Conviviality: In Andermatt, don’t miss Spycher, the local’s bar, whose red walls are adorned with old skis and cow brindles. Its dark wooden tables bear flowers in ancient wine bottles and, more importantly, big steins of Feldschlösschen beer. In Engelberg, everyone winds up at Yucatan, which shakes a margarita on par with any bar in Europe.
Dance: Andermatt is too small to feature a full-on disco, but Engelberg is not. If skies are clear and there’s no reason to wake early the next morning, head to Spindle Disco Bar which is open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights till 4 a.m. Spindle’s DJs do the Euro um-ticka, um-ticka, um-ticka thing as well as any big city counterparts.
Pillows: In Andermatt, you can stay cheaply (from 70 Swiss Francs a night) at Hotel Altkirch. Its breakfast is fine and so is its bar, though its location on the northeast side of the train tracks is far from ideal. In Engelberg, the Hotel Spannort is a blonde-wood marvel, boasting delicious breakfasts and a great location in the heart of town. Its rooms, starting at 115 CHF, are somewhat pricey, but feature sweet balconies, free Internet, and access to a modern sauna and ski room.
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