Top 20 Mountain Passes around Engelberg

The Susten Pass is highly recommended for scenic drives. It's a 45-kilometer long pass road, built between 1938 and 1945, known for its wide curves, smooth surfaces, and awe-inspiring landscapes with snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and winding alpine valleys. It offers dramatic views as it connects the canton of Uri with the canton of Bern.

The Surenen Pass is known for challenging yet rewarding hiking. The ascent from Altdorf is steeper, while the descent towards Engelberg is generally considered easier. This hike is part of the Via Alpina's Green Route, a long-distance trail across Switzerland. Another challenging option is the Glaubenberg Pass from Sarnen, which offers a demanding climb with spectacular views of Lake Sarnen.

Yes, the Jochpass Flow Trail is a popular spot for mountain biking, offering excellent experiences. The Joch Pass itself is traversed by a historic mule track, now popular with both hikers and mountain bikers.

You can expect to see a diverse range of natural beauty. The Susten Pass offers panoramic views of glaciers and valleys, including the impressive Stein Glacier. The Surenen Pass boasts spectacular views of snow-capped peaks like Mount Titlis, rugged massifs, lush alpine meadows with wildflowers, and dramatic waterfalls. The Joch Pass is known for its picturesque mountain lakes, such as Lake Trüb (Trübsee), and views of the snow-capped Titlis.

The best time to visit is typically from late June to mid or late October. During this period, trails are generally clear of snow, and alpine flora is vibrant, making it ideal for hiking and scenic drives. The Susten Pass, for instance, is usually open from June to October, depending on snow conditions.

The Joch Pass area is quite accessible, with cable car access making it convenient for various activities. Lake Trüb, near Joch Pass, is a starting point for the '4-lakes hiking trail' and offers activities suitable for families. While the Surenen Pass offers challenging hikes, cable cars at both ends (Attinghausen-Brüsti and Fürenalp) can shorten the route, making it more accessible for a wider range of hikers.

When hiking around the Surenen Pass, with some luck, you might spot alpine wildlife such as chamois, marmots, or ibexes in their natural habitat.

Yes, along the Surenen Pass route, several mountain huts invite hikers to stop for refreshments, and you can also find the Surenen cheese dairy offering fresh alpine products. Near the Joch Pass, visitors can find refreshment at the Jochpass Berghuis (hut) or the outdoor bar of the Trübsee mountain hotel.

Beyond driving and hiking, you can enjoy mountain biking, particularly on the Jochpass Flow Trail. In winter, the Joch Pass area is also recommended for its blue and red ski pistes. For more general outdoor activities, you can explore various hiking routes and cycling tours around Engelberg.

The Susten Pass is considered one of the newer routes in the Swiss Alps, built between 1938 and 1945, and is primarily used for tourism. Its design with long, flowing curves and frequent pull-offs and viewpoints makes it particularly enjoyable for driving enthusiasts. It also has a long history, dating back to Roman times, with remnants of ancient settlements and military fortifications visible along the route.

Yes, the Surenen Pass hike is a significant part of the Via Alpina's Green Route, which is a renowned long-distance hiking trail that traverses across Switzerland.

The Susten Pass offers high-altitude views at 2,224 meters, providing panoramic vistas of glaciers and valleys. The Surenen Pass is praised for its truly spectacular panoramic views, including Mount Titlis, the Schloss and Spannort massifs, and glimpses of Lake Uri and the Reuss Valley. The Bannalper Schonegg also offers fantastic views and a far-reaching panorama.