Via Alpina Étape 8 : Engelberg - Engstlenalp
The place
#### Trübsee Trail: A Picturesque Journey to Engstlenalp This hiking route leads through two climbs to Lake Trübsee, located at the foot of the Titlis, and then continues to the Jochpass to enter the Bernese Oberland. The destination is Engstlenalp, an idyllic spot characterised by its lake, its nostalgic hotel and its thousands of alpine roses. #### Climbs and Panoramas The first part of the route is demanding: a tough climb to Lake Trübsee. Fortunately, the path runs mostly through forest, offering hikers some shade. For those wishing to cool off further, a swim in the turquoise lake is possible; the shallow lake reaches a pleasant temperature for bathing in summer. #### Wildlife and Flora along the Way The climb to the Jochpass at 2,222 metres altitude offers chances to spot chamois, marmots and even ibex. The Titlis, Engelberg's emblematic mountain, is visible along the way, its summit area covered by a glacier, one of the smallest in the Alps at 1.7 km². This glacier, like most alpine glaciers, is undergoing significant retreat due to climate change. #### Engstlenalp: A Nature Conservation Area Upon reaching the Jochpass, the path marks the entrance into the Canton of Bern. The day's destination, Engstlenalp, comes into view. Following the natural trail on the right side of the mountain, the descent along an old mule track leads to the crystal-clear mountain lake. The peaks around Engstlenalp are reflected in the water. The lake lies at the foot of the Titlis, surrounded by varied flora and ancient Swiss stone pines along the northern shore, in a rolling moraine landscape. Due to its particular location, Engstlenalp was declared a protected natural area in 1973. #### Accommodation and Relaxation Engstlenalp offers not only unspoilt nature but also a charming, nostalgia-filled hotel, allowing visitors to relax after a day of hiking and exploration.
Why go
L'étape passe par le lac de Trübsee, lac de montagne turquoise de neuf mètres de profondeur seulement, qui atteint des températures de baignade agréables en été, au pied du Titlis. Chamois, marmottes et bouquetins sont fréquemment observés en chemin vers le Jochpass (2222 m). L'arrivée se fait à Engstlenalp, alpage entourant un lac bordé d'arolles centenaires, classé réserve naturelle depuis 1973.
Detailed route
Depuis Engelberg, une première montée mène à Gerschni, où la pente s'adoucit jusqu'à Rosswald. Une seconde ascension, plus soutenue, conduit au lac de Trübsee. Une dernière montée franchit le Jochpass, frontière cantonale entre Obwald et Berne, avant la descente vers Engstlenalp.
Getting there
Des télécabines relient Engelberg à Trübsee, puis Trübsee au Jochpass, et enfin le Jochpass à Engstlensee, permettant de raccourcir fortement la marche si besoin.
Recommended gear
Le parcours comporte trois montées successives en terrain de haute montagne (jusqu'au Jochpass à 2222 m) ; de bonnes chaussures de randonnée et un équipement contre les intempéries sont nécessaires, la portion étant classée difficile.