Little Patagonia

Summer activities, power spots and impressive landscapes in Little Patagonia

Already at the entrance to Engelberg, the impressive rock formations of Big and Little Spannort welcome you. If you follow their magic and let yourself be guided further and further back into the valley, a fascinating landscape opens up to you from the valley station of the Fürenalpbahn, which will also cast its spell on you.

Patagonia stands for snow-capped peaks, impressive rock formations, turquoise blue glacial lakes, endless expanses and sheer endless possibilities for hiking and high altitude tours or high alpine climbing adventures. It is above all the fascinating mountains and the grandiose landscape that are the attraction. Unimaginably close there is also in Switzerland and namely in the Surenental of Engelberg, such a jewel that is unparalleled. A very special atmosphere already suggests at the beginning of the elongated high valley that from now on you will dive more and more into a world of its own with every step - let yourself be carried away and go on a discovery tour!

Activities

The excursion and sports possibilities are as versatile as the region itself. At the beginning of the valley, the Fürenalpbahn, which you can reach with the free bus, offers "jump-start" and is the starting point for various hikes. A small Buiräbähnli further back also facilitates the ascent and descent. What is the program for your Patagonia trip?

Linger & recharge

In the region "Little Patagonia" you will find beautiful places that invite you to stay and rest. Stop, let nature take its effect on you and feel how you come to rest more and more.

Places of power

Let yourself be fascinated by the power of nature. Do you feel the energy or do you just feel good in this place? On the "Grotzliweg", "Panoramaweg Stäuber" and "Quellenweg Dagenstal" you will find over 30 designated power spots to recharge your batteries.

Bear´s nest

The small but nice exhibition "Bear's Nest" gives an insight into the unique history of discovery and the life of a bear. It is not only interesting for adults but also children find something to discover. The exhibition "Bear's Nest" is close to the mountain station Fürenalp. 

Aa shore

Along the Engelberger Aa there are many small hidden bays and cozy places to rest. Children in particular love to play on the banks or build little cairns.

Picnic areas

Fresh air and being active makes you hungry. If you want to satisfy your hunger on the way to a rustic Älplerbeizli or mountain restaurant, numerous beautiful picnic areas invite you to take a break.

Mirror Lake

Not far from the Fürenalp mountain station lies the idyllic mirror lake. It is a beautiful place high above the valley, from which you can let your gaze wander and your thoughts fly away.

Playground and mountain restaurant Fürenalp

Directly next to the mountain restaurant Fürenalp is a beautiful playground where the little ones can have fun. So you can have a good time on the large sun terrace and enjoy the homemade specialties with a wonderful view.

Pleasure & Tradition

Throughout the summer, the remote mountain pastures of the valley are cultivated by alpine families according to a long tradition. You can taste and enjoy the regional products in small Älplerbeizen or farm shops directly on site.

Waterfalls

The valley basin with its steep rock faces provides the perfect backdrop for a magnificent water spectacle. In many places mighty waterfalls rush into the depths and offer an impressive spectacle for the eye or the camera lens.

More info

Mountain railroads & prices

Parking

  • Parking lot at the Fürenalpbahn valley station
  • Bründler parking lot; accessible via private road for which a fee is charged

Free bus

More Info 

Overview map

Map Fürenalp

Sleeping in an alpine hut

Mostly simple, but very rustic alpine huts offer you the possibility to extend your stay in the Little Patagonia region. Or maybe you combine your vacation in a hotel with a night in such an authentic mountain accommodation?

Hiking

All hikes have one thing in common: the breathtaking mountain panorama that always accompanies you. Now you just have to decide on (your) tour in terms of length and altitude.

Little Patagonia loop

9.2 km

Gently uphill along the Aa and then in the direction of Fürenalp or rather the other way round, leisurely descending into the Surenental? No matter which way you choose, the hike leads through a true jewel, over colorful alpine meadows, past the imposing Stäuber waterfall - the seemingly thrilling mountain peaks always within reach.

Grotzliweg

3.2 km

On the nature trail everything revolves around history, rocks, flora and fauna as well as alpine farming. While you dive deeper and deeper into the mountain world high above the Surenental, water in various forms (Seeli, mountain stream, wells, sinkholes and biotopes) as well as a wonderful view of the majestic Spannort peaks are constant companions.

Alp cheese trail stage Blackenalp

20 km

A beautiful stage of the Alpkäse Trail leads you along the Engelberger Aa into the rear Surenental. On the way you will pass thundering waterfalls, blooming mountain pastures and rustic Älplerbeizli invite you to stop for a bite to eat.

Surenenpass

24 km

This pass crossing is one of the most impressive day tours in Central Switzerland. Surrounded by an intact natural landscape far from civilization, you hike over the Surenenpass and are rewarded with magnificent views of Lake Uri. A part of the route is on the Alpkäse Trail and several mountain inns and alpine cheese dairies invite you to stop along the way. You can return by cab and public transport or even by boat for part of the way.

Climbing

Curtain up for the climbing Eldorado of Central Switzerland: sport climbing, bouldering, multi-pitch routes and at the Fürenalpbahn valley station the rope park - here everyone will find their challenge!

Climbing Garden Leitisstein

Climbing area Wissberg

Climbing Garden Äbnet

Climbing garden Schlänggen

Biking

The long Surenental can be wonderfully discovered by (e-)bike. On the way, small Älplerbeizen invite you to take a break. If you don't have a bike with you, you can rent one in a bike store in the village.

Surenenpass

86 km

From Engelberg, you first have to earn the Surenenpass with your own muscle power. Afterwards, you will be rewarded with a trail firework display that you won't forget anytime soon.

E-Bike Blackenalp

30 km

The Engelberg-Blackenalp e-bike tour offers pure nature and a magnificent mountain panorama. On the way, small mountain inns and alpine cheese dairies invite you to make a stop.

Stäfeli Engelberg

18 km

This beautiful bike tour can be done by anyone who has a little bit of stamina and is able to handle 400 meters of ascent. It is also suitable for sporty families with children and can be combined with a subsequent visit to the rope park.