Switzerland’s best kept secret: Engelberg and Melchsee-Frutt mountains

Now that the ski season is in full swing and the most familiar Alpine resorts are already checked, the search often turns toward something more authentic. Engelberg and Melchsee-Frutt mountains are true hidden gems of Switzerland. Exclusive because they have remained original. Raw, in the best sense of the word. Deeply true to themselves.

Here, village life and mountain valleys have not been redesigned to fit tourists’ expectations. They exist on their own terms. Engelberg unfolds around its monastery, a beautiful legend surrounding the origin of the village’s name, and its proximity to the unique Titlis summit. Melchsee-Frutt is a different story entirely. A secluded plateau, where in winter you arrive only by cable car. A landscape and experience that are nothing short of breathtaking.

Frutt Mountain Resort, Photo by Thomas Biasotto

Together, they offer a curated and very special experience of the Swiss Alps — Belle Époque elegance at Kempinski Palace Engelberg, paired with an exclusive, almost private mountain stay at Frutt Mountain Resort.

Engelberg is located just over an hour away from Zurich, which makes it a perfect destination even for a weekend trip. The village is surrounded by mountains in every direction, with Mount Hahnen and the Titlis ridge dominating the view. The Engelberg monastery remains an active presence, grounding the village historically and spiritually. The monks are happy to welcome you and show you around, sharing stories from different times.

At the centre of the village stands Kempinski Palace Engelberg, a Grand Hotel whose architecture carries a distinct Belle Époque spirit. The building’s history dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century, when Engelberg was already a destination for travellers seeking wellness and mountain activities. Designed by architect Arnold Cattani and opened in 1904 as the Grand Hotel Winterhaus, it became part of a larger Belle Époque ensemble that once earned the nickname “Little Versailles”.

After decades of transformation, closures, and careful preservation, the building was reborn as Kempinski Palace Engelberg in 2021. The five-year restoration respected the original Belle Époque essence while extending it into the present with a modern touch in the interior design.

“The story of hospitality in Engelberg has been written over the course of 900 years. Here, welcoming guests isn’t just a service – it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in our mountains and our history. It’s a privilege to continue that tradition until today at the Kempinski Palace Engelberg.” – says Andreas Magnus, General Manager.

The hotel offers 129 rooms and suites, designed with a strong focus on comfort and material quality. Interior design draws from the surrounding Alpine landscape, combining oak wood, stone, leather, and a palette of muted greens and blues. The atmosphere is warm and tactile rather than decorative. Bedrooms are framed with wood panelling that extends seamlessly into the flooring, while bathrooms are conceived as private wellness spaces, finished in beautiful stone textures. Many rooms open onto balconies with uninterrupted views of the Titlis range.

Gastronomy plays an essential role in shaping the experience at Kempinski Palace Engelberg. At the Cattani Restaurant, the new menu by Executive Chef Stefanos Ioannidis introduces a refined yet grounded culinary language, built around seasonality and high-quality regional produce, with a nice Mediterranean touch. The menu is a chef’s kiss!

The Palace Bar occupies one of the most atmospheric rooms of the historic building, with restored ceilings and large windows overlooking the village. In winter, it has an open fire in the beautiful fireplace, adding to the vibe big time.

The Wintergarden offers a lighter, more contemplative setting throughout the day, making it a perfect location for an afternoon tea, while the Habanos Cigar Lounge retains a discreet, old-world elegance.

In winter, Chalet Ruinart appears on the terrace, offering fondue and Alpine classics paired with Champagne.

Wellbeing is approached with the same high level of aesthetics and unique approach. The rooftop spa, with its infinity pool overlooking the surrounding peaks, offers truly spectacularviews of the village and the Hahnen mountain. Sauna and steam rooms offer a nice reset after a day of skiing, while yoga sessions and sound-bath in the Relaxation Area with the fireplace at The Kempinski Spa bring the opportunity to ground, wind down, and reconnect with yourself. The signature spa treatment — a candle-wax massage infused with a unique alpine essential-oil blend — is specially designed for Kempinski Palace Engelberg.

Unlike other mountain hotels, Kempinski Palace Engelberg is open all year round. Beyond the hotel, Engelberg invites exploration in every season. The Titlis mountains open onto a high-alpine world of glaciers, ski slopes, hiking trails, a suspension bridge, and panoramic views. End of May 2026, the new Titlis Tower project is set to open, introducing a striking architectural landmark designed to enhance the summit experience while respecting the mountain’s scale. At the Titlis Tower, visitors will also find the fine dining restaurant and the highest Rolex boutique in the world — a curious detail that underscores the architectural ambition and finest craftsmanship of Switzerland.

The Engelberg region also opens into an extensive network of hiking routes, including the area often referred to as Swiss “Little Patagonia” — a dramatic landscape of rock formations and wide valleys that fully lives up to its nickname.

From Engelberg, the journey continues upward toward Melchsee-Frutt, and the transition is immediate. Arrival feels almost ceremonial: in winter, access is exclusively by cable car, luggage is taken care of by the hotel and delivered directly to the room, and skis and equipment are placed in a private locker in the ski room. The sense of separation from everyday life begins the moment you step into the cable-car cabin. And the views on the way are absolutely spectacular.

Frutt Mountain Resort, Photo by Thomas Biasotto

At the end of the route, Frutt Mountain Resort appears — a mix of modern architecture and traditional mountain interiors. The hotel consists of two parts, connected by a striking tunnel that feels like a piece of contemporary art: one section located directly by the lake, the other set slightly higher on the hillside, not far from the funicular. Managed by Kempinski, the resort brings the highest standards of service and culinary excellence while carefully preserving the authentic, almost untouched character of the valley.

In summer, the lake defines the view with its mirror-like reflection of the surrounding mountains. In winter, it disappears beneath snow, transforming the area into a secluded mountain valley with wide, open slopes suitable for experienced skiers, beginners, and families alike. The atmosphere feels almost private, shaped by powerful, largely untouched nature.

Wellbeing here unfolds across two spa areas — one in the Mountain Lodge, one in the Lago Lodge. Both spas offer panoramic views over the lake and mountains reinforcing the feeling of complete immersion.

Evenings at Frutt Mountain Resort are quiet. There is no village to wander into, no distraction competing for attention — only large windows with long benches, and uninterrupted views of the mountains outside. A private movie theatre and a bowling alley feel like perfect activities after a day on the slopes.

Paired together, Engelberg and Melchsee-Frutt create a nice and diverse mountain break, whether it is a long-weekend trip or a proper mountain getaway.