Kempinski Palace Engelberg, Switzerland

Tucked away in a quiet valley at the foot of mighty Mount Titlis, whose glaciers shimmer like white veins high above, lies Engelberg – a place of striking beauty that, despite its charm, still feels like a well-kept secret. From wide alpine meadows to mysterious gorges, and of course the historic Benedictine monastery that has watched over the valley and its people for centuries, Engelberg is steeped in history and wonder. And right in the middle of this picture-book scenery rises a palace that seems to have been carried from another era straight into the present day: the Kempinski Palace Engelberg, a five-star hotel of such grandeur that it is far more than a place to stay – it is a stage, a sanctuary, and an experience in its own right.

#rooms

My refuge at the Kempinski Palace Engelberg was a Premier Room, offering not only 47 square meters of space but, more importantly, a sense of atmosphere – modern, stylish, timeless, and touched with a quiet, sensual sophistication. The balcony in particular is an absolute dream: while the spa gardens spread out below me, my gaze wanders further up to the mighty peaks that rise above Engelberg like an alpine crown. In the spacious bathroom, soothing moments in the bathtub alternate with refreshing moments under the rain shower, creating a balance between inner peace and active energy. As a thoughtful gesture, the finest chocolate specialties await, and before I know it, I’m sitting outside, letting the silence wash over me and feeling intoxicated by the sight of the alpine meadows and mountains.

#food

Culinary experiences at the Kempinski Palace Engelberg are as varied as they are refined, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that every meal here is an occasion. At the Cattani Restaurant, the art of a brasserie comes alive, blending French finesse with Swiss tradition in perfect harmony. The Palace Bar offers a more laid-back vibe, with classics like burgers, pasta, or perhaps the best Wiener Schnitzel I’ve ever had. Wherever you choose to dine, the magic happens outdoors on the terrace, as the sun slips behind the peaks and, if you’re lucky, live music from the Kurpark drifts across the evening air. My personal favorite at Cattani? The melt-in-your-mouth duck leg confit with savoy cabbage in orange sauce, followed by a warm chocolate cake with cream – perfection.

#wellness

On the fifth floor, a sanctuary of calm awaits you: the rooftop spa, where the spectacular infinity pool opens up sweeping views across Engelberg and its surrounding peaks, making you feel as if you’re floating right in the heart of the mountains. It’s a place where time disappears, clouds drift across the water’s surface, and the panorama becomes a quiet companion to your thoughts. Complementing the pool are a classic Finnish sauna, a soothing steam bath, the gentle Vitarium, and a bio sauna. Up here, the day slows down, body and mind find balance, and relaxation takes on a whole new dimension.

#hiking

My personal hiking highlight in Engelberg was without doubt the trip to Fürenalp, which you can reach from the hotel in about three hours. The trail leads past Stäfeli and the roaring Stäuber waterfalls, through Äbnet, and finally up to Fürenalp itself, perched like a balcony high above the valley. The views are simply breathtaking – the jagged towers of the Gross and Klein Spannort, aptly nicknamed Little Patagonia, rise dramatically before you, while in the distance the massive Titlis glacier gleams in the sun. After three hours I could have taken the cable car back down, but the call of the mountains was stronger, and I followed the Panorama Trail all the way down into Engelberg. By the time I returned, my smartwatch proudly showed 25 kilometers, and I knew the whirlpool at the Kempinski spa would be my salvation.