Day 4: The Mountains of Engelberg
Mount Titlis
I might be sounding like a broken record, but, yes, today was another fun filled day of Swiss adventure and unbelievable beauty! Our first destination was Mount Titlis! It was a bit of a process to travel up the mountain. We walked across town to board the gondola that would take us the first part of the way up the mountain. After taking the gondola up two stops, we switched over to a revolving cable car that went up the rest of the way to the top. At the top, we arrived at glacial pack of Mount Titlis. It was really cool (literally) to be on a glacier! At this stop, we walked through an ice tunnel called Glacier Cave. The cold air was really refreshing! We were literally inside the glacier. There was a neat ice cube sculpture area where we took a picture, and then we headed out on the metal planking that took us over the glacier to the swinging bridge. Pam is not a big fan of these types of bridges, but she was very brave and ventured across. Good job, Pam! On the other side, we walked across the soft snow covering the glacier and viewed some dazzling panoramic views. After taking A LOT of pictures (including one of me with my buddy, Paul), we took the cable car back down two stops to the mountain lake. We love hiking, and this area was perfect for a relaxing walk around the lake. There were literally beautiful views everywhere, and the mountain air was refreshing. |
The Professor's Walk
This was not the end of our hiking for the day, however. Once back in town, Pam and I hopped on the bus and went to the end of the valley where a farmer has a lift up to a private meadow with trails. We considered the trip up the private gondola but then decided on hiking the Professor’s Walk back to town instead (about a 1.5 hour hike). Despite the heat of the day, we wanted to get some more hiking in and needed to return in time for our monastery tour. As we walked along the Professor's Walk, we saw some beautiful views of the river, mountains, the Titlis Engelberg Golf Course and more.
This was not the end of our hiking for the day, however. Once back in town, Pam and I hopped on the bus and went to the end of the valley where a farmer has a lift up to a private meadow with trails. We considered the trip up the private gondola but then decided on hiking the Professor’s Walk back to town instead (about a 1.5 hour hike). Despite the heat of the day, we wanted to get some more hiking in and needed to return in time for our monastery tour. As we walked along the Professor's Walk, we saw some beautiful views of the river, mountains, the Titlis Engelberg Golf Course and more.
Monastery Tour
After our little excursion, we met back up with our group and got a tour of the monastery from a recently retired math teacher. He had reached the mandatory public service retirement age of 70 and was forced to retire (and he was not too happy about it). True to his teacher profession, he was interesting and gave us some history of the Benedictine order as well as a history of the monastery in town. The Benedictines were major influences in Swiss history, beginning with their origin in the 11th century. We got a tour of the Monastery outside the cloistered areas and the church. Some high school kids were practicing their musical performance for their upcoming graduation. They were quite good, and the church had amazing acoustics! The church also featured a massive pipe organ. |
On an interesting side note, our guide talked about the connection this monastery had to several monasteries in the United States. One of those three was Saint John's University in Minnesota, the University I attended for my undergrad degree and the monastery where my uncle is a priest. Wow--small world! It was super interesting to add an international connection my personal history and background.
Time for Buddy Introductions
We headed back to the hotel bar for our happy hour buddy introductions. We have a very educated and professionally accomplished group which is strong on engineers, doctors and educators. Buddy introductions is a fun Rick Steves tradition, and we continue learning more about our group.
Tomorrow, we head south to Lugano. This hot trip is about to get hotter!
Time for Buddy Introductions
We headed back to the hotel bar for our happy hour buddy introductions. We have a very educated and professionally accomplished group which is strong on engineers, doctors and educators. Buddy introductions is a fun Rick Steves tradition, and we continue learning more about our group.
Tomorrow, we head south to Lugano. This hot trip is about to get hotter!
Wow Moments!Titlis is Tops
Wow. I hardly know what else to say about the continuous, stunning beauty of this country. Today may have offered the most beautiful views yet. Yes, while the views from atop Titlis were incredible, they might have been even more beautiful from the lake half way down to town. Our investment in returning to Switzerland continues to be rewarded each and every day of this trip. |
The Professor's Walk
Yes, this was a long hike on a really hot day, but it was worth it every step of the way. It was definitely another wow moment for us--both interesting and breathtaking. We're so glad we did it! Highlights included a rushing river, a golf course nestled in the valley and beautiful flowers and amazing vistas.
Yes, this was a long hike on a really hot day, but it was worth it every step of the way. It was definitely another wow moment for us--both interesting and breathtaking. We're so glad we did it! Highlights included a rushing river, a golf course nestled in the valley and beautiful flowers and amazing vistas.