Top Tips For Visiting Mt. Titlis, Switzerland

If a visit to Mount Titlis is part of your Switzerland itinerary, you won’t want to miss this episode. I’m joined by Olivia Hecht for a live, on-location tour from the charming mountain town of Engelberg all the way to the summit of Mt.Titlis—the highest peak in central Switzerland. 

We’ll also show you how to get to Mt. Titlis from Lucerne, including tips for public transport and cable car tickets (and how to skip the queues with online booking!).

You’ll discover everything there is to see and do at Mount Titlis, no matter what time of year you visit. From the famous rotating Mt. Titlis cable car to the stunning views, and unique experiences like the Titlis Glacier Cave, the thrilling Cliff Walk suspension bridge, and summer snow tubing, every visitor is catered for.

Plus, find out why Lake Trübsee is a local hidden gem and why you might want to add a stop there.

Traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass? Olivia explains how you can get 50% off your Mount Titlis tickets and shares practical details about accessibility for wheelchairs and prams. 

Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeker, a family with children, or just want to marvel at the snowy peaks year-round, Mount Titlis offers something for every traveler.

Tune in now and start planning your visit to Mt. Titlis.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 140

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Transcript

Carolyn Schönafinger

Welcome to the Holidays to Switzerland podcast. If you're planning a trip to Switzerland, this is the podcast for you. I'm your host, Carolyn Schönafinger, the founder of holidaystoswitzerland.com and in each episode, my expert guests and I share practical tips to help you plan your dream trip to Switzerland. You'll get helpful advice about traveling around Switzerland and hear about the most popular destinations, as well as some hidden gems. And we'll introduce you to plenty of wonderful experiences that you can enjoy as part of your Swiss vacation. Each episode is packed with expert tips, itinerary ideas and inspiration to help make your Swiss vacation planning easy. So let's dive in. 

Hello, welcome to this week's episode. When it comes to mountain excursions from Lucerne, Mount Titlis above Engelberg is one of the most popular. The highest peak in central Switzerland, Mount Titlis rises to 3,020 metres above sea level. And as well as magnificent views, it offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy too. In today's episode I'm joined by Olivia Hecht who is going to take us on a visit to Mount Titlis. We'll join Olivia in Engelberg and travel all the way to the summit of Mount Titlis with her, discovering all the fun things to see and do as we go. This episode is another in my series of live on location video podcasts which can be watched on YouTube. So as you're listening to this episode, if you wish that you could see the activities and the views that Olivia mentions, make sure you check out the video version on the holidays to Switzerland YouTube channel. I'm really excited to join Olivia on this visit, so let's welcome her to the podcast.

Olivia Hecht

Hi Carolyn, thank you for having us on your great podcast.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Oh, my pleasure. And looks like another perfect day in Switzerland there for us to have a look around.

Olivia Hecht

It's a perfect day for a perfect podcast. So I'm really excited to show you guys around. So we'll have a great day.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Where are you at the moment and how do we get to where you are?

Olivia Hecht

Yes, so to Engelberg it's actually very easy. You can take a train from Lucerne and I just got here now from the train station by foot. It's a 10 minute walk or you can also take a shuttle bus which we see right over there and it brings you right to the front entrance of the cable car station. Yes. So once you actually get here, I'll take you guys inside. Now you can actually walk in. I do recommend you get your tickets online to skip the queues when you arrive. That's always a good advantage.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, good tips.

Olivia Hecht

If not, we just have the ticket counters right here, which you can just queue up and basically get your ticket. And then we head into the entrance which is written Titlis and go through this tunnel to get to the cable car.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, excellent. So is it just one cable car to get to the summit of Mount Titlis?

Olivia Hecht

So for the normal operating hours, yes, you just take one cable car all the way up. We do have maintenance twice a year. So right after the winter season and before the winter season, then you would take the old route which would be with the funicular. But don't worry, the entrances are right next to each other and we always have staff on site to help you guys navigate should that situation match with your visitation. But generally it's just one cable car up which is this way. So you take an escalator up like this and you just follow the signs basically to get there? Yes. So yeah, the cable car starts at 8:30. It's the first one.

