A Place of Inspiration

Engelberg, 23 September 2026 – This autumn becomes the stage for new encounters: literature, art and culinary delights define the coming weeks, continuing what the Belle Époque grand hotel has embodied as a place of inspiration since its opening five years ago. In this anniversary year, the art of writing took centre stage during the ‘Poetry Summer’, in collaboration with Diogenes Verlag, where bestselling authors Elena Fischer, Melissa Müller and Katja Früh shared insights into their latest
novels.

 

Blanca Imboden’s Novel: First Reading at Kempinski Palace Engelberg
In Blanca Imboden’s new novel, Blumen schenke ich mir selbst (I Give Myself Flowers), the story leads protagonist Romy Reichlin to Engelberg, where she conducts a creative writing course. The connection between the novel and the hotel is more than mere fiction: parts of the book were actually written during Blanca Imboden’s stay at Kempinski Palace Engelberg last year. On 25 September 2026, the Swiss author returns to the place of its creation to read from her new work for the first time.

 

Art Exhibition ‘Whispers of Mother Earth’ by Alejandra Abad
From 7 November to 4 December 2026, Swiss-Ecuadorian artist Alejandra Abad presents her solo exhibition ‘Whispers of Mother Earth’. Her works are characterised by intense colours, movement and emotional depth, inspired by music, dance and nature.

Abad draws on her heritage and diverse artistic environment, combining visual power with intense sensuality that captivates the viewer. Internationally, she has already exhibited in New York, Barcelona and Saudi Arabia, and performed a live painting at the Bellagio Las Vegas in 2026 for Switzerland Tourism. A portion of the proceeds will go to the ‘El Fogón’ project, an educational programme run by the non-profit organisation Cuisine Sans Frontières. 
Further information about the artist Alejandra Abad can be found here.

 

Inspiration for Gourmets: The Cattani Collection in Autumn
During the golden season, the signature culinary series ‘Cattani Collection’ presents two distinctive chapters. Until 29 October, Executive Chef Stefanos Ioannidis, together with guest chef Fotios Kefalakis, takes guests on a journey to Greece under the motto ‘Hommage: Four Hands – One Homeland’. Pan-roasted sea bass, tender lamb and creamy Manouri cheese are paired with exquisite wines from Santorini to Naoussa.
From 30 October 2026, the next Cattani Collection, ‘Hommage: Forest & Meadow’, begins: the finest produce from local forests meets unique and rare wines by Jean-Pierre Pellegrin from the family winery Domaine Grand’Cour in Peissy-Satigny.
Further information on the ‘Cattani Collection’ can be found here.

 

2026 Highlights at Kempinski Palace Engelberg at a Glance:

● First Reading ‘Blumen schenke ich mir selbst’ with Blanca Imboden
Friday, 25 September 2026, 19:00, The Hall
Limited to 40 seats. Free admission upon prior registration by email with the subject line ‘Reading’ to [email protected].

● ‘Zwischentöne – Signs, Games, Messages’, Engelberg
Kammermusikfestival Engelberg
Friday, 16 October – Sunday, 18 October 2026, Kursaal Engelberg
In October, the Zwischentöne Kammermusikfestival returns to Engelberg. The Kursaal transforms into a concert hall of rare intimacy, where the audience experiences music up close. Festival guests receive a 20% discount on hotel accommodation.Further information about the ‘Zwischentöne Chamber Music Festival’ can be found here.

● Cattani Collection ‘Hommage: Four Hands – One Homeland’
Until Thursday, 29 October 2026, Cattani Restaurant
Five-course menu – CHF 125 | Six-course menu – CHF 145 (Wine pairing available separately)

● Cattani Collection ‘Hommage: Forest & Meadow’
Friday, 30 October 2026 – Thursday, 17 December 2026, Cattani
Restaurant
Exclusive launch event on 30 October 2026, including Apéro Riche followed by a six-course Wine & Dine for CHF 215.
From 31 October 2026: Five-course menu – CHF 125 | Six-course menu – CHF 145
(Wine pairing available separately)

● ‘Whispers of Mother Earth’, Solo Art Exhibition, Alejandra Abad
Saturday, 7 November – Friday, 4 December 2026
Art exhibition featuring works by Swiss-Ecuadorian artist Alejandra Abad. Her works tell stories bridging Ecuador and Switzerland.

 

*END*

 

About Kempinski Palace Engelberg: Situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, close to Lucerne, Kempinski Palace Engelberg (www.kempinsktr.sbs/engelberg) reopened in June 2021 following more than five years of construction. The historic Belle Époque landmark has been reinterpreted for a new generation, combining heritage, nature and contemporary luxury. As the first and only international five-star superior hotel in Central Switzerland’s largest winter and summer destination, Kempinski Palace Engelberg is a year-round alpine retreat. More than a century ago, the historic building gained recognition beyond Switzerland when successful Engelberg hotelier Eduard Cattani (1841–1908) commissioned his brother, Architect Arnold Cattani (1846–1921), to design the original structure. Opened in 1904 as the Grandhotel Winterhaus, it laid the foundation for today’s property. Following extensive renovation and the integration of a new five-story extension, the hotel now forms a unified architectural ensemble. Its 129 rooms and suites feature state-of-the-art amenities and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Culinary experiences include Cattani Restaurant, The Palace Bar with the Habanos Cigar Lounge, the Wintergarden, and in winter the Chalet Ruinart. The property also features an 880 sq m rooftop spa with an infinity pool and panoramic views, a Kids Club and a modern event area with nine rooms plus the historic Kursaal for up to 1,000 guests. The hotel is accessible year-round by car, train or within approximately 75 minutes from Zurich Airport. In 2025, Kempinski Palace Engelberg was awarded One MICHELIN Key – ‘A Special Stay’ – by the MICHELIN Guide.

About Kempinski Hotels: Established in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 82 hotels and residences in 35 countries and has more than 28 prestigious projects currently under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

kempinsktr.sbs/engelberg · kempinsktr.sbs · www.ghadiscovery.com 

* The Kursaal is managed by Kursaal AG Engelberg (www.kursaalengelberg.ch). This company is not part of Kempinski Palace Engelberg – Titlis Swiss Alps. 

Media Contact: 

Kempinski Palace Engelberg
Alexandra Ellerkamp
Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications
Dorfstrasse 40 · 6390 Engelberg · Switzerland
T +41 41 556 40 57 · [email protected]