Mt. Titlis
Engelberg
Reaching 10,626 feet (3,239 meters) above sea level, Mt. Titlis is Central Switzerland’s highest peak and probably its finest vantage point. The mountain has a cutting-edge transportation system—including, most famously a revolving cable car that turns 360 degrees during the ride to the top station at 9,908 feet (3,020 meters). Those lucky enough to be inside the car are graced with stunning panoramic views of Alpine peaks, sheer rock faces, and an icy crevasse-cracked glacier.
There are several options when it comes to ascending Mt. Titlis. You can purchase a cable car ticket and make your own way to Engelberg, then set off on a journey to the summit independently. Alternatively, organized tours depart from Zurich and Lucerne, and include transportation to and from Engelberg. During winter, many guided tours incorporate visits to nearby well-known sights such as the Lion Monument and offer the option to add on a supervised snow sports experience, like tubing or skiing on beginner-friendly slopes. In the warmer months, guided hiking tours are available.
Air can be thin atop Mt. Titlis. Anyone with respiratory problems should check with a doctor before ascending.
Wear hiking boots and dress warmly. Snow and ice are present at the summit station year-round.
Most organized tours include free time at the summit station.
The journey to the top of Mt. Titlis begins at Engelberg, which is connected to Lucerne by train. From Engelberg train station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Titlis Valley station, where the Titlis Xpress cable car connects first to Trubsee and then on to Stand. From Stand, the revolving Rotair cable car carries passengers to the top. Many visitors opt for hassle-free tours from Lucerne or Zurich, which include round-trip transportation.
Mt. Titlis is breathtaking year-round. Go between December and March if you plan on skiing. Early mornings are quietest, and the best views are during clear weather—though when that will be is anyone’s guess. Note that the Titlis Rotair cableway closes for maintenance work for a couple of weeks around November.
There is no shortage of fun to be had at the Mt. Titlis summit station. You’ll find several restaurants to choose from, a glacier cave with carved ice structures inside, and the nerve-testing Cliff Walk, one of Europe’s highest suspension bridges. Next to the Cliff Walk is the Ice Flyer chairlift, which carries passengers over the frozen crevasses of the glacier to Glacier Park, where you can go tubing—racing down the slopes on a rubber tire.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!