Olivia Hecht

So you're an early bird catch the first one. And the last descent from the top of the mountain is at 5:00pm okay.

Carolyn Schönafinger

So if someone is traveling all the way up to the summit, which of course we highly recommend, how long should they allow for that journey by cable car?

Olivia Hecht

Yes. So we are at the first cable car. Now this cabin has a place for eight people and it takes approximately 20 minutes. So continuously 20 minutes until you reach the station stand and that's where you change to our famous rotating cable car. And in total of a travel time I would call for about 25 to 30 minutes. Maybe in between by Stand you might maybe have to wait a few minutes since you have two revolving cable cars. But generally it's a very nice journey of 25 to 30 minutes.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, and are those cable cars, do they depart continuously or are they on a set timetable?

Olivia Hecht

No. So that's the nice advantage of here. You don't need to make any booking in advance of a specific time slot. So basically when you arrive, get your ticket and you can go right ahead and just go in. As you see, I like to say it's like a sushi belt continuously rotating. So we have over 200 of these cabins. So let's say every 10 seconds there's a cabin coming. So it should be no problem.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Oh, excellent. So even in busy times I imagine you hardly have to wait at all.

Olivia Hecht

Exactly.

Carolyn Schönafinger

You mentioned there that there is a short closure period. When does that take place?

Olivia Hecht

So the revision times vary a little bit every year because depending on the weather. So what we need to do basically, because in winter time the cables stay shrink, so we need to change that one. And then for summertime they expand. So that are the times that we usually change. So once in spring and once in fall time. But we always update our website. So if you are not sure, you can always double check on our website if it will match with your visitation days. But during the summer you don't have to worry.

Olivia Hecht

There's nothing that would bump into for that one. But operations are ongoing all the time. And on the. Except for November. In November we have done the revision for the revolving cable car up on top of Titlis. So that's when we close for 10 days. And this year will be the last time actually we will have to close for the revision for the top of Mount Titlis because we have a new cable car which will then operate during those revision dates. So starting next year will be open every day.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, fantastic. So no one has to miss out to get right up to the summit. And maybe we'll talk a bit more about that new project a bit later on. What can we see now outside the cable car cabin?

Olivia Hecht

We have a beautiful view on the town of Engelberg, which is a really nice and small town, I would say, but very authentic still. So this is really a beautiful escape from your daily routine, I would say. And to really experience the mountain area and the Swiss nature. Basically. Yes.

Carolyn Schönafinger

It's a popular destination for hiking too, isn't it? And another thing, I mean, I know it's as you said, it's a small village, I guess, or small town. But there's actually a large monastery there, which is very impressive. And you can actually go and taste cheese made by the. Made by the monks from the monastery.

Olivia Hecht

Yes. So our town actually is at 1000 meters above sea level, so you definitely already up in the mountains. So in this town, like you mentioned correctly, we have a monastery that has a history of over 900 years. So very beautiful, long history. They've maintained it very nicely. And you can also do a cheese tasting or a cheese workshop right next to the monastery, which is also very nice to have in the country of cheese. And just enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding you. Let me change sides so you can see here. Yes, we're going through the forest right now before we enter the big field.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Beautiful. Now I've noticed on some of the cable cars they have flags from other countries. Do they represent anything? I mean, Is there a particular reason why certain countries are represented on the cabins?

Olivia Hecht

So since we have a nice number of cable cars, so over 200 of them, we actually have each country represented on one cable car. And on the additional ones we have the Cantons of Switzerland. So this is a nice mission for you when you come visit to find your own one from Australia or for the other guests, of course you visit from all over the world. It's always a fun thing to do when they're going up the mountain.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Now a lot of our audience, when they come to Switzerland, they'll be traveling with the Swiss Travel Pass, which obviously offers free public transport across the country. But can they get a discount off their Mount Titlis tickets with the Swiss Travel Pass?

