visitors, it’s a hotspot for those who want to extend their evening beyond dinner. The club is well-known for its friendly bar team, upbeat playlist of chart hits and party classics, and a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re warming up after a day on the slopes or celebrating a powder-filled weekend, the Bierlialp-Chäller delivers an authentic small-town Alpine party experience. Opening hours in winter: Friday and Saturday from 22:00 to 03:30, closed Sunday to Thursday (except for special events).
Other Activities in Engelberg
There are plenty of other activities besides skiing, which, combined with Engelberg’s spectacular setting, make it enjoyable for non-skiers.
Engelberg Brunni Winter Walking © Engelberg Titlis Tourism
Extensive winter walking paths and cross-country skiing; superb sledging on Brunni and night sledging, winter hiking and snowshoeing on Gerschnialp and Furenalp. The guest card offers discounts for use of the indoor pool, tennis, skating and other activities at the sports centre. The Outventure Company, the Salomon Station and the Ski School all organise a range of activities, including snowshoeing and igloo building. Also, exploring the Titlis glacier, traversing the ice-cliff suspension bridge and enjoying the fantastic views from over 3,000 m on Mount Titlis. There is also the Tal Museum and the Engelberg Monastery, which is well worth visiting; guided tours are recommended.
For more information about winter experiences in Engelberg >
The Monastery in Engelberg
Founded in 1120 by Count Konrad of Sellenbüren, Engelberg Abbey has been the spiritual and cultural heart of the valley for over 900 years. This Benedictine monastery shaped Engelberg’s identity, fostering education, agriculture, and Alpine hospitality. Still active today, the monastery is home to a small monastic community and a renowned school.
Engelberg Monastery © Ultimate-Ski.com
Visitors can admire the Baroque church, rich in frescoes and featuring an impressive organ (the largest pipe organ in Switzerland, and third largest in Europe), or explore the peaceful cloister and museum, which showcase sacred art and local history. The abbey also sells cheese made at its dairy. Located in the centre of Engelberg, the monastery is open to the public daily. Guided tours are available by appointment via www.kloster-engelberg.ch.
Engelberg Monastery Klosterkirche © Ultimate-Ski.com
Engelberg Tourist Office
For more information, contact the Tourist Office in Engelberg:
Engelberg Tourism © Ultimate-Ski.com
Engelberg-Titlis Tourism
Tourist Center
Klosterstrasse 3
CH-6390 Engelberg
Tel: +41 (0)41 639 77 77
Web: www.engelberg.ch