It’s funny where the trains in Switzerland can take you. Hop on a train in any direction and you’ll be treated to stunningly breathtaking vistas – which can sometimes look as if they’re worlds apart. 

Indeed, situated just a 45-minute train ride from Lucerne lies Engelberg, which is home to Mount Titlis – a place that enjoys snowfall all year round!

Standing at 3,020 metres above sea level, Mount Titlis allows visitors to experience winter in Switzerland no matter the time of year. Imagine that!

Tip: Do check the Mount Titlis webcam for live updates on weather conditions. Note that some attractions will be closed during inclement weather, so it’s best to plan your trip wisely.

Revel in an abundance of snow atop Mount Titlis – think mounds taller than the height of your average person. There’s no shortage of things to do – ranging from hiking, snowshoeing and skiing – but here are my top 3 picks for an afternoon immersed in winter wonderland.

Dare to venture across the Cliff Walk

Being just one metre wide and 100 metres long, the Cliff Walk is not for the faint of heart. Holding the record for being Europe’s highest suspension bridge, the Cliff Walk comprises a suspension bridge perched precariously above mountain peaks – and it even sways in the wind.

What’s even scarier is the mesh metal flooring which is completely see-through. The bridge is only wide enough for one person to comfortably pass through; however, the catch is that it’s a dead-end on the other side. Try to make your way across, all while allowing people to pass by you as they return from the other end. Indeed, no fear of heights is needed to make those legs turn to jelly.

Once your legs get over the initial wobble, however, it is quite the experience. Admission to the Cliff Walk is free, albeit pending weather conditions.

Explore a glacier cave

Descend below the surface of the glacier and enter a glacier cave, where the ice is up to 5,000 years old! Light reflects off the cool surface of the ice, casting an iridescent blue sheen around the cave. It’s free to enter the Glacier cave, which is open throughout the day.

Tip: Do be warned that the surface of the floor can be very slippery; it’s hence advisable to hold onto the handle rail at all times.

Glide through the air in an Ice Flyer

During summer, the Ice Flyer is your ticket to reaching the glacier park, where travellers can participate in all sorts of snow activities. During winter, the Ice Flyer acts as a chairlift for eager skiers.

Think of it as an open-air flight, where you can daringly dangle your legs over a boundless sea of white!

A round ticket for the Ice Flyer costs CHF12 (~SGD17). 

BONUS: Relax on the shores of an alpine lake

You’ll pass by this alpine lake on the way up to Mount Titlis. Should you have the time, hop off the cable car at Trubsee Middle Station and embark on the Trubsee Circular Trail around the lake. The trail should take approximately one hour to complete. You can do this either on your way or down Mount Titlis!

How to get there

To get to Mount Titlis, take a 45-minute train ride from Lucerne to Engelberg. 

Read: Things to Do in Lucerne, Switzerland

The Titlis Valley Station can be reached in ten minutes on foot from the station; alternatively, you can catch a free shuttle bus just outside the main train station.

I recommend doing the walk from the station – the route is across flat terrain and you’ll walk through rolling fields peppered with cute Swiss houses.

From the Titlis Valley station, simply hop onto any of the cable cars. From there, it’s a 25-minute journey up to Stand station. As you get higher and higher, you’ll see the green slowly give way to white.

When your cable car gets to the Stand station, you’ll transfer to a TITLIS Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car. The cable car rotates 360 degrees, allowing all passengers to have unobstructed views of the surrounding scenery. The journey on the TITLIS Rotair lasts just five minutes to the summit of Mount Titlis.

It costs CHF89 (~SGD126) for a round-trip from Engelberg to Titlis; travellers with the Swiss Travel Pass enjoy this for free, and travellers with the Half-Fare Card get 50% off. The cable run throughout the day from 8.30am, with the last cable car down to Engelberg at 5pm. Do keep track of time – as much fun as you’re having, you wouldn’t want to be stuck up there with no way down!