Olivia Hecht

Yes. So of course we would like to encourage the use of public transport as well. And so you can get 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass for the cable card ticket. So you can also, when you buy it online, you can also write down if you have a Swiss Travel Pass or not. They will probably ask you for the number of your Swiss Travel Pass. You just type that in and then the discount should be applied automatically or at the ticket counter you just show it as well and then you can get the discount.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, that's great to know. Is there anything that Mount Titlis is particularly famous for?

Olivia Hecht

I would say besides the rotating or revolving cable car up on top? You of course have many, many activities. So the nice thing about our destination, we are an all year round destination. So we have summer activities as well as winter activities which is really great. So we have ranging activities for families with children, for maybe a guest who are more senior and will take it more easy or more relaxed. As well as for the adventure, the adrenaline seeking guests, we have many activities. So summer, I would say the most popular one would be hiking. So we have easy walks through the forest. Or at the next middle station that we have, it's called Trübsee station, there's a beautiful lake actually right next to it and you can walk around it.

Olivia Hecht

And we also have some barbecue areas that are public, so they're free of charge to use. And you can just enjoy the nice scenery there in the sun and also maybe have a dip in the lake if you would like. And also more for the adventurer seeking ones more, I would say experienced hikers. We have a beautiful track called Four Lake Hike which takes approximately four to six hours depending on the route you choose. And you pass four beautiful lakes starting with our one right here. And besides that, mountain biking is an option, paragliding is an option, mountain climbing is an option. Or just simply enjoying our mountain. There's a wide variety for it. Everybody, every age.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Yeah. And it's one of the mountains in Switzerland that you can actually see and feel snow all year round, isn't it?

Olivia Hecht

Exactly, yes. So the nice thing for us as well, you can actually experience snow two seasons and one day. So as you see, we're starting in the nice green for the summer and all the way on top, since we're the highest mountain in central Switzerland, we have snow all year round at the top of Mount Titlis, which makes it even more exciting. We even have snow tubing activity all the way up on top that you can do on the Glacier park, which is also very special for in summertime.

Carolyn Schönafinger

And there's also a pretty spectacular, it's a suspension bridge, I guess, isn't it? The Cliff Walk.

Olivia Hecht

Correct, exactly. So when you're at the top of the mountain, we have the highest suspension bridge of Europe. So that's a very exciting thing to do as well. You can walk across the suspension bridge, it's about 150 meters long and you have to view on all the mountains surrounding us. And if you need a little bit to cool down, all the way on top, we also have the Glacier cave, which is free of charge as well. You can just walk right through it. We have some nice photo zones inside, a throw made of ice, so you can have a nice picture there as well. And we really. A wide range of activities I can do free of charge or basically included in your ticket.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Wonderful. Okay, so obviously I'm sure everyone who's watching or listening to this is pretty keen to visit Mount Titlis. The cable car cabins, are they suitable for wheelchair access?

Olivia Hecht

Yes, they are. So like I mentioned, we have actually space for eight people in this cabin. And these benches are actually possible to lift up if needed. So generally a wheelchair can fit comfortably inside. Just so. But depending on probably how many people or what else you might bring, we can help you of course adjust the cabin for you. If you can inform us in advance, even better. But if not, there's always staff on site who can help you manage that. No problem.

Carolyn Schönafinger

That's excellent to know. And does that also apply if families are traveling, like with children in prams or push chairs?

Olivia Hecht

Yes, exactly. So even the buggies or the trolleys, everything, they fit in also nicely. Just so. But of course, I'm saying depending on how many family members are traveling, if you want to all fit in together, I think that Would make things a little bit easier.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Yeah. Okay, good. All right, so where are we arriving? Because we're, you've come inside.

Olivia Hecht

Exactly. So we've just arrived at the middle station. At Trübsee station, the doors open automatically. I'll briefly exit to show you how it looks like outside, since this is where we have our beautiful Lake Trübsee. So as you come out of the station, you're greeted with this amazing view, peaceful, quiet area. And all the way up there is actually Titlis. We can see it already.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Yeah.

