This trail loops around the Engstligenalp high alpine valley, starting on a super easy flat path. Then it heads into the hills for a fun ramble among the wildflowers and cows. This trail also has some activities to keep children motivated, with clues hidden in milk canisters scattered along the way.
Engstligenalp is a such a special landscape, definitely our favorite hike in this region.
| Region: | Adelboden, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland |
| Address: | Engstligenalp cable car |
| Car: | Parking at cable car: Unter dem Birg, 3715 Adelboden (46°27’34.0″N 7°33’56.6″E) Interlaken 1hr • Bern 1hr10 • Zürich 2hr30 |
| Transit: | Bus stop: Adelboden, Unter dem Birg Interlaken 2hr10 • Bern 2hr • Zürich 3hr |
| Trail: | 5.5 km loop, about 1.5 hours |
| Elevation: | highest point 2757m |
| Technical skill: | easy, partial wide gravel path, partial narrow footpath (no strollers) |
| Stamina: | mild, 90m up/down |
| Services: | restaurants near start of trail, picnic areas along trail |
| Cost 2023: | cable car round trip CHF 37/adult discounts for families, SBB GA, Half-fare, Swisspass, Junior card, etc. |
| Open: | July to mid-October, weather dependent |
| More info: | engstligenalp.ch • webcams • trail status • weather |
Location
Engstligenalp is part of the Adelboden mountain resort area, located southwest of Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland (see on Google Maps). This area is easily accessible by car or train. This trail is reached with the Engstligenalp cable car.
Summer map for Engstligenalp
This summer map shows the three Globi trails for children. Our trail is the green line, visiting the milk canister stations in the hills. Our trail shares the path with the Alpweg (orange), which visits the alpine dairies, and the Kristalweg, which has several crystal themed stations along the way.
Children receive an activity booklet at the cable car station. If they solve the clues, they can get a Globi sticker for their book at the Globi Stübli hut.
Trail map
Here is the trail map for the Globi Bergweg, aka mountain trail. It’s a 5.5 km loop. The trail starts on a wide gravel path, suitable for strollers, passing the Globi Kristalweg stations. After about 1 km (10 mins), the trail forks into the hills on a narrow dirt footpath, visiting the Globi Bergweg activity stations. After about 2km, the path joins the flat path again. It took us about 2hrs to do the trail, stopping briefly at each station.
See trail map on SchweizMobil • Komoot • AllTrails • OutdoorActive
Stroller option
If you are walking with very small children and strollers, do the valley loop walk instead (yellow on the map above). It’s a wide flat gravel path, easy walking and suitable for strollers. See details for this valley walk. This path visits most of the Kristallweg stations, just a few are off the main path where you cannot take a stroller.
Getting there
By car
Drive to the Engstligenalp cable car – Unter dem Birg, 3715 Adelboden (46°27’34.0″N 7°33’56.6″E). There is metered parking adjacent to the cable car.
By public transport
Take a train to Frutigen, then a bus to Adelboden, Oey, then another bus to Adelboden, Unter dem Birg , which drops directly at the cable car station. See SBB.ch for current train and bus schedule.
Ticket prices
In 2022, the Engstligenalp cable car return ticket costs CHF 32/adult, CHF 24/teen, CHF 12/child. Children with SBB Junior or under 6 ride free.
They offer a family ticket for CHF 56 for 2 adults and up to 4 children aged 6-15. Discount with GA, SBB Half-fare, Swiss Card, Regiopass, FVP and Swisspass. 25% discount for those with Adelboden region guest card. See current prices.
Opening hours
Engstligenalp is open for summer season from mid June through mid October. The cable car runs daily starting at 8:45. Last ride down at 17:00. The cable car ride takes 7 minutes.
The small Globi cable car runs parallel to the main cable car and is a special ride for children. In generally runs daily 9:30-12:30 and 14:30-16:30. See current opening hours.
Where to eat
Near the top of the cable car, there are a few mountain restaurants including Berghotel Engstligenalp, Berghaus Bärtichi, and Raclette Hütte. I didn’t see any official picnic areas with fire pits along the trail. But there are plenty of nice places to stop for a cold picnic.
What to wear
Check the forecast and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. If there is a chance of rain or clouds, bring a light rain jacket in case the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Bring a sun hat and wear sunscreen. Some of this trail is a narrow dirt footpath with uneven terrain. It’s not super difficult, but you may feel more comfortable with hiking shoes with good tread.
What to bring
There are restaurants at the beginning of the trail. But I would still bring 1 liter of water per person and snacks. If you need picnic supplies, you can stop at the Volg (Bodenstrasse 38, 3715 Adelboden) on the road leading to the cable car.
Photo story of the trail
The cable car just leaving the valley station and the restaurant seating with a view of the waterfall.
Looking back down at the cable car parking.
First view of the Engstligenalp high alpine valley.
Looking back at the cable car station.
The wide gravel path across the valley floor.
A river that cuts through the valley.
Passing one of the cheese huts along the way. You can buy cheese here.
The trail leaves the flat path and heads into the hills on a narrow dirt footpath.
One of the Globi milk canisters to visit on the trail.
Inside, you’ll find a question and drawing. You can write the correct letter in your Globi book to solve the secret word.
Rambling through this lumpy landscape.
One of the activity stations where you use binoculars to spy a mountain goat picture on the cliff wall. Sorry, but we never found it.
Lots of cows out here. Watch out for babies!
Another clue is inside this hut.
Globi welcomes you inside the hut.
Looping back to the flat part of the valley.
We took a little detour so we could wander through these flower filled fields.
One of the prettiest hikes we did all summer!
Joining the flat path again and crossing the river.
If you turn left, you can follow the Kristallweg theme trail back to your starting point.
We turned right to e continued the loop around the whole valley, just to see something different on the way back.
