Engelberg: The Swiss Alpine Paradise

• HelloGrüezi
  [grew-tsee]
• GoodbyeAdieu
  [ah-dee-uh]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es een-en]
• Fine. And you?Danke, gut. Und Ihnen?
  [dahn-kuh, goot. oont een-en]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shprek-en zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fair-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh hett-uh gair-nuh dee shpy-zuh-kar-tuh, bit-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-uh kine fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [ikh merkh-tuh buh-tsal-en, bit-tuh]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-fuh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [gay-en zee vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roof-en zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roof-en zee i-kn ar-tst]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-buh meekh fair-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krahngk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkh-tuh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh show-uh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [vee feel koh-stet dahs]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kern-en zee den price zank-en]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (zehn)
  [halb (tsehn)]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-tuh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [ayns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [drigh]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foontf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [voh ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dreh-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie es mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kern-en zee es meer tsee-gen (ouf dehr kahr-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nehkh-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [iyn-uh fahr-kahr-tuh (nahkh)]

In 1120, the Benedictine Engelberg Abbey was founded by Count Conrad of Sellenbüren. This marked the beginning of Engelberg as a religious and cultural center. The abbey has played a crucial role in the spiritual and educational life of the region for centuries.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Engelberg became a prominent pilgrimage site. Pilgrims from across Europe traveled to the abbey seeking spiritual solace and healing. The abbey's relics and sacred sites contributed to its reputation and drew numerous visitors.

The 19th century saw significant development in Engelberg. The construction of the road to Stansstad in 1820 improved accessibility, encouraging tourism and trade. Furthermore, the establishment of the first hotels in the mid-19th century marked the beginning of Engelberg as a notable tourist destination.

The early 20th century witnessed Engelberg's transformation into a winter sports hub. The construction of the Brunnihütte in 1903 and the introduction of the first cable car in 1913 allowed for easier access to the alpine terrain. Engelberg quickly gained fame as a premier destination for skiing and other winter sports.

During World War II, Engelberg's tourism industry faced challenges due to travel restrictions and economic hardships. However, the region's strategic location and natural beauty continued to attract visitors, and post-war recovery was swift, with renewed investments in infrastructure and tourism facilities.

In recent decades, Engelberg has embraced modernity while preserving its historical charm. Investments in sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices have ensured that the natural beauty of the region is protected. Modern amenities and facilities have been developed to cater to the evolving needs of tourists, making Engelberg a year-round destination.

Engelberg is accessible via various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), approximately 100 kilometers away. From Zurich, you can take a direct train to Engelberg, which takes about two hours. Trains run frequently, and the journey offers scenic views of the Swiss countryside. Alternatively, you can drive from Zurich to Engelberg; the trip takes about 1.5 hours via the A2 motorway.

Engelberg is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. The local bus service is efficient and connects key points of interest. Taxis are available but can be expensive. For those looking to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a convenient option. During the winter season, a free shuttle bus operates between various ski areas and hotels.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Engelberg, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout the town for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in places that may not accept cards.

Engelberg is generally a safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, but standard precautions should still be taken. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Engelberg. The local police are friendly and approachable in case you need assistance.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Engelberg has a local medical center for minor health issues and injuries. For more severe medical emergencies, you may be transported to a larger hospital in the nearby city of Lucerne. Pharmacies are available in town for over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress warmly during the winter months and wear appropriate gear for skiing or hiking. Avoid overly casual clothing in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting places of worship, dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't speak loudly or play music on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüezi' (hello in Swiss German). A handshake is customary when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Swiss dishes like Rösti and fondue. Don't leave food on your plate, as it can be considered wasteful.

To experience Engelberg like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market where you can buy fresh produce and local cheeses. Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, or snowboarding to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Don't miss a visit to the Engelberg Abbey, a historic monastery that offers a glimpse into the town's rich history. For a unique experience, take the Titlis Rotair, a rotating cable car that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.