Olivia Hecht

So this area is really popular for the families, for hikers. Maybe we want to just have a nice walk. So this area I really recommend because I would say it's my favorite space, but also a nice hidden gem. Not many people know about it or have the time to actually explore it. And we also have fun activities here, here, which you might see in a second. We actually have a zip line right up top of the station, which then zips all the way through down reach you to the lake area. So that one I definitely recommend. Anyone can do it.

Olivia Hecht

It's really fun. 

Carolyn Schönafinger

I've done it. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

Olivia Hecht

Very good. So listen to Carolyn. She knows what's good.

Carolyn Schönafinger

So do you recommend that people stop at Trübsee on the way up the mountain or on the way back? What's your preference?

Olivia Hecht

So I would say you're very flexible. So the good thing about your ticket is you can exit this space actually for free twice. So you can choose on your way up, you can exit like we just did now, first, and explore the fairly empty space, I would say, for yourself. And then go up to the top. Or go all the way to the top first, explore the snow and then come back down in the afternoon to soak up the sun and exit before you go down the mountain. I would say for activities, it's great if you exit here first when you're on the way up, because then there's not as many people yet. Because in the afternoon the hikers will be down here. The mountain bikers are done with their activity, maybe some groups as well. But nonetheless, even though, even if there's more people, this space is so spacious, this whole area, you won't feel like it's crowded at all, which is another benefit, because on the top of the mountain, you know, we have only so much space. So right here it's really an open canvas. And right there, let me flip the camera around. This is the lake Trübsee.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Beautiful.

Olivia Hecht

And you can actually walk all around the lake and it's fairly flat. So really families, maybe people who can hike as steep or as adventurous in that sense, they can easily go with this route. For families and with children we also have a nice playground right over there, including a barbecue space which are also placed around the lake. We also have benches around. So it's really something for everybody. No problem.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Yeah. And it's actually even possible to stay at Trübsee there, isn't it?

Olivia Hecht

Yes. So at the moment, like you mentioned, we actually have some projects going on. So at the moment, during the summertime it is not possible. But usually you would be able to in wintertime. It's actually a great place for the ski in, ski out community to be on the slopes first thing in the morning. But after the projects are done, I definitely do recommend having taking a chance to stay here because once the cable car is closed after five you have the mountain to yourself. And at night you can enjoy the sky with the stars. Just have a peaceful stay right here in the middle of the mountain.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Yeah, lovely.

Olivia Hecht

We do have some restaurants here actually. So you are very flexible in this as well. You can choose to eat up top on the mountain or here at the middle station we have a self service restaurant. And starting next year we also have a new syrup restaurant which is very exciting. So you can definitely taste a variety of local cuisine and fusion mixed with other cultures as well.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, plenty of choice then.

Olivia Hecht

Exactly. You won't go hungry on Mount Titlis.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Wow, those views are just magnificent.

Olivia Hecht

I can't complain about my work place.

Carolyn Schönafinger

No, definitely not. Does the temperature differ much between Trübsee where you are and the top of Mount Titlis?

Olivia Hecht

Yes. So I would say actually Trübsee is a very nice place. I'm wearing a jacket now for the top, but I'm starting to sweat. So it's actually very pleasant right here. You don't necessarily need a jacket because it's quite protected from the wind as well. Up on top of Mount Titlis you definitely do need a jacket. Can get windy at times as well.

Olivia Hecht

So up on top of the mountain it's about 5 to 7 degrees. And then you have of course the glacier cave as well, which then will be minus one. But right here at Troupsa it's very pleasant actually. No problem.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, great. So we're recording this in June, middle of June. So for anyone watching 5 to 7 degrees Celsius in summer on the top of Mount Titlis. So definitely take a coat.

Olivia Hecht

Yes. So when you walk back in you just go where we got off and just join one of the cabins to go back up.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, we're off again from Trübsee to the next station, which is Stand.

