This large adventure playground near Engelberg is a real treat for families. The main attraction is the large pond with wooden rafts that the kids can push around, Huck Finn style. I was surprised how entertaining this simple activity was for a group of energetic boys.
There is also traditional playground equipment, like slides and climbing structures. There is also a big picnic area with grills and tables. This is a nice add-on after visiting one of the mountain peaks in the Engelberg area, like the Brunni Tickle Trail or Titlis. The whole place has a bit of magic, a good place for your kids to use their imagination.
| Location: | Central Switzerland, Engelberg |
| Address: | Horbisstrasse 50, 6390 Engelberg GPS: 46°49’27.6″N 8°25’27.6″E |
| Car: | 1hr15 from Zurich |
| Train: | 2hr20 from Zurich, 2 trains + 1 bus + 900m walk Bus stop: Engelberg, Brunnibahn Adult return with Half-fare: CHF 38 |
| Price: | suggested donation CHF 10/family |
| Open: | about mid June to mid October |
| More info: | www.engelberg.ch |
Overview of playground
The Robinson-Spielplatz Grotzenwäldli playground is on a little pond fed by a small river, as show on the pic below. There are rafts on the water, a playground, and a picnic area. The park is enclosed by fence so kids can’t easily escape. Dogs are not allowed. There is a WC nearby.
It’s a private playground and signs request you to leave a 10CHF/family donation in a dropbox near the entrance, particularly if you are using the grilling facilities. I last visited a few years ago, this fee may have changed since our last visit. The playground does not have a website and I could only find limited information on the web.
Rafting on the pond
Rafts are free to use, you just have to hover until you can grab one from other kids. You use sticks to push off the bottom of the pond and move around. While the over six crowd used the rafts on their own, I accompanied the younger kids on the raft and obeyed their every command, pushing them back and forth across the pond. There plenty of spots to dock your raft and explore but you might lose your raft to other kids.
The pond itself is not very deep, but it would be wise to put water wings on very small children just to be safe. I didn’t see anyone fall it, but I’m sure it happens, so bring extra clothes. There is shallow part of the pond, where the cold river flows into it, where kids can splash and swim on a super hot day.
Playground
There is a big grassy field along the pond for lounging. There is a small island in middle of the pond with a rope bridge to reach it.
In addition to the rafts, there is more traditional play equipment.
Picnic and Grill
There are tables and grills along the pond, making it easy to set up a picnic. There is usually wood available.
Getting There
This playground is a few minutes drive past the main town of Engelberg.
By car: Drive through Engelberg to the Brunnibahn. Continue drive on this road, Wydenstrasse, up the valley, veering left on Horbisstrasse. Keep driving on Horbisstrasse until you see the playground on your left. You can park along on the street.
By train: Unfortunately, the closest bus stop is 900m away at the Brunnibahn. So take a train to Engelberg, a bus to Brunnibahn, then walk up that same road to reach the playground.
Hope you have a great time there!
