25.06.2025

A local favourite we probably shouldn’t tell you about… but here we are.

Fürenalp is one of those places that just hits different. Perched high above Engelberg, it offers a panoramic view of the Spannort massif, the south face of Titlis and the Grassen Glacier. It also happens to be home to one of our absolute favourite mountain bike trails, a proper gem among the local bike nerds. And yep, we’re being nice enough to share our secret with you.

This trail makes smart use of the Fürenalp cable car, which takes you up to a stunning balcony traverse deep into Engelberg’s long valley. It’s one of those rides where you leave behind the green, rolling pastures and head straight into the dramatic alpine backdrop that defines Engelberg.

Hard Facts

Plan for 3 hours… or make a full day of it
Cable car ticket: 21 CHF for adults + 5 CHF for your bike
Trail dog? It’s another 7 CHF – worth every franc
Give hikers priority and a friendly Grüezi!
Call the Fürenalp lift station in advance to check bike transport times
Bring cash for lunch at Stäfeli (thank us later)
Expect a mix of flowy trails and techy sections

Before You Go, A Bit of Planning Helps

Cycling up in Fürenalp takes a bit of coordination. Bikes are only allowed on the first and last rides of the day – especially during high season (typically 08:00 & 17:00). Best move? Give the cable car team a call in advance. If you’re lucky and charming, they might let you sneak in outside of the regular slots.

All trails up here are shared with hikers, which means: low speed, a big smile and a cheerful “Grüezi mitenand” will take you far. Mountain manners matter.

Fürenalp cable cart, your best mountainbike transportation, let the adventures begin! — Our favorite village from above!

View from Fürenalp cabel cart, beautiful Engelberg from above! — Our favorite village from above!

The Warm-Up

Starting from Ski Lodge Engelberg, it’s a chill 5km pedal along the road to the valley station of the Fürenalp Cable Cart. Once there, load your bike onto the charming little cable car – only two bikes per ride, so be patient. As you ascend the iconic rock wall of Fürenalp, the view back down to Engelberg will definitely get your stomach tingling.

At the top, feel free to pause for an ice cream and fill your water bottle. The terrace & restaurant up there? Pretty hard to beat for a quick recharge before the ride.

Fürenalp mountain bikers greeting the local cows in front of Spannort, in Engelberg — Don’t forget to say hi to the locals!

Cows in front of spannort, meet them on your best monutainbike adventure! — Don’t forget to say hi to the locals!

The Trail Begins

And here’s where the fun kicks off. The first stretch is a panoramic balcony trail that hugs the contour lines deep into the valley. It’s flowy gravel single trail at first, then comes a series of switchbacks, always with the mighty Spannort keeping watch on your right-hand side.

Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to the locals, yes we mean the cows, of course. You’ll roll past a handful of summer alpine farms, some of which still make cheese. Somewhere along the way, you’ll hit one of the valley’s many waterfalls, it’s carved out a seriously impressive gorge. Definitely a selfie spot.

Then it gets a bit spicy, a technical section with multiple line choices. Keep your eyes up and your brain switched on. Pick the right line and it becomes one of those super satisfying segments that feels smooth, technical, and just challenging enough to leave you a little impressed with yourself.

View from Stäfelialp, Spannort and beautiful waterfall! — Max, Martina & Matilda at the waterfall!

Biker friends enjoying the beautiful waterfalls in Fürenalp, in Engelberg! — Max, Martina & Matilda at the waterfall!

Lunch Time, Stäfeli Style

Eventually you’ll reach the valley floor and hear the river rushing by, that means you’re close to Berghaus Stäfeli Alp. Open from May to October Tuesday to Sunday, it’s the perfect lunch stop. Grab a drink or dive into something heartier, we’re big fans of Grossmutter’s Käseschnitte (think melted cheese toastie with a fried egg on top) or the Schweinsbratwurst mit Rösti & Zwiebelsauce. Classic. Just don’t forget: bring cash.

Lunch at Stäfeli Alp, Rösti and Käseschnitte on the menu, yummy! — We can’t think of a better lunch view!

The Home Run

After lunch, it’s time to ride out the other side of the valley. A short uphill push helps you gain just enough height for the final descent. From there, it’s a sweet gravel track that turns into a smooth singletrail, eventually crossing the river and winding its way back to the Fürenalp valley station.

Ready for a Fürenalp adventure? Let’s do it! Stay with us and get tips on this trail, or any other adventure you might want to explore in Engelberg!

See you on the trails!

// Your Friends at Ski Lodge Engelberg