Olivia Hecht

Yes, exactly. So Trübsee is at 1,800 meters, which is really great. So I'll briefly show you the lake one more time so you can see it from the cable car. And you have a beautiful nice big field which in summertime will be filled then with flowers. They're still growing right now. And we also have a nice path that goes to the waterfall in the back there, which takes about, let's say, 30 minutes from the cable car station. Also worth a visit. And now we're going to continue up to about 2,200 meters for the next 10 minutes.

Carolyn Schönafinger

And is there anything actually to do at Stand or is it just the changeover point for the next and final cable car?

Olivia Hecht

Yes, so at Stand in summertime it's really more of a transfer point. In winter time, then it gets a little bit more lively, for sure, because then we'll have the ski hut actually open for the winter sports guests. So they can also then continue there to the other skiing slopes, which right now are turning more and more green as you proceed. But this side actually is the official skiing slope area. And then on the opposite side is the official unofficial off slope area where they do the free riding in the winter time.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, that's right. Olivia, you mentioned earlier that there's a new project going on at the moment. Can you tell us more about that?

Olivia Hecht

Yes, of course. So we have three projects in total. So the first one actually has to do with our revolving cable car, which is the basically the extra cable car that we will use during the maintenance period. So that one is already complete, but will only start operating next year. At the moment it's being used for material transport. Then the second project we might see a little bit, there's a tower all the way on the top of the mountain. So that one's being basically expanded right now. So that tower will be complete in about a year.

So the time is coming closer and closer to be able to enjoy it. So the tower before was a telecommunication tower and not open for the public. But starting next year we'll have three new exciting spots, basically. So the top of the tower will be a viewing platform, it'll be outdoors and you have 360 degree view uninterrupted, which is exciting. The tower itself is about, I would say, 70 to 80 meters tall or high. So you'll have a really nice view on everything around you. Then the second level will be a new restaurant. It's a fine dining, a la carte restaurant.

So what can you wish more for? A nice meal and a great view. And that will have a capacity of about 100 to 120 people. So best to get a reservation in advance. And the third level will be then a Rolex boutique. Very Swiss. Get a watch when you're in Switzerland.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Absolutely. That sounds wonderful. How long has the project been going on for?

Olivia Hecht

Yes. So in total it's been about three years, including next year. So we're in the end stretch of it. Since we can only do construction during the summertime, in wintertime we have to pause the process due to the snow. So it extends the time period a little bit. But very exciting. It's coming closer and closer. One more year to go.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Great. So if anyone is visiting Mount Titlis this year, well, they'll definitely have to go back again when the tower has opened.

Olivia Hecht

Exactly. You come back every year to see the process of our other projects as well.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, so we've arrived at Stand.

Olivia Hecht

Yes.

Carolyn Schönafinger

You've got out of the first cable car. And now we're ready to ride on the rotating cable car. What can you tell us about it?

Olivia Hecht

Exactly. So as you can see behind me, this is the rotating cable car or Titlis Rotair. It's just about to depart. So we have two in total. And the really exciting part is it rotates during your journey. You're doing your five minute journey, 360 degrees. So you get basically a panoramic view as you ascend to the top of Mount Titlis, which is really special. You don't have to fight for the best seat or position, you just get a window seat and you get to enjoy it.

So we have two that go at the same time, so they will meet in the middle. And it's just really an amazing thing to experience, to have the view, to have the cable car and then you reach the top in five minutes. It's quite a fast time. So this is the view from the platform and that's the top right there.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Great. Okay. Well, yeah, it's exciting that we're about to go for a ride in it.

Olivia Hecht

Yes. Behind me you actually see the ski hut Stand. I'm not sure if you can see it right there. So in summertime it's not open. So we don't use it then. So mainly for winter time, when you then can go have a lunch, have a drink when you're on the slopes.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Right, okay. So yes, you, you did mention earlier that in summer Stand is really just a transfer point.

Olivia Hecht

Yes, yes, exactly. So actually behind me we can see the Titlis Connect, which is the new cable car next to the Rotair. So you can see it's very close. So you don't have to worry that you have to maybe go for detour or anything in November it's really easy access point and it's exactly the same route. The difference will be it's not a rotating cable car, but at least we get to go up to the mountain and enjoy the experience.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Yeah, absolutely. Okay. The Rotair has just arrived. I can hear lots of excited passengers there ready to board.

Olivia Hecht

Exactly.

Carolyn Schönafinger

So how many people can fit in the Rotair cabins?

Olivia Hecht

So the maximum capacity is 80 people. So in summertime we usually fill it as much as possible. In wintertime we reduce it actually to about 55, just because we'll have gear with us. The skis, the boards and the backpacks, perhaps. So it varies between the seasons, but I would say an average of 70 to 80 in summertime is no problem.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay, good. And as you mentioned, it's just a five minute journey.

Olivia Hecht

Yes, exactly. So I'll flip the camera around for you guys so you can see the view as soon as it starts. So you can see the lake trips and also even the hiking path actually surrounding the lake, which is great. So it's really nice how every time you come up here, depending on the season, you just have a different perspective again, which is amazing. Summertime you have all the green and you will start seeing some of the white soon. And in wintertime, of course, then everything white.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Yeah, and it just feels so gentle too, as it, as it turns.

Olivia Hecht

When I mention that we have a rotating cable car, the question is, won't they get busy like. No, no, it's not fast at all. It's a slow turning experience, so we can really take in the view. So really no need to worry about that one.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Swiss engineering at its best.

Olivia Hecht

Yes.

Carolyn Schönafinger

How long has the rotating cable car been operating?

Olivia Hecht

Yes, so actually this one was launched in year 1992.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Is it still the only one in the world?

Olivia Hecht

So in the world they have about three or four in total now in the meantime. But in Switzerland we are the only rotating cable car at the moment. Yes.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay. Definitely a good reason or another good reason to visit Mount Tidler.

Olivia Hecht

So we're approaching the top already. So you see now the progress of our projects, but I'll show you more in detail as we go outside.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay. Those mountain views are just amazing. Yes.

Olivia Hecht

So over there actually you see the other three lakes from the Four Lake hike. So you start at Trübsee, you cross over and then you cross all the way over there. And the views are just as amazing in person there as well.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Yeah.

Olivia Hecht

Exit on the other side. I'll let the group exit first.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay. We've experienced the amazing revolving Rotair cable car and we're now at the the top station on the summit of Mount Titlis. Okay. I can see a sign there behind you for Glacier Cave. So tell us about that and can we have a look inside?

Olivia Hecht

Of course, you have to. So when you arrive with the Rotair, actually on the same level is the Glacier Cave activity which is free of charge. So you basically just follow the sign and walk straight through. So this is the part I definitely recommend wearing your jackets. It will be much cooler inside considering it's a true natural glacier which has been here for over 5000 years already. We pass through these doors. Let me show you. Then you'll see the sign, Glacier Cave. Watch your head here. And then we go through these rotating doors. Important. You have to push yourself. It's not automatic.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Okay.

Olivia Hecht

Saving energy. And then you walk through here and we arrive in Glacier Cave. Watch your step here. So generally it's fine with normal shoes as well. I'm wearing sneakers myself today to prove it. But of course you're fine to wear your hiking boots. If you have or more profile shoes, it's always better. You also have these nice handles here as a support to guide you through the tunnel, the Glacier Cave. And this is the glacier cave in its natural state.

Carolyn Schönafinger

So you can actually touch the glacier.

Olivia Hecht

Exactly.

Carolyn Schönafinger

So it's about minus 1 Celsius in there, is that right?

Olivia Hecht

Exactly. So we try to keep it at minus one at a stable temperature. You see these fans here on the side so they'll spur out some cool air. Especially in summertime when we have more body heat coming in. We want to maintain that as much as possible. The tunnel itself is about 150 meters long. And at the moment you can walk in the one way and you return the same way. After the project is done, you will be open through a tunnel. At the moment it will be a one way in, one way out. So this is on the first floor. Then once you exit the Glacier Cave, you can either take the elevator or the stairs to go outside in the snow. So that's where the next adventure awaits you.

Okay, so we're walking back. We also have a frozen gin here. So for the gin lovers, this is actually a little hint to our gin collection we have in the Hotel Terrace, which is in Engelberg. At the moment we have a collection of 1,700 different types of gins that you can find there. So we also have a Titlis gin, actually, from ourselves, so you can have a taste for that one. Look back at the revolving door. So just follow the sign of exit to station. So when you arrive actually at the top of Mount Titlis, we have three ways to get to the fifth floor. So the easiest way is actually taking the stairs. Just take it easy as the altitude might make it a bit more challenging. Then we have two elevators. One goes directly from the first floor to the fifth floor and the other one stops at each floor from one to four. So when you take this elevator, when you take it to the fourth floor, you walk the last floor by the stairs. So I'll quickly move the stairs. 

Okay, so we are at the fifth floor right now. So as I mentioned, there's two ways. So you can walk up the stairs, stairs or take the elevator. I do recommend bringing some sunglasses with you as it can be quite bright to protect the eyes and sunscreen. As you exit, you get to this platform, you can see we're at 10,000ft or 3,020 meters above sea level. And we have a beautiful view. And on the opposite side, on a beautiful day like this, you can actually see all the way to Jungfrau area, which is right over there. Those three peaks right there, that's the Jungfrau area. And this is the view from this side. We also have a small little snack area. You can get some cup noodles, some refreshments, and then sit here on the terrace part.

You see the tower over there? That's a good vantage point. If you're not sure where to go, you just follow the tower. So right here, you can follow the path here. See, we've reached the snow area. We actually, in summertime we cover certain surfaces to protect the snow or the glacier actually, to be specific, since in summertime the sun can be quite strong. So this how we help the glacier. So follow the path right here. And this is where we have the snow. So from the building right there to the Cliff Walk, I would say it's about 8 to 10 minutes. Since we are at 3,000 meters above sea level, the air gets a bit more dry. So remember to bring water or something to drink with you and just enjoy the view. Slow and steady.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Thank you so much, Olivia, for taking us on this beautiful tour of Mount Titlis and showing us everything, everything that there is to see and do there. It's been a really wonderful experience and I'm sure that anyone who perhaps wasn't thinking of visiting Mount Titlis that now they definitely will be.

Olivia Hecht

Yes, for sure. Thank you so much again for joining me on this trip up to Mount Titlis and I hope to see many of you guys up here. Maybe if you bump into us, just let us know you're coming from the podcast. That would be great to hear as well. And yeah, you can come and enjoy the view on Mount Titlis.

Carolyn Schönafinger

Absolutely. Thanks again Olivia. Mount Titlis is one of those mountains that really offers something for everyone. Incredible views year round, snow and the chance to touch a glacier are just the start. Then there's walking across Europe's higher suspension bridge, picnicking by Lake Trübsee, enjoying the many activities that are on offer, and not to mention riding on Switzerland's only rotating cable car. You can reach Engelberg from Lucerne in just 45 minutes by direct train. So a visit to Mount Titlis makes a fantastic day trip. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, the train journey is free of charge.

And of course as Olivia mentioned, you'll be entitled to a 50% discount of your cable car tickets too. The Swiss Travel Pass is available from my online shop, so get yours before you head to Switzerland to save time and money for links to the Mount Titlis website and other helpful resources including a link to the holidays to Switzerland YouTube channel where you can watch the video version of this episode and all our live on location videos and a link to my online shop. Visit the show notes at holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode140 

Thank you so much for joining me today. I really hope you've enjoyed your virtual visit to Mount Titlis and you're now planning to include this excursion in your Swiss itinerary until next week.Tschüss..